Some programs (Powerpoint, Windows Settings) Cause Flicker

WizardOfBoz · 17 Jan 2019

Windows Pro 10, Version 10.0.17134 Build 17134
Lenovo Thinkpad W530 in Docking Station
NVidia Quadro K2000M
NVidia driver v 24.21.13.9836
Dell U2717D Flatscreen connected to docking station
Dell U2717D (DP) driver v 1.0.0.0
Running the laptop screen simultaneously

Computer starts normally and generally runs normally. But if I open Powerpoint or the "Windows Settings" app, I get very strange behavior. I'll use the word "focus" to indicate what happens when you click on a window: you changed the focus to that window. If the offending program is on my laptop screen and I click on it to change focus, or click elsewhere to change focus from it to another app, behavior is fine. But if the offending program's window is on my flat screen, changing focus to or from that program causes the screen to flicker: it blacks out and returns immediately.

I'm thinking that its a driver issue, probably the nvidia driver. Anyone else ever experience this?

Thx,

Boz

WizardOfBoz · 17 Jan 2019

Update: Now Version 10.0.17763 Build 17763

Of course I want to solve this problem, but still would be curious: What critical differences in the video programing cause Powerpoint and System Settings to flicker, but don't affect Excel, Outlook, any of the common browsers, etc.?

WizardOfBoz · 22 Mar 2020

Bump, but also want to ask: Would NVidia Optimus cause this flicker when it shifts from integrated to discrete graphics? Do certain programs automatically trigger Optimus discrete mode?

Berton · 22 Mar 2020

Didn't see this post from over a year ago but Yes, any change in the video/graphics setup can cause issues. I've not seen it on my computers but a couple of clients did, basically their machines were a bit "too good" for what they really needed, weren't using dual monitors and didn't need the dual graphic setup, just an irritant.

Problem that has me thinking is a Dell XPS 17" Notebook, do something wrong and I get a scrolling screen shadow on it which usually stops if I hit it on the edge of the case, trying to decide whether to spend time taking it apart to look for a loose connection, replace the LED panel or just trash it [right now have no cost in it].