Why Does My Screen Flicker On Zoom Calls Quick Fixes For Pc And Mac Users

If your screen flickers every time you join a Zoom call, you're not alone. Thousands of remote workers, students, and professionals face this frustrating issue daily. Screen flickering can range from subtle flashing in the corners to full-screen strobing that makes video conferencing nearly impossible. Beyond being distracting, persistent flickering may indicate deeper hardware or software conflicts. The good news? Most causes are fixable without technical expertise. Whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac, this guide walks through the most common triggers—and how to resolve them quickly and effectively.

Understanding Why Screens Flicker During Zoom Calls

Screen flickering during Zoom sessions typically stems from mismatches between software rendering, graphics drivers, display settings, or application behavior. Unlike general system-wide flickering, Zoom-specific issues often appear only when the app is active—especially when sharing screens, enabling virtual backgrounds, or using camera effects. These features demand extra GPU processing, which can expose underlying inefficiencies.

Common culprits include:

• Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
• Hardware acceleration conflicts in Zoom or the operating system
• Incompatible display refresh rates
• Conflicts with third-party apps (e.g., screen recorders, overlays)
• Faulty cables or external monitor configurations

Because Zoom relies heavily on real-time video encoding and decoding, even minor glitches in the graphics pipeline can manifest as visible flickering. Identifying whether the issue affects just Zoom or all applications helps narrow down the cause.

Tip: Test if the flickering occurs outside Zoom—such as in browser videos or other video conferencing apps. If not, the problem is likely Zoom-specific.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Windows Users

Windows PCs vary widely in hardware and driver configurations, making flickering a frequent but solvable issue. Follow these steps in order to isolate and eliminate the root cause.

1. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Zoom
   Hardware acceleration uses your GPU to improve performance, but it can backfire on older or poorly optimized systems.
   
   How to disable:
   • Open Zoom and go to Settings > Video
   • Uncheck “Enable hardware acceleration for video”
   • Restart Zoom and test a meeting
2. Update Your Graphics Drivers
   Outdated GPU drivers are one of the top reasons for visual glitches.
   
   For NVIDIA:
   • Open GeForce Experience or visit NVIDIA’s driver download page
   • Install the latest stable version
   For AMD:
   • Use AMD Radeon Software or visit AMD Support
   For Intel:
   • Visit Intel Download Center and search by your processor model
3. Adjust Display Refresh Rate
   Mismatched refresh rates (e.g., 60Hz vs. 120Hz) can cause flickering, especially with multiple monitors.
   
   Steps:
   • Right-click desktop > Display Settings
   • Select Advanced Display Settings
   • Choose your monitor and set refresh rate to its native value (usually 60Hz)
4. Close Conflicting Background Apps
   Applications like Discord overlays, OBS, or even certain antivirus tools can interfere with Zoom’s rendering.
   
   Try:
   • Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)
   • Ending tasks related to screen capture, gaming overlays, or performance monitors
   • Relaunching Zoom
5. Reinstall Zoom
   A corrupted installation can lead to unexpected behaviors.
   
   Uninstall via Control Panel, then download the latest version from zoom.us/download.

Solutions for Mac Users

MacOS generally offers better hardware-software integration, but flickering still occurs—particularly on older MacBooks or those connected to external displays. Apple’s Metal graphics framework usually handles rendering efficiently, but Zoom’s demands can push it to its limits.

1. Turn Off Hardware Acceleration

Just like on Windows, disabling hardware acceleration often resolves flickering.

1. Open Zoom and click your profile icon
2. Navigate to Settings > Video
3. Uncheck “Enable hardware acceleration for video”
4. Restart Zoom

2. Update macOS and Zoom

Apple regularly releases patches that improve graphics stability.

• Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update
• Install any available updates
• Ensure Zoom is updated via the app or official site

3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM (Older Macs)

NVRAM stores display settings and can become corrupted.

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R
3. Hold for about 20 seconds, then release
4. Let the Mac restart normally

4. Disconnect External Displays Temporarily

Many Mac users report flickering only when using HDMI or USB-C adapters. Try disconnecting external monitors to see if the issue stops. If so, the adapter, cable, or display timing may be at fault.

5. Check for App Conflicts

Third-party utilities like BetterTouchTool, Karabiner, or screen recording apps can interfere with video rendering. Quit them via Activity Monitor before joining a call.

