Graphical artifacts are visual distortions and errors that occur on a computer monitor when the display output is corrupt. These graphics issues can take many forms, including distorted shapes, blurred text, and flashing lines. They can be caused by outdated graphics drivers, faulty hardware components, or corrupted displays.
Fortunately, there are several ways to fix graphical artifacts in Windows. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Update Your Graphics Drivers
One of the most common causes of graphical artifacts is an outdated graphics driver. If your graphics card is not up to date, you may experience visual errors and distortions on your screen.
To update your graphics drivers, open Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu or typing “devmgmt.msc” into the Run dialogue. Find the Display Adapters category, expand it, then right-click on your graphics card and select Update Driver. You can also search for newer drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Check for Overheating
Another common cause of graphical artifacts is overheating. Graphic cards generate a lot of heat and can become damaged if not cooled properly. To prevent overheating, make sure the fans are running smoothly, and the vents are not blocked. You can also install temperature monitoring software to help keep track of your system’s temperature.
3. Check Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate
A low refresh rate can also cause visual issues. To check your monitor’s refresh rate, right-click on the desktop and go to Display Settings. Click on Advanced Display Settings and make sure the refresh rate is set to the maximum available for your monitor.
4. Reset Your PC
If all else fails, you can try resetting your PC. A system reset will restore all of your settings to their default values and may help eliminate any graphical artifacts. To reset your PC, go to the Start menu and search for “Reset this PC”. Select either the Keep my files or Remove everything option, then follow the steps on the screen.
These are some of the most effective methods for fixing graphical artifacts in Windows. While these fixes won’t necessarily work every time, they should at least help to reduce the occurrence of graphic errors. If the issue persists, you may need to take your computer to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer.