Symptoms
- Screen flickers for a few seconds right after powering on
- Flicker happens during the manufacturer logo or Windows loading screen
- Display settles down and looks normal afterward
- Flicker duration seems to be getting longer over time
Likely causes
- CommonNormal display handshake during bootMonitors and GPUs renegotiate resolution and refresh rate at startup, which can briefly flicker.
- CommonLoose HDMI or DisplayPort connectorA slightly loose cable can cause a longer or repeated handshake.
- PossibleGraphics driver initializing slowlySome driver versions take a moment to fully initialize the display output.
- PossibleMonitor firmware quirk with certain refresh ratesSome monitors flicker briefly when negotiating high refresh rates or adaptive sync.
What to do
- Watch whether the flicker happens only during boot and stops once the desktop loads; if so, it's likely harmless.
- Reseat the video cable at both ends to rule out a loose connection.
- Update the graphics driver to the latest stable version from the manufacturer.
- In the monitor's on-screen menu, temporarily turn off adaptive sync or variable refresh rate features to see if the startup flicker stops.
- Time the flicker over a few reboots; if it's getting noticeably longer, treat it as a warning sign rather than normal behavior.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
If the brief flicker turns into flickering that continues after the desktop loads, or the delay before a stable image keeps growing, have the cable and monitor checked before it fails completely.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.