What to do when your display flickers or goes black

By Tom Nonmacher

A flickering or black screen can be a sign of many issues within your computer system. In most cases, these problems are related to your monitor, video card, drivers, or even the cables connecting your computer to your monitor. This issue can be very frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of important work or a movie. Luckily, there are several solutions you can try at home before seeking professional help. In this blog post, we will discuss some common problems that can cause your display to flicker or go black and provide some practical solutions.

The first thing you should do when your screen starts to flicker is to check all your physical connections. A loose cable can often cause a flickering screen. Ensure that the Video Cable (VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort) connecting your monitor to your computer is securely fastened at both ends. If the problem persists, try using a different cable or connect your monitor to a different computer, if possible. This simple test will help you verify if the problem is with the monitor, the cable, or the computer.

If your connections are secure, the next step is to update your display driver. A display driver is software that allows your operating system and programs to use your computer's graphics hardware. If you have an outdated or corrupt driver, it may cause your screen to flicker or go black. You can update your display driver by visiting the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest version. After installing the updated driver, restart your computer to see if the problem is resolved.

If updating the display driver does not solve the problem, you might want to look into adjusting your screen refresh rate. The refresh rate is the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). A low refresh rate can often cause a flickering screen. You can adjust the screen refresh rate in the display settings of your operating system. Be sure to choose a refresh rate that is recommended for your monitor.

In some cases, a faulty video card might be the culprit. If you have an extra video card, try replacing your current one and see if the problem persists. If you don't have an extra video card, you might want to consider getting your computer checked by a professional. Some other potential issues could be related to the power supply, overheating, or even a virus. A professional will be able to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem accurately.

In conclusion, a flickering or black screen can be caused by a variety of issues, most of which can be resolved by checking your physical connections, updating your display driver, adjusting your screen refresh rate or replacing your video card. While some of these solutions may seem technical, don't be afraid to try them out. Remember, if the problem persists, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Your computer is an essential tool, and it's important to keep it running smoothly.

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