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Desktop Color Goes Black For A Few Moments And Then Returns To Normal

Anonymous
2022-03-08T05:01:26+00:00

Hello,

I'm experiencing a problem with the latest version of Windows 10 (21H2). Suddenly my desktop changes to black for a few moments, and then it returns to normal. All the icons and everything work OK. It's like I chose to change my color preference.

This started to happen when I used Zoom, but now is happening intermittently. It seems to have something to do with my graphics usage. I do have a NIVIDIA graphics card with the latest driver version installed. Does any one have a fix for this?

Thanks,

Michael

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-09T01:03:03+00:00

    Michael, I would set aside Dell Mobile Connect for now and if you want to connect your phone to PC for calls, texting or files transfer use Wndows built-in Your Phone app which now works better:

    https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-set-up-and-use-...

    Did it update your BIOS, chipset and Display drivers which are all important for this issue?

    If the problem repeats go back over the thread as a checklist to make sure everything has been tried. If you need any help, just ask back.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-09T00:53:14+00:00

    Hi Greg,

    Thank you for all of this information and your time.

    I just ran Dell Support Assistant and it ran a hardware check and then I downloaded all available updates. Everything installed except the Dell Mobile Connect driver failed. The hardware check found no issues.

    I also followed one of the solutions for the black desktop color issue.

    I'll keep browsing your suggestions and will keep you updated.

    -- Michael

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-03-08T23:17:29+00:00

    Yes, I suggested running the reliable Dell Update or Support Assist - whichever is used for your model - in my earlier post yesterday. If it won't run I will help you fix or reinstall it as it is vital to get all of the latest drivers and BIOS and Dell makes it easier with this tool.

    Did you do all of the other steps I gave for the Display adapter, and also Theme reset?

    In addition try these fixes for Zoom flickering which is a known issue and will probably also solve the background problem:

    https://www.dell.com/community/Inspiron/Camera-...

    https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/36006...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoom/comments/fyi2ip/b...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoom/comments/l661sz/z...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoom/comments/j5secj/s...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/gobnxi/s...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoom/comments/ikjzlr/s...

    https://superuser.com/questions/1651550/zoom-wi...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE19a0pjHOE

    Other fixes for desktop background randomly turns black:

    https://windowsreport.com/desktop-wallpaper-bla...

    (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

    https://winaero.com/fix-desktop-turns-black-in-...

    https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/random-...

    https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/desktop...

    https://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/fix-...

    Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-03-08T23:00:13+00:00

    Hello Greg,

    Update from last night: After installing the latest Nividia driver, it appeared that my video performance was a little better. However, today while using Zoom, I had the same issue again with my desktop turning black for a few moments. Also, now in addition, I have experienced some light flickering of my screen while in a Zoom meeting.

    I have the latest firmware/bios updates that came along in Windows Live Update.

    I'm thinking I should go into my DELL Support Assistant and hit the button to check for and update drivers?

    • Michael
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  5. Anonymous
    2022-03-08T07:18:18+00:00

    Got it.

    I'd try the Theme reset if it happens again, see if that matters. But usually this is a display issue solved by one of the steps I gave to update or reinstall the display driver. But the underlying Chipset and BIOS play a big role too, so be sure all your drivers are up to date by the methods I suggested.

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