How to Fix Acer Screen Flickering on Windows 11 & 10? A Quick Guide for Users

Acer screen flickering is a common problem that many users have encountered on Windows 11 and Windows 10 laptops. The Acer screen flickering issue may be due to software glitches, old drivers or even hardware failures, but the positive aspect is that, in most cases, the problem can be solved with the help of appropriate actions. This blog will discuss the Acer screen flickering issue Windows 11 and 10 and teach you how to resolve it to make the Acer display steady and well-operating.

Understanding Acer Monitor Flickering

Acer Display flickering is one of the most frequent problems that appears as flashes, lines or sudden variations in brightness. It is important to understand the distinction between software and hardware causes to address the Acer screen flickering problem with Windows 11 and 10.

What Screen Flickering Looks Like

The flickering in Acer screens normally appears in various forms, including horizontal or vertical lines along the display, flash attacks, or random variations in brightness. There are also cases where users observe the screen going dim and bright within a short period, complicating work or video viewing. Regardless of whether you are using an Acer laptop, Chromebook or external monitor, these symptoms tend to suggest the problem of screen flickering.

Learn: How to fix Dell XPS 13 Screen Flicker 

Difference Between Acer Software vs Hardware Flicker

Not every screen flickering issue is of the same nature. Flicker in software can be due to old display drivers, incompatible applications, or operating system bugs. Conversely, glitch can be caused by a faulty screen, loose cable connection, or a malfunctioning GPU. It is important to know whether it is a software problem or a hardware problem, as this will guide you on the appropriate Acer screen flickering fix.

Why Acer Users Experience Display Flickering on Windows 11 & 10

Many Acer users complain that their screens flicker on Windows 11 or 10 due to the incompatibility of various drivers, system updates or power settings that disrupt display behavior. The problem is sometimes caused by Windows updates that don't fit with display drivers on Acer, and incorrect refresh rates may also trigger the issue. 

Common causes of Acer screen flickering on Windows 11 & 10

Acer screen flickering may occur due to various causes, including mere software malfunctions or hardware failures. By knowing these causes, it will be easier to get the correct repair for your equipment.

1. Outdated or Corrupt Graphics Drivers: Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can lead to Acer screen flickering issue. If your graphics driver isn't working properly, you might notice flashing, glitches or shaky images. 
2. Windows 11/10 Update Conflicts: Sometimes, the Acer monitor flickering starts after a Windows update. This often happens because new updates conflict with the current drivers or system settings.
3. Display Refresh Rate Issues: When the screen refresh rate is adjusted incorrectly , the Acer display can flicker or show lines. This is usually resolved by simply selecting a refresh rate that your PC can handle.
4. Background Apps & Hardware Acceleration: Flickering can occur with heavy applications, such as browsers, video players, or games, when hardware acceleration is enabled. Turning off this option sometimes fixes the Acer display.
5. Hardware Problems: If software fixes don't work, you might be dealing with hardware problems. Loose cables, a faulty backlight or an overheating GPU can all lead to persistent screen flicker.

How to Diagnose Acer Monitor Flickering on Windows

For Acer screen flickering fix, one should first determine the source of the problem, either software or hardware. These are fast steps that will ensure you diagnose the cause. 

Adjust Brightness and Refresh Rate

Start by turning down your screen brightness or adjusting the refresh rate in the Windows display settings. If the Acer flickering gets better, then it could be an issue with how your display is set up.

Test in Safe Mode

Boot your Acer laptop in Safe Mode. When the flicker goes away here, it is probably triggered by third-party applications, drivers or background processes.

Check with an External Monitor

Connect your Acer laptop to an external monitor.

• If only the laptop screen flickers, it’s a display or cable issue.
• If both screens flicker, the problem is with Windows or the GPU.

Use Windows Task Manager Flicker Test

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and observe:

• If everything flickers, it’s a driver or Windows issue.
• If only apps flicker but Task Manager is stable, it’s a software conflict.

Run Acer Care Center & Windows Diagnostics

Test hardware health, GPU temperature and driver status using Acer Care Center and built-in Windows diagnostics. This may expose additional underlying hardware issues, such as GPU overheating or a broken backlight.

How to fix flickering screen Windows 10 & 11

To resolve the Acer screen flickering issue in Windows 10 and 11, install the latest display drivers and change the refresh rate in Settings . In case the problem persists, turn off hardware acceleration or delete recent Windows updates that might be causing the issue.

Software Fixes for Flickering Screen

Screen blinking issue on Acer Windows often starts with software issues. Try these solutions first:
Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD)

• For Acer screen flickering fix, tap Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display Adapters section.
• Right-click on the graphics card (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD) and select Update Driver.
• Select Search automatically for drivers.
• If the issue persists, uninstall the driver and reinstall the latest version from the Acer or GPU manufacturer's website.

Adjust Refresh Rate in Windows Display Settings

• To fix Acer screen flickering, right-click on your desktop to access Display Settings.
• Scroll down to Advanced Display Settings.
• Choose the recommended refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz or 120Hz based on your model).
• Apply the changes and verify if the flickering issue is resolved.

