Forum Discussion
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 ...
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.