How to fix a flickering screen on a Dell XPS 15 9560

If you’re experiencing a flickering screen on your Dell XPS 15 9560, don’t fret. You’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to fix it. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of flickering screens on the Dell XPS 15 9560 and provide you with different troubleshooting methods to resolve the problem. So, let’s dive in!

The Causes of a Flickering Screen on a Dell XPS 15 9560

Before we start discussing the potential solutions, let’s first look at the possible causes of a flickering screen on your Dell XPS 15 9560. The most common reasons include:

Outdated graphics driver
Incompatible graphics driver
Hardware problem
Windows update issue
Faulty display cable
Adaptive brightness setting
Malware infection

Once you’ve understood the causes, you can proceed with possible troubleshooting methods to fix the issue.

It’s important to note that a flickering screen can also be caused by a damaged or failing battery. If your battery is old or has been exposed to extreme temperatures, it may not be able to provide a stable power supply to your laptop, which can result in screen flickering. In this case, replacing the battery may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix a Flickering Screen

If your Dell XPS 15 9560 screen is flickering, we recommend the following troubleshooting methods:

Updating Your Graphics Driver to Fix the Issue

An outdated or incompatible graphics driver can cause screen flickering problems. We recommend updating your graphics drivers to fix the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

Visit the Dell support website and locate the drivers section.
Find the graphics card driver that is compatible with your computer’s operating system and download it.
Install the driver, following the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Checking For Windows Updates that Could Resolve the Problem

Windows updates can sometimes fix hardware or software issues on your device. To check and install Windows updates, follow these steps:

Click on the Windows Start menu and access the settings option.
Choose the “Update & Security” option.
Check for any available updates and install them.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Adjusting Your Screen Refresh Rate and Resolution

If the issue still persists, you can try adjusting the screen refresh rate and resolution. Here’s how:

Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings”.
Locate the “Display resolution” section and adjust the settings to your liking.
Choose the “Advanced display settings” option and select the refresh rate.
Change the screen refresh rate to a lower value (30Hz or 60Hz) and check whether the issue persists.

Disabling Adaptive Brightness Settings that Could Be Causing Flicker

Adaptive brightness is a setting that adjusts your display’s brightness depending on the ambient lighting in your room. This feature can cause flickering on your Dell XPS 15 9560. To disable adaptive brightness, follow these steps:

Access the power options on your device by clicking on the battery icon on the taskbar.
Select the “Power & sleep” option.
Click on “Additional power settings.”
Choose the power plan you’re using and select “Change plan settings.”
Next, select “Change advanced power settings.”
Find the “Display” option and select it.
Find and expand the “Enable adaptive brightness” option.
Disable adaptive brightness by selecting “Off” on both “On battery” and “Plugged in” options.

Using an External Monitor

If your Dell XPS 15 9560 screen still flickers after adjusting the refresh rate and resolution, consider using an external monitor. This method can help you determine whether or not your flickering issue is hardware related. Here’s how to set up an external monitor:

Connect your external monitor to your Dell XPS 15 9560 using a compatible HDMI cable.
Switch your monitor to HDMI mode.
Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard to open the “Project” menu.
Select “Extend” from the available projector modes.

Cleaning Your Laptop Screen

If your screen appears dirty or smudged, you may experience visual defects or flickering effects. Regular screen cleaning can help reduce this issue. Here are some tips to clean your laptop screen:

Turn off your computer and unplug it from any power source.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen gently.
Use a solution of equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol to clean stubborn smudges.
Dry the screen with another clean microfiber cloth.

Identifying Hardware or Software Issues

Hardware and software issues can also cause the screen to flicker. If none of the above methods work, you may want to identify whether your issue is hardware or software-related. If it’s a hardware problem, we recommend contacting a professional technician to have it fixed. If it’s a software issue, you can perform a system restore to see if it’ll fix the problem.

Professional Support Options for More Complex Repairs

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting methods and your Dell XPS 15 9560 screen is still flickering, consider seeking professional support. The Dell Support website provides a hardware repair option under the “Contact Us” section.

Best Practices for Avoiding Future Screen Issues

Prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some best practices to avoid any screen issues on your Dell XPS 15 9560:

Regularly update your drivers.
Perform system updates when possible.
Clean your screen regularly.
Avoid water or any liquid damage on your device.
Avoid overclocking your graphics card as it can cause overheating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a flickering screen on your Dell XPS 15 9560 can be a frustrating issue. However, by following the troubleshooting methods above, you should be able to solve the problem. We hope this article has been informative and helpful.

It is important to note that if the flickering screen issue persists even after trying the troubleshooting methods mentioned above, it may be a hardware issue. In such cases, it is recommended to contact Dell customer support for further assistance. Additionally, it is always a good practice to keep your laptop’s drivers and software up to date to avoid any such issues in the future.