Overcoming Screen Flickering in Windows 10 While Gaming: A Personal Victory

For years, I’ve grappled with an incredibly frustrating issue: while gaming on my Windows 10 PC, my screen would often flicker, showcasing a range of other open programs and tabs. This seemingly minor annoyance sometimes led to losing focus from my game and, at worst, random crashes that forced me to restart and occasionally lose precious progress.

The frequency of this glitch varied widely. Some gaming sessions would pass without incident, while others would see flickering occur multiple times in just a minute. It felt utterly unpredictable, striking without any clear cause, and interestingly enough, it only happened in gaming applications—other software was unaffected.

Initially, I tried several standard troubleshooting measures. I updated my graphics card drivers, tested different monitors and cables, played in both full-screen and windowed modes, and even closed other running programs. Unfortunately, none of these actions resolved my issue.

After a period of frustration, I turned to the Windows Event Log in search of clues when the flickering occurred. To my surprise, I discovered that a process named dwm.exe (the Desktop Window Manager) frequently crashed during these incidents. A quick online search regarding this process and its error ID returned a host of typical troubleshooting suggestions, such as reinstalling Windows or changing out hardware—solutions that seemed excessive and unlikely to target the root of the problem.

Then, I stumbled upon a particularly intriguing suggestion: an outdated firmware for my Xbox controller might be the culprit. This insight resonated deeply, as I always used my Xbox controller for gaming, which could explain why the flickering issue only arose during gaming sessions. Reflecting on my experiences, I recalled that the flickering often coincided with controller inputs.

To resolve the issue, I downloaded the Xbox Accessories app from the Windows Store to update my controller’s firmware. Since that update, I’m pleased to report that I haven’t experienced any flickering or crashes. For the first time in years, I can immerse myself in gaming without the looming fear of interruptions due to glitches.

If you find yourself facing a similar struggle, don’t overlook the possibility of outdated peripherals. This small step made a significant difference in my gaming experience, and I hope it can help others as well. Happy gaming!