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Doreinez's avatar
Doreinez
Iron Contributor
May 13, 2024

Flickering issue in Windows 10 File Explorer

Windows 10 flickers on file explorer and Excel. It happens on random and last anywhere between 10-30 seconds. I think is not limited to just these apps, but possibly any programs I opened. This is a fresh install from a bootable usb drive. Any suggestions to further troubleshoot??

3 Replies

  • Aylaanin's avatar
    Aylaanin
    Iron Contributor
    Dec 19, 2025

    Experiencing flickering in File Explorer and Excel after a fresh Windows 10 installation can be caused by various issues such as graphics driver problems, display settings, or background processes. 

  • WolfGangg's avatar
    WolfGangg
    Iron Contributor
    Dec 17, 2025

    On a fresh Windows 10 install, random flickering in File Explorer and Excel is almost always graphics-related.

    Try these first:

    1. Reinstall your GPU driver (clean install)
    Download the latest driver directly from NVIDIA / AMD / Intel. Don’t rely on Windows Update.

    2. Disable hardware acceleration

    • In Excel: File → Options → Advanced → Disable hardware graphics acceleration
      If this helps, it confirms a GPU/driver issue.

    3. Check display settings

    • Make sure the refresh rate is correct
    • Turn off Variable Refresh Rate
    • Test with one monitor if you’re using multiple

    4. Disable overlays
    Turn off GPU overlays, screen recorders, or FPS counters.

    If the flickering stops in Safe Mode, it’s definitely a driver or software conflict, not Windows itself.

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