Monitor Flickering Issues

Question

Scoured the internet and could not find a solution and I am at the final straw.

Every time I play something full screen like a Youtube video, a game like Minecraft, or some random Steam game, or anything that goes full screen, my monitor flickers black. It usually happens when a quick motion happens on the screen; never when it's still. I highly doubt it's a internal problem in my monitor because when I had Linux this issue never occurred. Sometimes it just straight-up stays black until I exit out whatever I'm in (I've had to Alt+F4 a lot of things). It happens every other day as well, like say today it was working normal, tomorrow it wouldn't be working, but then the next day after that it would, and then repeat. And yes, I've checked (6 times at this point) that yes, my graphic drivers are in fact updated. My friend who built my computer in the first place doesn't know what's happening or he does, but he's just too lazy to fix it and tells me to just not use full screen which ticks me off.

If any of this information helps, here it is:

GPU: Radeon RX 580

Monitor: Acer SB220Q

Monitor originally came with a VGA cable to plug in, so I had to get an HDMI cable for it.

Yes, I've checked connection with the cable

Yes, I've checked for driver updates

Yes, I've tried clean booting

Drivers are from manufacturers website

UPDATE: I've figured out that it occurs after I've left my PC off for a long amount of time like when I go to sleep. Also, it fixes it everytime I restart my PC. There are some games that work, and some that don't. Every fullscreen game flickers. The only exceptions is (if it helps you to know the titles) Geometry Dash, which never works right (yes, I've reinstalled it multiple times) it flickers whether or not I've restarted. Even after the clean boot it only worked for a little longer than usual before it went back to flickering, and then there's The Joy of Creation: Story Mode (horror game FYI). The Joy of Creation has always worked, and has never flickers ONCE no matter what I've messed with its settings, it has always worked perfectly fine. The only difference with this one is I downloaded it after I activated Windows 10. Oh, and Geometry Dash was the first game I ever got (If you don't count Steam as a game).

Answer 1

Ok I waited a few days (why I'm replying late) after I reinstalled my graphic drivers and it is now working. I thought about doing it before, but I decided to do more easy fixes, and I forgot about it when I got desperate. Thanks!

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

1. How exactly did you check your Display adapter is latest? Running Update from Device Manager isn't even a start. Plus it's critical enough you may need to reinstall it, find another driver, an older driver, etc.

Update the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

2. Did it ever work correctly? If so can you System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...
3. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

4. Try running a Linux live distro from flash stick with the hard drive disconnected which will narrow the issue to the remaining hardware if it repeats, and if it doesn't then points to the hard drive or Windows install. Use a Linux distro with diagnostics to stress the hardware:

https://www.pcsuggest.com/best-linux-live-distro/

5. Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

https://www.wikihow.com/Test-PC-RAM-with-MemTest86

Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

6. Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:

https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

HP and Dell have hardware diagnostics triggered by tapping the ESC or F12 keys respectively as you power on.

Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri... if necessary from the Command Prompt at boot: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

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But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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