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HP PCs - Blinking or Flashing Screen After Upgrading to Windows 10

Step 1: Prepare the computer with a hard reset
Step 2: Make sure Windows is updated

Step 3: Uninstall the Norton antivirus (if installed)

Step 4: Update the chipset and graphics drivers

System recovery or Go Back

This document applies to all HP and Compaq computers upgraded to Windows 10.

After the Windows 10 upgrade is completed, the screen will blink or flash on the Windows desktop.

To resolve this issue, prepare the computer by doing a hard reset on a notebook computer or restarting a desktop computer. The instruction are in
the next section.

Proceed through the steps in order.

Step 1: Prepare the computer with a hard reset

The first step is to prepare the computer. See the appropriate instructions below for your type of computer.

Notebook computers: Perform a hard reset using the instruction for your notebook, whether it has a removable battery or a fixed, non-
removable battery.

Desktop computers: Restart the computer using the instructions below.

Hard reset a notebook with removable battery

Hard reset a notebook with a sealed or non-removable battery

NOTE:

You should not attempt to remove a sealed battery. Doing so can void your warranty.

This video shows how to reset a notebook with a sealed battery

 View this video on YouTube.

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station.

3. Disconnect all external connected peripheral devices such as USB storage devices, external displays, and printers.

4. Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

5. If your notebook is listed in the table, use the instructions specific to your computer. For all other notebooks, press and hold the Power
button for 8-10 seconds.

NOTE:

The designated button combination varies by model and production date. If your computer is not listed below, refer to the User Guide
for your specific model for the proper button combination.

Common Model Name Typically Designated Button Combination

HP Envy 17 2D and 3D Press and hold the Power and the Beats buttons for 8-10 seconds.

HP Envy 15-3000 series Press and hold the Power and the Beats buttons for 8-10 seconds.

HP Envy 14 SPECTRE Press and hold the Power and the Mute (on the right side of the palm rest) buttons for 8-10 seconds.

6. Plug the AC adapter back into the computer, but do not connect any of the peripheral devices.

7. Press the Power button to turn on the computer.

8. If a startup menu opens, use the arrow keys to select Start Windows Normally, and then press the Enter key.

Proceed to Step 2: Run Windows Update

Restarting a desktop computer

Step 2: Make sure Windows is updated
After doing a hard reset on the notebook or restarting the desktop computer as described in Step 1, it is necessary to make sure Windows has the
most recent updates.

Run Windows Update

1. In Windows 10, search for and open Windows Update.

2. On the Settings Update and Security screen, click Windows Update.

3. Follow any on-screen instructions.

After running Windows Update, proceed to Step 3: Uninstall the Norton antivirus (if installed).

Step 3: Uninstall the Norton antivirus (if installed)

To fix the flickering screen, download the Norton tool. After downloading it, start the computer in Safe mode, then run the fix tool. After running
the fix tool, restart the computer in normal mode.

Download the fix tool

Use the following instructions to download and run the fix tool from Norton.

Download the fix tool and save it to the Windows desktop.

Start the computer in safe mode

1. Exit all programs.

2. Search for and open Task Manager.

3. Click File, and then click Run new task.

Figure 1: Task Manager

4. In the Open field, type msconfig and click OK.

Figure 2: Open field

 If the User Account Control window is displayed, click Yes or Continue.

5. In the System Configuration window, select the boot tab and then check Safe Boot and Network, and then click OK.

Figure 3: System Configuration

6. Click Restart when asked.

The computer starts in safe mode with networking.

Run the fix tool

After restarting the computer in safe mode, run the fix tool previously downloaded and saved to your desktop.

1. On your desktop, right-click the Screen_Fix.exe file, and click Run as administrator. By running the tool, you accept the Usage
Agreement. Press and hold the Power button until the computer turns off completely.

2. If the User Account Control window appears, click Yes or Continue.

The tool runs in the background and you may notice a screen appearing for a split second.

3. Restart your computer in normal mode.

Restart the computer in normal mode

1. Exit all programs.

2. Search for and open the Run dialog box.

3. In the Open field, type msconfig, and then click OK.

 If the User Account Control window is displayed, click Yes or Continue.

4. In the System Configuration window, select the boot tab and uncheck Safe Boot.

Figure 4: System Configuration

5. Click OK.

6. When prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

Step 4: Update the chipset and graphics drivers

Refer to Downloading or Updating Software and Drivers for HP Computers for detailed instruction to update the drivers.

System recovery or Go Back

If after upgrading to Windows 10 you have decided that the experience does not meet your expectation, there are a few ways to revert back to the
operating system you upgraded from. Please refer to the section Can I revert back to my previous operating system? in this HP support
document: Where Do I Find Windows 10 Drivers and Software for My Model?. Read each item carefully before determining your recovery option as
the condition of your operating system and data will vary based on your selection.

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