Stop the Monitor Blinking On and Off With our Expert Guide 2023

If you are experiencing a monitor blinking on and off problem and looking for a way how to fix this, then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will talk about how to troubleshoot monitor flickering/blinking and what are the possible causes of this problem.

Monitor blinking is a common problem that refers to fast on-and-off flashing on the monitor. Generally speaking, it is the appearance of a flicker on the monitor. Monitor flickering/blinking is typically caused by several factors including hardware & software issues, outdated graphics cards, incorrect display settings, etc.

If you spend more than 8 hours in front of a screen, it can be distracting and can cause eye strain and headaches. Therefore it is very important to solve it. That’s why we put this guide, not only will it show you how to fix the monitor blinking on and off but it will also give you some helpful tips that will make your work easier.

So let’s start.

What are the Causes of Monitor blinking?

As you know, monitoring is a very important part of our workflow, especially if you are working in a computer office or working from home. Sometimes monitor start blinking on and off, which can affect your working experience.

According to my experience, there are too many causes of monitor flickering/blinking on and off. Some of them we discuss below:

• Outdated graphics drivers can cause monitor blinking.
• Monitor overheating can cause the display to flicker.
• A damaged power cable can cause the monitor to blink or flicker.
• Incorrect resolution can also cause monitor blinking.
• An insufficient or unstable power supply can cause the monitor to blink.
• Hardware such as a faulty monitor, capacitor, and backlight can cause the monitor to blink.
• And last but not least, virus infection can also cause the monitor to blink/flicker.

Related: Acer Monitor No Signal 2023

8 Ways to Fix Monitor blinking on and off

Here are the top 8 ways that help you to fix monitor flickering/blinking on and off.

1. Check the Connection Cable

If your monitor blinking on and off, the first thing you need to check its connection cables. Check all the cables that are connected to your PC and monitor. Unplug and re-plug all the cables perfectly because loose cables can cause the screen to blink. Then, check your display.

If the problem still persists, I think your cables are damaged, you need to use other cables. Sometimes it can resolve the issue. Otherwise, go to the next steps.

2. Check Display Settings

The next thing you need to do is to check your display settings. Make sure that the settings can’t be changed. First, check your display refresh rate by following these steps:

• If you are using Windows 10, navigate your “Settings” and click on “System.”
• Next, scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.”

• Then, select “Display adapter properties for Display 1” for the correct monitor.
• Now, choose the monitor tab and check your refresh rate. Keep in mind, select the maximum refresh rate that your monitor support i.e “60 Hz” “100 Hz” “120 Hz” etc.

Another way is if you are using another operating system.

• Right-click on the blank space of your desktop and click on your graphics cards such as AMD, NVidia, or Intel.
• Then, click on change resolution under the display. And continue.

If this may not work for you, don’t worry, keep reading. Below I sharing too many solutions. One of these can definitely work for you.

Related: Buying Monitor: A Guide to Choose a Perfect Display 2023

3. Check Your Graphics Card

According to my experience, sometimes the problem is caused due to wrong seated graphics card. That’s why you need to check your graphics card. Make sure that your graphics card can be seated correctly. Follow the following steps to check whether the problem is with your graphics card or not.

• First of all, if your motherboard has an additional display cable port, you are lucky. Unplug your display cable from the graphics card and plug it in an additional port and check your monitor. If it stops blinking/flickering, then the problem is with your GPU.

You need to clean them or even replace them.

• Before cleaning the graphics card and its slot, power off both your PC and monitor.
• Unplug everything (cables, DVD, flash), open your PC case, and navigate your graphics card.
• Next, remove your graphics card, clean it and its slot, and reseat it carefully.

Note: If you’re nervous about doing work inside a computer, don’t do this because you might create other problems that damaged your PC completely. I will recommend hiring a technician or getting help from our friends or family members.

If it doesn’t solve the problem, replace your graphics card and go to the next steps.

4. Update Graphics Driver

When it comes to monitoring flickering/blinking, the outdated graphics driver can be the first reason. Therefore, checking and updating the graphics drivers is very important. 

