Display distortion after updating graphics card drivers can be caused by a variety of factors, and while it can be a major inconvenience, it’s usually relatively easy to fix. Before attempting any fixes, make sure your computer is up to date with the latest drivers, as older driver versions can lead to issues like display distortion.
1. Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver
If a simple driver update did not correct the issue, uninstalling the driver and then reinstalling it can often resolve the problem. To uninstall the driver, first open up Device Manager. You can access Device Manager by clicking on Start and typing “Device Manager” in the search box. Once you’ve opened the Device Manager, find the driver for your graphics card and double-click on it. Next, select “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions. After uninstalling the driver, reboot your system to finish the process. Once the computer reboots, install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Update BIOS
In some cases, updating the BIOS can help resolve display distortion issues. If you haven’t updated the BIOS in a while, it’s worth giving it a try. To update the BIOS, first download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the BIOS update, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install it. If the BIOS update doesn’t resolve the issue, then you can move on to other fixes.
3. Check Cables
Oftentimes, display distortion issues can be caused by loose or faulty cables. To check if this is the case, start by disconnecting all the cables from your monitor and graphics card. Next, inspect them for any damage (e.g. bent pins, corrosion, etc). If you find any damage, replace the cable. If the cables seem to be fine, plug them back into both the monitor and graphics card, making sure that they’re firmly inserted.
4. Adjust Resolution
In some cases, display distortion can be caused by incorrect resolution settings. To change the resolution, right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings.” Find the drop-down menu labeled “Resolution,” and select a different setting. Try different settings until you find one that resolves the issue.
5. Turn Off Vertical Synchronization
Vertical synchronization (VSync) synchronizes the screen’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output rate, but it can sometimes cause display distortion. To turn off VSync, open up your graphics card’s control panel and locate the “Vertical Synchronization” option. Change the setting to “Off” and then restart your system to apply the changes.
6. Rollback or Update Display Drivers
Display drivers are what allow your monitor to communicate with your graphics card, and if they’re outdated or corrupted, it can lead to display distortion. To resolve this issue, open up Device Manager, find the display driver, and either roll it back to a previous version or update it to the latest version available.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes, display distortion can occur when certain applications or services conflict with the display drivers. To fix this, you can perform a clean boot, which will temporarily disable all non-essential services and applications. To perform a clean boot, open the “Start” menu, type “msconfig,” and select the “System Configuration” option. In the window that opens up, select the “Services” tab, check the “Hide All Microsoft Services” box, and click the “Disable All” button. Then, switch to the “Startup” tab, click “Open Task Manager,” and click the “Disable” button next to each item in the list. Finally, click “OK,” restart your system, and see if the issue has been resolved.
8. Perform a System Restore
If none of the above fixes worked, performing a system restore may help. System restore will restore your computer to a previous state before the display distortion started, and it can often fix the problem. To perform a system restore, open the “Start” menu, type “restore,” and select the “Create a restore point” option. Click “Next,” choose a restore point, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If none of these fixes have resolved the issue, your graphics card may be damaged and require replacing. If that’s the case, contact the manufacturer for assistance.