How to Fix Windows 7 Screen Flickering

If your computer screen flickers frequently, it’s really annoying. But don’t worry, you can try the fixes below to solve the problem. They have worked for many Windows users.

Try these fixes

You don’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

Update your drivers
Check for hardware issues
If you use Adobe Flash and Java, uninstall them
Update your BIOS

Fix 1: Update your drivers

The screen of your Windows computer may flicker or blink frequently if your device drivers are faulty or outdated. You can update your device drivers, especially your graphics and chipset drivers, and see if this fixes your problem.

There are two ways to update your graphics and chipset drivers: manually and automatically.

Update your drivers manually — You can update your driver manually by going to the hardware manufacturer’s website and searching for the latest driver. But if you take this approach, be sure to choose the driver that’s compatible with the exact model number of your hardware, and your version of Windows.

Update your drivers automatically — If you don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to update your drivers manually, you can, instead, do it automatically with Driver Easy. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing. Driver Easy handles it all.

Download and install Driver Easy.
Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
Click Update next to any flagged devices to automatically download the correct version of their drivers, then you can install them manually. Or click Update All to automatically download and install them all automatically. (This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. You get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee.)
Restart your Windows 7 computer and check if your screen now works properly. If it doesn’t, contact Driver Easy’s support team at support@drivereasy.com for further assistance. They’d be happy to help you. Or you can move on to Fix 2, below.

Fix 2: Check for hardware issues

It’s also possible that your screen flickering problem results from interference from outside or defective cable connection.

To troubleshoot these hardware issues:

Make sure that there is no magnet around your computer — magnetic field can make your screen blink.
You should also check if the cables are connected properly to your screen or monitor. You can gently swing your screen and see if it flickers. If it does, you need to reconnect those cables.

Fix 3: If you use Adobe Flash and Java, uninstall them

Applications like Adobe Flash and Java are also known to cause the computer screen to flicker. If you have these apps on your Windows 7 computer, uninstalling them may help fix your problem.

Click the Start button > Control Panel.
In the view of Category, under Programs, click Uninstall a program.
Select the app you want to uninstall.
Restart your Windows 7 computer and check if your screen flickering problem is resolved. If not, try Fix 4, below.

Fix 4: Update your BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on your computer manages the communication between your hardware and your operating system. It may cause your screen to flicker or blink if it’s outdated. You can try updating your BIOS to troubleshoot your screen flickering problem.

IMPORTANT: Be extra careful about updating your BIOS, and always back up your data before doing it. If you make a mistake or if an error occurs, your computer may become unusable and you may lose your data.

Go to System Information to get detailed information about your computer:
1. Type msinfo32 in the Windows search box and press Enter on your keyboard.
2. At System Information, you can view the information of your System Manufacturer and System Model.
Type your system’s manufacturer name, your system’s model name and BIOS in the Google search box, then select the matching result to go to the manufacturer’s official website to download BIOS update.
Look for words or sections like Updates, Downloads, or Support.
Verify the update file is newer than the BIOS version that you see in System Information. Otherwise, there would be no need to download the update file.
When the download is finished, make sure your computer is plugged in, then double-click on the downloaded file.
Note: If there’re any instructions available in the downloaded file, make sure you follow the instructions strictly to update your BIOS. Or you can visit your BIOS manufacturer’s support site for a direct explanation of how to do so.
Transfer the BIOS update file to a USB drive and keep the drive connected to your computer.
Click the Start button > power icon > Restart.
As soon as your computer shuts down, press repeatedly a specific key to enter BIOS. The key may vary, depending on your computer’s manufacturer.
If you’re using DELL, press F2 on your keyboard to access BIOS;
If you’re using HP, press F10 or F1;
If you’re using Lenovo, press F1;
If you’re using Toshiba, press F2 or F12;
Otherwise you can try pressing Del or F2, or you can confirm with your PC manufacturer the steps necessary to enter BIOS.
Just to be on the safe side, backup your BIOS: click the Backup or Save option or tab on the BIOS main screen, then follow the on-screen instructions.
According to the information you obtain in Step 5), enable and use your BIOS update tool to begin updating your BIOS.
IMPORTANT: the BIOS update process can’t be interrupted. Make sure your computer is connected to a power source, and don’t turn your PC off during the process.