Just when you’re getting into the flow of work, does your monitor start doing a little “disco dance” with flickering, flashing, and completely breaking your concentration?
Flickering screens can seem like a minor annoyance at first, but it’s the sort of problem that only gets worse – and more distracting – the longer you ignore it. And it’s not just about productivity; a flickering screen can lead to sore eyes, headaches, and added stress, especially if it’s happening day in and day out.
If you’re scratching your head wondering what’s causing it or if it’s fixable, don’t worry. Most flickering issues come down to a handful of common causes, and many are surprisingly easy to fix. We’ll walk you through each of these possible culprits so you can get back to work – without needing a tech degree or a call to a repair shop.
By the end, you’ll know what to check, how to fix it, and when it might be worth calling in an expert. Let’s dive in and get that monitor back to behaving itself!
1. Check the Cables
Loose or damaged cables are a big culprit. Over time, they can get wobbly, or the metal bits inside can wear down. Give your cables a gentle check to ensure they’re securely plugged in and look for any obvious signs of wear.
If they seem fine, try giving them a gentle wiggle while the monitor is on. If the flickering worsens, it’s likely time to invest in a new cable.
2. Refresh Rate May Be Off
Your monitor refresh rate (measured in Hertz or Hz) is how many times per second it redraws the screen. For most monitors, it’s best set to at least 60Hz to avoid flickering.
You can check and adjust your refresh rate through your computer’s display settings. If you’re not sure how to do it, just open your display settings and follow the steps for adjusting the refresh rate.
3. Software Glitches
Sometimes, flickering can happen if your operating system is out of date, or if there’s a recent software bug. Double-check that your computer’s software is up to date. Many bugs are solved with a simple update.
If you’ve recently installed any new programs or updates and noticed flickering right after, consider uninstalling or rolling back that update.
4. Graphics Card Issues
The graphics card is responsible for showing what you see on the screen. If it’s overheating or has a driver issue, it can cause screen flickering. Make sure the drivers (the software that helps your computer “talk” to the graphics card) are updated.
If you’re still having problems, it might be worth talking to an IT expert for further troubleshooting.
5. Electrical Interference
Believe it or not, things like other electronics, poor grounding, or even a nearby fluorescent light can cause flickering. If possible, move your monitor and check if the flickering stops. It could be as simple as moving away from other electric devices.
6. It Could Be the Monitor Itself
Sometimes, it’s the monitor giving up. If it’s older or has had a few knocks, it might just be nearing the end of its life. If you’ve tried all the steps above and still see flickering, it could be time for a new monitor.
While a flickering screen can be frustrating, it’s usually fixable. Start with the basics and work your way through. If you’re feeling unsure or none of these tips seem to help, get in touch with a professional – sometimes, a trained eye can spot issues we might miss.
If you’re struggling with IT troubles like these and don’t have time for the guessing game, why not book a 15-minute chat with Nick?