“Graphics-related flickering in video conferencing tools is often a symptom of outdated drivers or misconfigured acceleration—not failing hardware.” — David Lin, Senior Systems Engineer at TechSupport Collective

Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this checklist to methodically address screen flickering during Zoom calls:

Checklist: Fix Zoom Screen Flickering

• ✅ Disable hardware acceleration in Zoom settings
• ✅ Update graphics drivers (Windows) or macOS (Mac)
• ✅ Set display refresh rate to native (e.g., 60Hz)
• ✅ Close background apps that overlay the screen
• ✅ Test with external monitors disconnected
• ✅ Reinstall Zoom using the latest version
• ✅ Restart your computer after changes

Do’s and Don’ts: Quick Reference Table

Do	Don't
Update your OS and Zoom app regularly	Ignore recurring flickering—it could worsen over time
Test Zoom in a clean boot environment (Windows) or safe mode (Mac)	Use generic HDMI cables for high-resolution external displays
Disable virtual backgrounds and filters during testing	Assume the issue is hardware failure without checking software first
Monitor temperature; overheating GPUs can cause flickering	Run multiple screen-sharing apps simultaneously

Real Example: Resolving Flickering in a Remote Team Setting

A marketing team at a mid-sized tech firm began reporting widespread screen flickering during daily stand-ups. Employees used a mix of Windows laptops and MacBooks, some with dual monitors. IT support initially suspected faulty webcams, but testing revealed the flickering occurred only during Zoom calls and primarily affected users with extended displays.

The solution unfolded in stages:

• First, hardware acceleration was disabled across all Zoom clients—this resolved flickering for 60% of users.
• For remaining cases, IT discovered that many were using low-quality HDMI-to-USB-C adapters. Replacing them with certified ones eliminated signal interference.
• Finally, users with older NVIDIA drivers were prompted to update. One user had a driver from 2020; updating to the latest version stopped persistent flickering entirely.

Within a week, the issue was fully resolved, and meeting quality improved significantly. This case underscores that flickering is rarely due to a single cause—it's often a chain of small compatibility issues.

When to Suspect Hardware Issues

While most flickering is software-related, persistent problems—even after trying all fixes—may point to hardware faults. Warning signs include:

• Flickering across multiple apps and browsers, not just Zoom
• Lines, artifacts, or color distortions accompanying the flicker
• Worsening symptoms under screen load (e.g., gaming, video playback)
• Flickering on an external monitor but not the built-in display (or vice versa)

If you observe these patterns, consider:

• Testing with a different monitor or cable
• Trying another computer with the same display setup
• Consulting manufacturer support for GPU diagnostics

For Mac users, run Apple Diagnostics by restarting and holding the D key. On Windows, use the built-in “Video Tearing” troubleshooter or check Event Viewer for display errors.

FAQ

Does screen flickering damage my monitor?

No, occasional flickering during Zoom calls does not harm your screen. However, prolonged exposure to unstable signals or extreme refresh rate mismatches could stress components over time. It’s best to resolve the issue promptly for comfort and longevity.

Why does flickering happen only when I share my screen?

Screen sharing increases GPU workload significantly. Zoom encodes your entire desktop in real time, which can trigger driver bugs or thermal throttling. Disabling hardware acceleration or lowering shared resolution (via Zoom settings > Share Screen > Advanced) often helps.

Can antivirus software cause Zoom flickering?

Yes. Some security suites include screen-scanning features that intercept video output, creating rendering conflicts. Temporarily disable real-time protection to test. If flickering stops, add Zoom to the antivirus exclusion list.

Final Thoughts and Action Plan

Screen flickering on Zoom calls is a common but fixable issue. Most solutions require no technical skill—just a few minutes to adjust settings or update software. Start with disabling hardware acceleration, then work through driver updates and environmental factors like external displays. Use the checklist provided to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Remember, consistency matters. Apply fixes one at a time and test after each change. This approach helps identify what works—and what doesn’t—without confusion. With the right adjustments, you can enjoy smooth, professional Zoom meetings free from visual distractions.

🚀 Take action today: Open Zoom settings, disable hardware acceleration, and update your system. Chances are, you’ll eliminate flickering in under ten minutes. Share this guide with your team to keep everyone’s meetings running smoothly!