Disable Hardware Acceleration in Apps

• Open Chrome or Edge.
• Go to Settings > System.
• Toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
• Restart the browser.<h4> Disable Hardware Acceleration in Apps
• Open Chrome or Edge.
• Go to Settings > System.
• Toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
• Restart the browser.

Turn Off “Variable Refresh Rate” (Windows 11 Feature)

• Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
• Tap Default Graphics Settings.
• Disable Variable Refresh Rate.

Windows-Specific Fixes for Flickering Screen

Sometimes Windows updates and settings trigger flicker issues on Acer laptops. Here’s how to solve Acer screen flickering windows 11/10!

Roll Back or Uninstall Faulty Windows Updates

• To fix Acer monitor flickering on and off, open Settings > Windows Update > Update History.
• Choose Uninstall updates.
• At last, remove the most recent update if the flicker started after installing it.

Change Power Plan to Balanced or High Performance

• Open Control Panel > Power Options.
• Select Balanced or High Performance.
• Restart your laptop to apply settings.

Update Acer Care Center & BIOS

• Download the latest Acer Care Center from Acer’s official support site.
• Run the utility to update drivers and perform diagnostics.
• If needed, update your BIOS (follow Acer’s official instructions carefully).

Hardware Fixes for Acer Monitor Flickering

If software and Windows fixes don’t work and show Acer monitor flickering lines, the issue may be hardware-related. To fix screen blinking issue on acer:

Check Display Cable and Hinge (for Laptops)

• Open and close your Acer laptop gently.
• If flickering occurs while moving the screen, this may indicate a loose or damaged display cable.
• Consult a repair center for cable reseating or replacement.

Prevent Overheating with Cooling Pads and Cleaning Vents

• To fix screen blinking issue on acer, clean dust from laptop vents using compressed air.
• Place the laptop on a cooling pad for improved airflow.
• Overheating GPUs and backlights may lead to flickering issues.

Replace Faulty Backlight or LCD Panel 

• Flickering, dim or uneven brightness may indicate a failing backlight.
• Dead pixels, colored lines, or severe flicker could necessitate a new LCD panel.
• For replacement, contact Acer service or an authorized repair center.

Device-Specific Acer Screen Flickering Fix

Each Acer model has unique hardware and software setups, so the cause of screen flickering may differ. Here’s how to fix it for specific devices!

Acer Aspire Screen Flicker Fix on Windows 11/10

Acer Aspire users often experience flickering after Windows updates or due to outdated Intel graphics drivers. For troubleshooting for Acer screen flickering:

• Open Device Manager > Display Adapters and update the Intel or AMD driver.
• Switch off Adaptive Brightness under Display Settings > Power Options.
• Set the refresh rate to the recommended value (usually 60Hz) to stabilize the screen.

Acer Nitro & Predator Gaming Laptops (GPU-heavy Flickering)

Gaming laptops like Nitro and Predator often flicker because of switchable GPU conflicts or overheating. Here’s how to fix the Acer screen flickering black screen!

• Open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings to set the Preferred GPU to the dedicated one.
• Temporarily turn off G-Sync or FreeSync to test for stability.
• Utilize Acer’s CoolBoost or an external cooling pad to prevent thermal flicker.

Acer Chromebook Flicker (Workarounds with Chrome OS/Windows Dual Boot)

If your Acer Chromebook flickers, it may be due to display scaling or Chrome OS bugs. To fix Acer laptop screen flickering horizontal lines:

• Open Settings > Device > Displays and minimize display scaling.
• Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome by going to chrome://settings/system.
• For dual-boot users, check refresh rate and driver compatibility in Windows mode.

Acer External Monitors Flickering on HDMI/DisplayPort

External Acer monitors may flicker because of faulty cables, refresh rate mismatches or GPU settings. 

• Test a different HDMI or DisplayPort cable compatible with your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate.
• In Display Settings > Advanced Display, ensure both displays have the same refresh rate.
• Disable Dynamic Contrast or Adaptive Sync via the monitor’s on-screen menu.

How to Prevent Acer Screen Flickering in the Future

It is more convenient to prevent Acer monitor screen flickering rather than work with it afterward. Acer laptops and monitors are very easy to maintain with a few intelligent habits that can ensure their longevity.

1. Keep Drivers & Windows Updated: Keep your graphics drivers and Windows up to date to avoid compatibility issues. You can use Windows Update or the Acer Care Center to automatically update to the latest firmware, BIOS, and drivers.
2. Avoid Extreme Brightness Settings: Brightness can be switched to maximum or minimum, and this may overstrain the backlight and produce flicker. Adjust brightness to a comfortable medium and use Adaptive Brightness when needed.
3. Protect Laptop from Heat & Moisture: The screen components can be damaged due to overheating and humidity. Keep your Acer laptop on a level surface, keep the vents clean, and do not use it in a hot or humid place.
4. Use Original Acer Chargers & Cables: Flickering might happen due to power issues from third-party chargers and cables. So, it’s a good idea to stick with original Acer parts or use a reliable replacement that's certified for your specific model.
5. Run Regular Diagnostics with Acer Care Center: Acer Care Center offers automated scanning for hardware and software issues, enabling periodic diagnostics to maintain performance and detect problems with the screen or graphics card.