Why Does My Screen Flicker On Zoom Calls Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

Screen flickering during a Zoom call is more than just an annoyance—it can disrupt communication, cause eye strain, and undermine professionalism. Whether you're presenting to clients, attending a remote class, or catching up with family, a stable display is essential. The good news: most flickering issues have straightforward causes and even simpler solutions. Understanding the root of the problem—be it software conflicts, outdated drivers, or hardware quirks—can help you resolve it quickly and prevent recurrence.

Understanding Why Screens Flicker on Zoom

Zoom itself doesn’t typically cause screen flickering. Instead, the issue usually stems from how your device handles video rendering, graphics processing, or display settings when under the load of a video conferencing application. Zoom uses real-time encoding and decoding of video streams, which increases GPU and CPU usage. If your system struggles to manage this workload efficiently, visual glitches like flickering may occur.

Common culprits include:

• Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
• Conflicts between Zoom’s hardware acceleration and your GPU
• Incompatible display refresh rates
• Third-party apps interfering with screen output (e.g., screen filters, accessibility tools)
• Faulty cables or external monitors

The flickering might appear as rapid flashes, horizontal lines, intermittent blackouts, or a strobing effect—especially noticeable during screen sharing or when viewing multiple participants.

Tip: If flickering only happens during Zoom calls, the issue is likely software-related rather than a failing monitor.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this structured approach to identify and eliminate the source of screen flickering during Zoom sessions.

1. Restart Zoom and Your Device
   Begin with the simplest fix: close Zoom completely and restart your computer. This clears temporary glitches in memory and resets active processes.
2. Update Zoom to the Latest Version
   Older versions may contain bugs affecting display performance. Open Zoom, click your profile picture, and select “Check for Updates.”
3. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Zoom
   Hardware acceleration uses your GPU to render video, but it can conflict with certain drivers. To disable:
   • Open Zoom and go to Settings (gear icon).
   • Navigate to the “Video” tab.
   • Uncheck “Enable hardware acceleration for video.”
   • Restart Zoom and test a call.
4. Update Graphics Drivers
   Outdated GPU drivers are a leading cause of flickering.
   • Windows: Press Win + X > Device Manager > Display Adapters. Right-click your GPU and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
   • Mac: Updates are bundled with macOS. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
5. Adjust Display Refresh Rate
   A mismatch between your screen’s refresh rate and Zoom’s output can cause flicker.
   • Right-click desktop > Display Settings > Advanced Display.
   • Select a standard rate (e.g., 60Hz). Avoid “Recommended” if it fluctuates.
6. Close Conflicting Applications
   Apps like f.lux, Night Light, or screen recording tools can interfere. Temporarily disable them during Zoom calls.
7. Test with Another Monitor or Cable
   If using an external display, swap the HDMI or DisplayPort cable. Try a different monitor to rule out hardware faults.

Do’s and Don’ts: Screen Flicker Edition

Action	Do	Don't
Graphics Settings	Keep drivers updated; use manufacturer-recommended versions	Ignore update notifications or install third-party driver tools
Zoom Configuration	Disable hardware acceleration if flickering persists	Assume Zoom is at fault without testing other apps
External Displays	Use high-quality cables and check port connections	Force 120Hz/144Hz on a display not designed for it
Background Apps	Shut down screen filters or overlay software during calls	Run multiple GPU-intensive apps simultaneously
Troubleshooting	Isolate variables one at a time	Make multiple changes at once without testing

Real-World Example: Fixing Flicker for a Remote Team Lead

Sarah, a project manager at a tech startup, began experiencing screen flickering every time she joined team Zoom meetings. The issue didn’t occur during regular browsing or streaming, only during video calls. Initially, she assumed her aging laptop was failing. After reading about potential software conflicts, she followed a methodical process.

First, she disabled hardware acceleration in Zoom—no change. Then, she checked her graphics driver and found it hadn’t been updated in over a year. After downloading the latest version from Intel’s official site, the flickering stopped immediately. She later realized that a recent Windows update had installed a generic driver that conflicted with Zoom’s video engine. By restoring the optimized driver, Sarah resolved the issue permanently.

