Parts of the screen not refreshing until Start menu is opened

Troubleshooting Screen Refresh Issues on Windows 11: When Parts of the Display Fail to Update Until the Start Menu is Opened

Experiencing display glitches can be quite disruptive, especially when they interfere with your gaming, browsing, or communication activities. A common issue reported by users involves specific areas of the screen not refreshing properly until the Start menu is accessed. If you’ve encountered a similar problem, this guide will help you understand potential causes and solutions to restore normal display function.

Understanding the Issue

Some Windows 11 users have observed that parts of their screen remain static or display outdated content during routine tasks like gaming, scrolling through webpages, or switching conversation windows in messaging apps such as Discord. The unusual behavior is often accompanied by a noticeable delay in screen updates, which only resolve when the user opens the Start menu. At that point, the display refreshes correctly, but the problem may recur intermittently.

An Illustration of the Issue

To illustrate, a user shared a screenshot demonstrating the problem: despite switching to an active chat window, the display continued showing an unrelated webpage (e.g., a Nitro promotion page). The refresh only occurs after clicking the Start menu, prompting the screen to update and display current content.

Key System Specifications

This particular user’s setup includes:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6600
Display Drivers: Version 25.8.1
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro, version 24H2 (Build 26100.4770)

Potential Causes and Solutions

Several factors could contribute to this display refresh issue, and steps can be taken to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

Graphics Driver Compatibility
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common culprit. Ensure you have the latest driver version installed from AMD’s official website. Since the user’s current driver is version 25.8.1, verify if updates are available or revert to a more stable release if issues persist.
Display and Hardware Acceleration Settings
Hardware acceleration in browsers and applications can sometimes cause rendering problems. Try disabling hardware acceleration in your browser settings and check if the issue persists.
Within Windows, adjust display settings to see if changing refresh rates or resolution helps.
Monitor and Cable Connections
Ensure your monitor connections (HDMI, DisplayPort