Alex Ruben
How to Fix Acer Laptop Screen Flickering Issues
If your Acer laptop screen is flickering, it can be quite disruptive to your workflow. Common causes for this issue include outdated graphics drivers, improper refresh rate settings, or hardware problems like a loose cable or malfunctioning display. This guide will walk you through a series of steps to diagnose and resolve the flickering effectively. You’ll learn how to edit startup services, update your operating system and drivers, change your display refresh rate, troubleshoot your screen, and manage drivers properly.
Step 1: Edit Startup Services
Editing startup services can help prevent unnecessary applications from launching and contributing to system instability. To do this, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig and hit Enter. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager. Disable any unnecessary startup applications by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.
Step 2: Update Windows
Keeping your operating system updated is crucial for maintaining performance and compatibility. To check for updates, go to Settings by pressing Windows + I. Select Update & Security, then click on Windows Update. Press the Check for updates button and install any available updates. Restart your laptop if prompted.
Step 3: Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers can lead to screen flickering. To update your graphics driver, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your graphics device, and select Update driver. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. If an update is found, follow the prompts to install it, then restart your laptop.
Step 4: Change Your Refresh Rate
An improper refresh rate can cause display flickering. Adjusting this setting is straightforward. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings. Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings. Here, you can select the desired refresh rate from the Refresh rate dropdown menu. Save your changes, and check if the flickering issue persists.
Step 5: Troubleshoot Your Display
If the screen continues to flicker, you may need to troubleshoot your display settings further. Open Settings once again and navigate to Update & Security, then select Troubleshoot. Click on Additional troubleshooters and then select Hardware and Devices. Run the troubleshooter and follow any recommended actions to resolve issues that could be causing flickering.
Step 6: Check the Desktop Windows Session Manager Service
The Desktop Windows Session Manager Service is crucial for managing user sessions and can impact display performance. To ensure it’s running properly, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. In the Services window, locate Desktop Windows Manager Session Manager, right-click, and select Restart if it is running. Ensure it is set to Automatic startup type.
Step 7: Uninstall the Current Driver
As a last resort, uninstalling and then reinstalling the graphics driver can resolve flickering. To do this, navigate back to Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click on your graphics device, and select Uninstall device. Confirm the action, and then restart your laptop. Upon restart, Windows should automatically reinstall the graphics driver.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to check for hardware issues as well. Loose cables or a failing display panel can result in flickering. If software solutions do not resolve the issue, consider consulting a professional technician. Also, manage background applications to ensure they are not causing conflicts with display settings.
Conclusion
Screen flickering on your Acer laptop can be frustrating, but following these steps can help you resolve the problem effectively. Regular maintenance, including driver updates and system checks, can prevent future issues. If the flickering persists despite all these efforts, it may be time to consult a professional for a hardware inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes my laptop screen to flicker?
Flickering can be caused by outdated drivers, misconfigured refresh rates, or hardware malfunctions. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for resolution.
How can I prevent screen flickering in the future?
Keeping your operating system and drivers updated, avoiding high temperatures, and managing your startup programs can help prevent flickering.
Should I consider professional help for screen flickering?
If the issue persists after trying all software solutions, seeking professional help is advisable to avoid further damage to your laptop.
