What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If a Windows 10 or Windows 11 screen is flickering, press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. Microsoft says this may fix the problem in some cases; it is not a universal screen reset. If it does not help, restart the PC and use the checks below to narrow down the cause.
Reset the graphics driver in Windows
- Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. The display may briefly go blank or refresh as Windows resets the graphics driver.
- Check whether the flickering stops. Microsoft describes the shortcut as a possible fix, not a guaranteed repair. If the screen still flickers, restart the PC before continuing. Microsoft’s Windows screen-flickering guidance
Check whether a Windows app or display driver is involved
While the flickering is happening, open Task Manager. Compare its display with the rest of the screen:
- If Task Manager flickers too, Microsoft says the display driver is probably responsible.
- If Task Manager stays stable while other screen content flickers, an incompatible app is probably responsible.
This is a diagnostic clue, not a definitive test. If an app appears more likely, consider whether the flicker began when you opened or updated a particular app. If the driver seems more likely, use the timing of recent updates to choose what to do next.
Choose the right display-driver action
- The problem began after a Windows Update: Microsoft advises rolling back the display driver.
- There was no recent driver update: updating or uninstalling the display driver may help.
Driver changes are made through Device Manager and may require administrator privileges. Follow the instructions for your Windows version in Microsoft Support’s troubleshooting guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Troubleshoot an external display
For a monitor connected to a computer, check both the display’s power connection and its video cable. Make sure they are firmly connected at both ends. A cable or adapter may also be unable to support the resolution and refresh rate currently selected, so verify that the connection and equipment support those settings.
For a Mac, Apple recommends connecting the display directly to the Mac rather than through a hub or dock while troubleshooting. See Apple’s external-display connection guidance. A cable check applies to external displays; it is not a fix for flicker on a built-in laptop screen.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check refresh rate and Adaptive Sync on a Mac
With a Mac external display, review the display’s refresh-rate setting. Apple notes that a rate set too low may make the screen appear to flicker, while a rate set too high may make it go black. Choose a rate supported by the display and Mac; Apple’s Mac user guide explains how to change the refresh rate.
If flickering occurs while Adaptive Sync is enabled, Apple recommends turning off variable refresh rate to check whether the problem stops. Also check compatibility with the display manufacturer. See Apple’s Adaptive Sync guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
If the screen still flickers
The Windows shortcut is specific to Windows, and the Mac refresh-rate advice concerns external displays. There is no single reset procedure established here for every monitor, TV, phone, laptop, or operating system. Identify the device and model, then follow its manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions. For a built-in screen, do not treat replacing an external video cable as a remedy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
