How to fix a laptop screen that is flickering or has distorted lines

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix a laptop screen that is flickering or has distorted lines. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Screen flickering or the appearance of distorted lines can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from outdated software drivers to physical hardware failure. This guide will help you identify whether the problem is software-related or a physical fault with your laptop's display panel.

Quick Fix Steps

Before diving into deeper technical settings, try these simple checks to rule out common environmental or temporary glitches:

• Restart your laptop: A simple reboot can clear temporary memory errors that may cause visual glitches.
• Check for magnetic interference: Ensure there are no large speakers, magnets, or unshielded electronic devices sitting directly next to your laptop.
• Adjust the screen angle: Slowly open and close the lid. If the flickering changes or disappears at certain angles, this indicates a physical fault with the EDP cable (the ribbon cable connecting the screen to the motherboard).
• Test with an external monitor: Connect your laptop to a monitor or TV via HDMI. If the external screen looks perfect but the laptop screen flickers, the issue is likely hardware-related. If both screens flicker, the issue is likely a driver or GPU problem.

Detailed Instructions for Windows Users

Update Display Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are the most common cause of screen distortion in Windows.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce, or AMD Radeon) and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Restart your computer once the update is complete.

Adjust the Screen Refresh Rate

An incompatible refresh rate can cause a "stuttering" or flickering effect.

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Scroll down and select Advanced display.
3. Under Choose a refresh rate, try selecting a different frequency (e.g., changing from 60Hz to 48Hz or vice versa) to see if the flickering stops.

Detailed Instructions for macOS Users

Reset NVRAM/PRAM (Intel-based Macs)

For older MacBooks, resetting the non-volatile random-access memory can resolve display glitches.

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press the power button, and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R.
3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.

Note: Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs perform a similar check automatically during every restart.

Check for macOS Updates

1. Click the Apple Menu > System Settings.
2. Navigate to General > Software Update.
3. Install any pending updates, as Apple frequently bundles display driver patches into system updates.

Troubleshooting Hardware vs. Software

The BIOS/UEFI Test

To determine if the issue is caused by Windows or macOS, check the screen before the operating system loads.

1. Restart your laptop.
2. Immediately and repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc depending on your brand).
3. If the screen still flickers while you are in the BIOS menu, the fault is hardware-based (screen or cable).
4. If the screen is perfectly clear in the BIOS, the fault is software-based (drivers or OS settings).

Next Steps

If you have followed these steps and the flickering persists, or if the BIOS test confirmed a hardware fault, your laptop may require a screen replacement or a cable repair. Since these are internal components, we recommend professional servicing.

If you have other peripheral issues, you may find these guides helpful:

• Keyboard or mouse not responding
• Sound not working
• Printer not printing / offline
• How to connect Bluetooth devices

To arrange a hardware inspection or request further technical assistance, please Open a Ticket.

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