🖥️ Learn how to check your screen for dead pixels and flickering and how to deal with them
Laptop and monitor diagnostic and solution guide
Have you noticed a small spot on your screen that never changes color? Or is the image flickering and tiring you out? In this guide you will learn how to identify these problems and what you can do to solve them!
📺 What are Dead Pixels?
Imagine your screen as a giant puzzle made of millions of tiny lights. Each of these lights is called a "pixel" and changes color to create the image you see. A dead pixels (dead pixel) is just one of those lights that stopped working.
There are three types of problem pixels:
• Dead Pixel: It remains black, as if it has been completely extinguished.
• Stuck Pixel: Sticks to one color (red, green or blue)
• Hot Pixel: It always stays white.
⚡ What is Flickering?
The flickering (flicker) is when your screen flickers, flashes, or appears to "pulsate." It's like seeing a light bulb that's not properly screwed in and keeps blinking. It can be very tiring on the eyes and cause headaches.
Flickering isn't just annoying - it can cause eye strain, headaches, and in some cases even dizziness. If you notice it, you need to address it immediately!
🔍 How to Check for Dead Pixels
Method 1: Use Online Tools
What is he doing: Shows different colors across the screen to help identify problem pixels
How do you use it: Go to the site, click "Launch JScreenFix" and look carefully at your screen for strange signs.
What is he doing: Displays simple colored windows (red, green, blue, white, black)
How do you use it: Click on each color and see if you see anything different on the screen.
What is he doing: More detailed tool with more color and pattern options
How do you use it: Follow the instructions on the site and try all the colors.
Method 2: Use a Simple Video
Do the test in a dark room with the screen brightness turned up to maximum. This makes it easier to see the problematic pixels!
🔧 How to Check for Flickering
Step 1: Observe Your Screen
Open a blank page (e.g. a blank Word document) and see if the screen is flickering. If you have flickering, you will see it more easily on light-colored surfaces.
Step 2: Try it with your phone camera
Cameras can "see" flickering more easily than our eyes because they record the image differently. This makes it a very useful test!
Step 3: Check the Refresh Frequency
On Windows, go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display settings and check the refresh rate. If it is low (e.g. 30Hz), this may be the cause of the flickering.
🛠️ Solutions for Dead Pixels
What are you doing:
1. Turn off the screen
2. Take a soft cloth (not your fingers!)
3. GENTLELY press the dead pixel for 5-10 seconds
4. While pressing, turn on the screen
5. Leave the cloth
Why it works: Sometimes the pixel is simply "stuck" and pressure can "unstick" it.
JScreenFix or UndeadPixel:
These programs show rapidly alternating colors at the problem spot to "wake up" the pixel. Let it run for 2-4 hours.
If the screen is new and still under warranty, many companies will replace it. Usually if you have more than 3-5 dead pixels, the screen is considered defective.
NEVER press hard on the screen! You may cause more damage. If the above methods do not work, unfortunately the dead pixel may be permanent.
🔨 Solutions for Flickering
For Windows:
1. Right-click on the desktop → Display settings
2. Go to Advanced settings
3. Try changing the refresh rate (60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz, etc.)
4. Keep the one that works best
Many times the problem is simple:
• Make sure the cable is securely connected.
• Try another cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.)
• If you are using an adapter, try without it
For Windows:
1. Go to Device Manager
2. Find "Display Cards"
3. Right click → Update driver
4. Restart the computer
Sometimes power saving features cause flickering:
• Go to Energy Settings
• Changed to "High Performance"
• Turn off automatic brightness adjustment
On laptops, flickering can be caused by PWM (brightness control mode):
• Try turning the brightness up to maximum.
• If the flickering stops, use one of the following free programs:
For Windows:
👉twinkle tray - Adds a brightness slider to the system tray and works seamlessly with Windows 10 & 11 (Download: Microsoft Store or GitHub)
👉monitorian - Controls multiple displays simultaneously and supports hotkeys (Download: Microsoft Store or GitHub)
DimScreen - Small and portable, no installation required (Download: free online)
For Mac:
👉BetterDisplay - Disables hardware brightness control and uses software control, avoiding PWM
If flickering only occurs in specific applications (e.g. games), try disabling V-Sync or G-Sync/FreeSync from your graphics card settings.
🎯 When is Screen Replacement Necessary?
Sometimes, unfortunately, the problem is not solved. Consider replacement if:
• You have many dead pixels (more than 5-10)
• Flickering does not stop with any solution
• Vertical or horizontal lines appear
• The screen has cracks or physical damage
• The colors are completely wrong
If the screen is under warranty, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer. Many companies have a "zero dead pixel policy" for the first few months and will replace it for free!
🎊 Conclusion
Dead pixels and flickering are annoying problems, but they can often be solved with simple methods! The important thing is to check regularly and react quickly when a problem occurs. Remember: Your screen is your window to the digital world - it's worth keeping it in top condition!
Its creator LoveForTechnology.net — an independent and trusted source for tech guides, tools, software, and practical solutions. Each article is based on personal testing, evidence-based research, and care for the average user. Here, technology is presented simply and clearly.
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