Resolving Windows 10 Flickering Issues While Gaming: A Successful Fix

For those who enjoy PC gaming, there’s nothing more frustrating than distractions caused by flickering screens or unexpected window focus shifts. I recently overcame a long-standing issue I had with my Windows 10 setup, and I want to share my experience in hopes that it might help others facing a similar challenge.

The Problem: Persistent Screen Flickering

For years, I dealt with a perplexing recurring problem while gaming on my PC. Every so often, while engrossed in a game, my screen would start flickering through other open tabs. This annoying distraction not only took my focus away from the game but at times, it even caused some titles to crash, resulting in lost progress and the need to restart.

The flickering phenomenon was erratic — it could occur a few times an hour or several times within a minute, seemingly activated at random. What’s even more baffling is that this issue was isolated to gaming moments; regular applications and tasks were not affected. Despite trying various troubleshooting steps, including updating my graphics drivers and experimenting with different monitors and cables, there seemed to be no resolution.

Diving Deeper: Examining the Windows Event Log

After exhausting the usual fixes, I turned to a less conventional approach. I began investigating the Windows Event Log during my gameplay to track down the root of the problem. To my surprise, I discovered that a process known as dwm.exe had crashed each time the flickering occurred. DWM, or Desktop Window Manager, is crucial for managing visual effects in Windows, adding a layer of relevance to my situation.

However, while I found numerous generic troubleshooting tips advocating for a complete system reinstall or hardware replacements, I felt these were excessive solutions that likely didn’t address the fundamental issue at hand.

A Promising Lead: Xbox Controller Firmware

In my relentless quest for answers, I stumbled upon a forum discussion mentioning that outdated Xbox controller firmware could contribute to similar screen flickering problems. This perspective resonated with me since I regularly use my Xbox controller when gaming, which correlated with the timing of the glitches. Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that the flickering often coincided with controller inputs.

To address this possibility, I downloaded the Xbox Accessories app from the Windows Store to update my controller’s firmware.

A Happy Ending: Gaming Without Distractions

Since updating my controller, I have not encountered the previous flickering issues. At last,