This case illustrates how a combination of app-specific settings and system-level components can interact unexpectedly—and why targeted updates often provide the fastest resolution.

Expert Insight: What Tech Support Teams Recommend

“Over 60% of screen flickering reports we see during video calls trace back to outdated GPU drivers or misconfigured hardware acceleration. Always start with driver updates and Zoom settings before suspecting hardware failure.” — Carlos Mendez, Senior Support Engineer at TechAid Solutions

Experts emphasize that modern operating systems and applications push GPUs harder than ever. Video conferencing adds real-time demands that expose weaknesses in outdated configurations. Proactive maintenance—not reactive fixes—is key to avoiding disruptions.

Quick Checklist: Eliminate Zoom Screen Flicker in 5 Minutes

Checklist:

1. ✅ Close and reopen Zoom
2. ✅ Disable hardware acceleration in Zoom settings
3. ✅ Check for and install graphics driver updates
4. ✅ Turn off screen filter apps (e.g., f.lux, Night Shift)
5. ✅ Test Zoom on another device or monitor

Running through these steps should resolve the majority of flickering cases. If the problem persists, deeper diagnostics may be needed.

When It Might Be Hardware

While software is the usual suspect, hardware issues can also cause flickering. These tend to show consistent symptoms beyond Zoom—such as flickering during gaming, video playback, or even at the login screen.

Potential hardware causes include:

• Failing GPU: Overheating or degraded components can lead to erratic display output.
• Loose internal display cables: Common in laptops after prolonged use or physical stress.
• Damaged ports or connectors: Especially relevant for users switching between docking stations and external monitors.

To test for hardware issues:

1. Boot into Safe Mode (Windows) or Safe Boot (Mac). If flickering stops, it’s likely software-driven.
2. Connect to an external monitor. If the external display is stable, the issue may be with your built-in screen or its connection.
3. Monitor system temperatures using tools like HWMonitor (Windows) or iStat Menus (Mac). Excessive heat can trigger GPU throttling and visual artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my screen flicker only when I share my screen on Zoom?

Screen sharing significantly increases the GPU workload. If your graphics driver isn’t optimized or hardware acceleration is unstable, flickering may appear only during this high-demand task. Try disabling hardware acceleration and lowering shared content resolution in Zoom settings.

Does flickering mean my monitor is dying?

Not necessarily. If flickering occurs only during specific applications like Zoom and not during general use, it’s more likely a software or driver issue. True monitor failure usually presents constant flickering, dead pixels, or complete signal loss regardless of the app.

Can antivirus software cause screen flickering in Zoom?

Rarely, but some aggressive antivirus programs inject overlays or scan active windows, which can interfere with video rendering. Temporarily disable real-time protection to test. If flickering stops, adjust your antivirus settings to exclude Zoom.exe from scanning.

Preventative Best Practices

Once you’ve resolved the flickering, take steps to prevent it from returning:

• Schedule monthly driver checks: Set a calendar reminder to verify graphics driver status.
• Keep Zoom updated: Enable automatic updates in Zoom settings to avoid running outdated versions.
• Limit background apps: Close unnecessary programs before joining calls, especially those using the GPU (e.g., Discord overlays, streaming tools).
• Use certified cables: For external displays, avoid cheap or damaged HDMI/DisplayPort cables.
• Monitor system health: Use built-in tools to check for overheating or performance throttling.

These habits reduce the risk of display issues and improve overall call quality.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Zoom Experience

Screen flickering during Zoom calls is a solvable problem, not an inevitable tech flaw. With a clear understanding of the common causes—drivers, settings, and compatibility—you can diagnose and fix the issue efficiently. Most solutions require no technical expertise, just a few minutes and a logical approach. Don’t tolerate flickering as a normal part of remote work. Apply these fixes, implement preventative care, and enjoy smooth, professional video meetings.

💬 Have a flicker fix that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments and help others maintain a stable, distraction-free Zoom environment.