If you are confused about how to update a graphics driver, I am here, follow the below simple steps to update it.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide On Monitor Response Time 2023

Update Automatically

• First, navigate to your computer to “Settings” and click on “Device Manager.”
• Next, go to “Display Adapter” and double-click on it.
• Here you can see your graphics card on the list.
• Now, right-click on it and then click on “Update Driver.”

• When the process is complete, restart your PC.

Update Manually

• Another way to update graphics drivers is to use third-party apps. For example. Driver Easy, Driver Booster, etc.

• You just need to install one of these apps on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Keep in mind, when the process is complete, restart your PC.

5. Update Your OS (Windows)

Generally speaking, updating the operating system can kill a lot of problems. I think it’s also an opportunity of solving monitor blinking. So, don’t skip it. Let’s discuss how to update the windows operating system.

• To update windows 10, you need to click on the “Start” icon or press the “Windows key.”
• Next, navigate to “Settings” and click then click on “Update and Security.”
• Now, click on “check for updates” and install the available updates.

6. Uninstall Harmful Apps

According to many experts, harmful apps can cause many problems on your PC or even screen flickering. That’s why you should need to uninstall all your harmful and useless apps by the following steps:

• Open your “Control Panel” and click on “Programs.”
• Next, click on “Uninstall a Program.”

• Here you can see all your installed programs. You need to uninstall harmful apps and go on.

Helpful: What to Look for In a Gaming Monitor (Gamer’s Checklist 2023)

7. Cool down Your PC

If your issue still persists, the only thing you need to do is to cool down both your PC and monitor for a while. You just need to power off your PC and wait for at least 10 min. It can cool down your system PC, monitor, and other components. And I think it may solve this problem.

Because you may know that overheating can also cause monitor blinking.

8. Check Your Hardware

If you can try all the above solutions and the problem still persist, it’s time to check your monitor with another PC or computer. You can get help from your friends if they are computer users.

You just need to connect your monitor to your friend’s PC and check it. If it doesn’t work and still flickering, you need to repair or replace your monitor. Otherwise, the problem is with your PC.

Why does my monitor keep going black?

If your monitor keeps going black you need to update your graphics card. If the problem still persists reinstall it. You also need to check whether your monitor has the correct resolution. Also, check your power cable, and update your operating system, and power supply.

And last but not least, check your monitor with another PC, if it work the problem is in your computer. Otherwise, if your monitor is damaged, and you need to replace it.

What to do if the monitor is on but the screen is black?

If your monitor is on but the screen is black, you need to check your PC resolution. Select the resolution that supports your monitor. If the issue still persists cool down your PC by turning it off for a while. Then restart both your monitor. Also, check your display settings and correct them.

If it not working, your monitor may faulty you need to replace it.

Related: How to Connect PS5 to Monitor 2023

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q1: How can I check if the power source is causing the issue?

Try plugging the monitor into a different power outlet or surge protector to see if the blinking stops. If blinking stops, the problem occurs in your power source. You can also test the voltage output of the outlet or surge protector using a voltmeter.

Q2: Can a virus or malware cause the monitor to blink?

It is unlikely that a virus or malware would cause the monitor to blink. However, it is always a good practice to run a virus scan on your computer to rule out any potential threats.

Q3: Is it safe to open and repair a monitor on my own?

No, it is not recommended to open and repair a monitor on your own unless you have experience and expertise in electronics repair. It is best to seek professional help to avoid any further damage or potential safety hazards.

Conclusion

This is one of the most common issues that many people experience, so don’t hesitate you are not alone. If you are reading this post, I am sure that you are facing a monitor blinking on and off issue.

In this article, we explained the 8 best ways that help you to fix this problem. In my opinion, mostly updating the graphics card and operating system can solve the issue. So make sure don’t skip them.

I hope you understand and learned something extra related to this problem. If you have any queries related to this post, leave them in the comment section below. I will try to reply to you in my busy schedule, will remember in prayers, bye.