projection mode - flashing screen

Question

I have a very annoying issue for a while: the screen of my laptop flashes once, and I hear the 'device connected' sound. After a few seconds (sometimes 1, but it can be 4-5), it flashes again with the 'device disconnected' sound. It is completely random: sometimes it happens once, and nothing for a day, but sometimes it is repeated 6-7 times in a minute.

I tried many things to solve this:

• I restarted my PC in safe mode, and disabled 'Problem Reports and Solution Control Panel' and 'Windows Error Reporting Service'
• I tried to refresh the graphics driver, and other drivers
• I checked if I have anything uncompatible, but I don't have Norton AV, iCloud, nor IDT Audio

There is something I recently recognised: after I hear the 'device connected' sound, if I push the mouse to the right, the cursor dissapears and goes forward to another desktop, which I haven't connected (it takes a few more seconds to pull it back). So I went to Settings after the first flash, and I saw someting like in projection mode:

After the 'device disconnected' sound, and the flash again, it went back to normal, and I saw screen 1 only.

I cannot even imagine why this happens. I hope you can help!

(Windows 10)

Answer 1

Hi,

We appreciate the troubleshooting steps that you've provided. This may have occurred due to the peripheral devices on your computer or a possible issue with USB port. For us to help you with your concern, kindly answer the following questions:

• Have you tried removing any peripheral devices such as printer or wired mouse?
• Have you tried cleaning the USB ports of your laptop?
• How is your laptop connected to the internet? Is connected via wired connection?
• Are you using an external monitor?
• Have you made any recent changes to your computer prior to this issue?

We'll be waiting for your reply.

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for your answer.

• I have a laptop, so occasionally I do connect a printer, but obviously it is not always pluged in. I have been using a Logitech wireless mouse since the very beginning. I disconnected the USB part of it, and used the touchpad for a few hours, but it didn't help. This issue is still random.
• I clean my device sometimes, including the USB ports, with an air duster.
• The laptop is using wireless internet.
• I don't have an external monitor, however, rarely I project to a Smart TV, but the last projection was about 2 months ago.
• I didn't make big changes. I think it may help that my antivirus software is not Windows Defender, but Panda Security.

Answer 3

Hi,

Thank you for the information provided. The issue could be due to a recent update on the driver. Since you’ve already tried to update the device driver and it still does not resolve the issue, we suggest rolling back the device driver to a previous version. To perform the said task, you may refer to this support article: How to temporarily prevent a driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10. Please check on the section which says Rolling back a device driver, follow the steps and let us know how it goes. Please also bear in mind that this support article is applicable to Windows Version 1607 and Version 1511. If you’re running a higher version of Windows 10, please let us know in order for us to provide a more appropriate troubleshooting.

We’ll be waiting for any updates on this soon.

Answer 4

Hi,

I didn't mention it, but this was also a troubleshooting step which I tried: the driver restore. I rolled back to a previous version of the graphics driver, and it did not help.

Answering the question, I have Windows 10 Pro 1709.

Answer 5

Thank you for the information. Since you’ve already tried to rollback to a previous version of the driver, we suggest checking the settings if the device is set to Tablet mode. To do so, please follow these steps.

1. Access device settings by typing Settings using Cortana’s search bar.
2. On settings, choose System.
3. Select Tablet mode on the options.
4. Please make sure that under When I sign in, the option is set to Use desktop mode.

Keep us posted regarding the concern and if further assistance is necessary.