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How to Resolve Screen Flicker in Windows 7 - Micro Center
<main> <article class="userContent"> <p>This is a Windows 7 troubleshooting guide to resolving screen flicker issues in Windows 7. Screen flicker is usually caused by improper resolution, refresh rate, or issues with cabling between the computer and the monitor. This guide walks through checking these issues.</p><p><strong>NOTE: </strong>While Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft or Micro Center as the operating system has reached its <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-7-support-ended-on-january-14-2020-b75d4580-2cc7-895a-2c9c-1466d9a53962" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><strong>end of life</strong></a>, this guide is available for those still looking for assistance with Windows 7. Further troubleshooting outside of this guide for Windows 7 is not available from Micro Center.</p><p><br></p><p>1.<strong> Right-click</strong> on an empty area of the Desktop and choose <strong>Screen Resolution</strong>.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4305_TEC5004451B-001.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4305_TEC5004451B-001.gif" alt="Windows Desktop Properties, Screen Resolution" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>2. Click on the monitor that is having issues. If necessary, click on <strong>Identify</strong> to see which monitor is which, by matching the number that is displayed on the screen after clicking Identify with the number showed on the window.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4306_TEC5004451B-002.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4306_TEC5004451B-002.gif" alt="Windows Screen Resolution" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>3. Click in the <strong>Resolution</strong> box and ensure the slider is at the <strong>Recommended Resolution.</strong></p><p><strong>Note:</strong> Changing the resolution will change the way things appear on the screen. For most people on most displays, the recommended option will provide the best picture clarify and reduce the chance for picture-related issues on the monitor.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4307_TEC5004451B-003.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4307_TEC5004451B-003.gif" alt="Windows Display Appearance Settings" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>4. <strong>Right-click</strong> on the monitor that is flickering and choose <strong>Properties</strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4308_TEC5004451B-004.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4308_TEC5004451B-004.gif" alt="Windows Display Properties" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>5. Select the <strong>Monitor</strong> tab on the top of the new window.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4309_TEC5004451B-005.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4309_TEC5004451B-005.gif" alt="Windows Monitor Properties" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>6. Change the <strong>Refresh Rate</strong> to anything other than what it was set to before. For example, if it is set to 60, change it to 59, or 75.</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> If you cannot change the refresh rate, proceed to the next step.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4310_TEC5004451B-006.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://www.microcenter.com/Content/Content%20Graphic/Images/4310_TEC5004451B-006.gif" alt="Windows Refresh Rates" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy"></img></a> </div> </div> <p></p><p><br></p><p>7. Click <strong>Apply</strong> and check to see if the issue is resolved. If it is not, move on to the next step.</p><p>8. Check the <strong>Video Cables</strong> that run from your computer to your monitor. In many cases, if using a <strong>VGA</strong> connection (typically blue on both ends), the cords can cause screen flicker and/or picture degradation. Ensure the cables are plugged in securely on both ends.</p><p>If possible, use a <strong>DVI</strong> cable (typically <strong>white</strong> at both ends), an <strong>HDMI</strong> cable (looks similar to a USB connection), or DisplayPort (looks similar to HDMI) cable as these are digital cables and will provide better picture quality.</p><p>If the problem persists, try replacing your monitor cable.</p><p>Finally, if, after trying another monitor cable, the problem still exists, the issue is with either the computer or the monitor. If possible, try the monitor on another computer, or another monitor on the same computer to see if the problem persists.</p> </article> </main>
