Graphical glitches are a common occurrence when using any operating system. However, they are especially prominent in Windows due to its extensive range of features and complexity. These graphical issues can range from minor annoyances to larger problems that can impede the user. Fortunately, the majority of graphical glitches can be resolved with relative ease. The following is a comprehensive guide to resolving graphical glitches in Windows.
1. Update your Graphics Drivers
The first step to resolving any graphical issue is to make sure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers may not be able to process the latest applications and games, leading to graphical issues. To update your graphics drivers, you’ll need to navigate to the website of the manufacturer of your graphics card. Typically, you’ll find an option for driver downloads that will provide you with the most recent version of the software. Once downloaded, double-click the installation file, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
2. Reinstall Corrupted Files
In some cases, certain files may become corrupted due to hardware or software issues. These corrupted files can cause graphical issues in certain programs or create conflicts with other applications. To solve this problem, you’ll need to reinstall any corrupted files. To do so, open Control Panel, then go to “Add/Remove Programs”. Find the program that’s causing the graphical glitches, then click “Uninstall”. Once uninstalled, you’ll need to download and install the new version of the application.
3. Adjust the Screen Resolution
If you’re experiencing blurriness or pixellation on your screen, then the resolution of your display is likely too low. To resolve this issue, adjust the resolution of your display to a higher setting from the control panel. To do so, go to the Control Panel, then select “Display”. From there, choose the “Settings” tab, then use the slider to select a higher resolution. Once selected, click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes.
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration is a feature that allows your computer’s GPU to take on more demanding tasks. Unfortunately, it can sometimes cause graphical glitches, particularly if you’re using an older version of Windows. To disable this feature, open the control panel, then go to “System”. Select “Advanced system settings”, then click the “Settings” button under the “Performance” section. Uncheck the box next to “Use hardware acceleration when available”, then click “OK” to save your changes.
5. Check for Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can wreak havoc with your system. It can cause graphical issues, such as freezing and flickering. To check for malware, download and install a reputable anti-malware program onto your system. Once installed, perform a full system scan to detect any malicious software that’s residing on your system. If any is detected, the anti-malware program will delete the malicious files and terminate any running processes associated with them.
6. Restore to an Earlier System Backup
In some cases, restoring to an earlier system backup can resolve any graphical glitches that have occurred since the system restore point was created. To restore to a previous state, open the control panel, then go to “System”. Select “System protection”, then click the “System Restore” button. Choose the system restore point that you want to revert to, then click “Next” to begin the process. Once complete, restart your computer and your system should be restored to the earlier state.
7. Clean Out the Registry
The Windows registry is a database that contains critical information about the operation of your system. Over time, this database can become cluttered with redundant entries, which can cause a number of issues. To clean out the registry, download and install a dedicated registry cleaner program. This type of software will be able to identify any errors and redundant entries, then provide an option to delete them. After performing a clean-up, restart your computer to see if your graphical issues have been resolved.
8. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot is a process that starts Windows with only a minimal set of drivers and services. This can help you to identify any startup applications or processes that could be causing your graphical glitches. To perform a clean boot, open the control panel, then go to “System”. Select “System Configuration”, then click the “Services” tab. Uncheck all the boxes, then click “OK”. From there, restart your computer in safe mode to complete the process.
9. Reset Your Computer
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still haven’t been able to resolve your graphical issues, then you may need to reset your computer. This process will reinstall Windows and delete any applications or data that you have installed on your system. Before initiating the reset process, make sure that you have all of your important files backed up. Once your files have been safely stored, open Settings, then go to “Update & security”. Select “Reset this PC”, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to successfully resolve any graphical glitches that you’re experiencing with Windows. And if you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified technician for assistance.