not even sure if this is related to this reddit but

Troubleshooting Persistent Flickering Issues in VRChat: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve encountered a strange flickering problem exclusive to VRChat—while other games like Fortnite, War Thunder, Frag Punk, and Black Ops III run smoothly—you’re not alone. Many users have reported similar issues where VRChat abruptly flickers to the desktop or other windows, disrupting immersion and gameplay. In this article, we will explore potential causes and effective troubleshooting steps to resolve this peculiar flickering behavior.

Understanding the Nature of the Issue

The flickering problem appears solely with VRChat, an entertainment platform popular for social VR experiences. Unlike other titles, VRChat’s flickering exhibits a unique pattern: it momentarily switches to other windows or the desktop, as if it struggles to maintain focus or rendering priority. Interestingly, this behavior occurs even when no applications are running in the background beneath VRChat, indicating a possible rendering or driver conflict.

Diagnosing Common Causes

Before diving into solutions, consider the following potential causes:

Graphics Driver Conflicts: Outdated or corrupt GPU drivers can sometimes cause rendering issues.
Display Settings Mismatch: Incorrect refresh rates or resolution settings may interfere with VRChat.
Monitor Configuration: Multi-monitor setups can sometimes trigger focus or flickering issues.
VR and Hardware Compatibility: If using VR hardware, compatibility or configuration problems might contribute.
Software Conflicts: Other background applications, overlays, or screen recording tools.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Update Graphics Drivers
Download the latest NVIDIA (or AMD/Intel) drivers directly from your GPU manufacturer.
Consider performing a clean installation to reset driver settings.
NVIDIA Driver Download Page
Adjust Display and Refresh Rate Settings
Right-click on your desktop and select “Display Settings.”
Navigate to “Advanced Display Settings” and verify the refresh rate matches your monitor’s specifications.
Ensure resolution settings are optimal and consistent.
Configure VRChat Compatibility and Settings
Run VRChat as an administrator.
Disable any in-game overlays or third-party customization tools.
Within VRChat, check for any graphics or rendering settings and reset to defaults.
Monitor for Multi-Monitor Conflicts
If using multiple displays, test VRChat on a single monitor.
Disable other monitors