Experiencing annoying screen artifacts or flickering while browsing with Google Chrome on Windows 10? You're not alone. Many users have reported similar issues, often describing them as "jittery artifacts" that cause text or parts of the screen to jump around, especially when scrolling through media-rich websites like Twitter.
This article dives into the potential causes and troubleshooting steps to resolve these visual glitches, aiming to restore a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience.
"Artifacts," in this context, refer to visual distortions or anomalies that appear on your screen. In Chrome, these can manifest as flickering, lines, strange color patterns, or distorted images. They often occur when the browser struggles to render content correctly, particularly when dealing with dynamic elements like auto-playing videos or rapidly scrolling pages.
Several factors can contribute to these visual glitches:
Here's a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving Chrome artifact and flickering issues on Windows 10:
1. Disable Hardware Acceleration
This is often the first and simplest solution to try.
chrome://settings/system in your Chrome address bar.While disabling hardware acceleration might eliminate the artifacts, it could make browsing feel slower. If this happens, consider exploring other solutions and re-enabling it if none of the other fixes work.
2. Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility.
3. Disable Conflicting Chrome Extensions
chrome://extensions/ in your Chrome address bar.4. Reset Chrome Settings
chrome://settings/reset in your Chrome address bar.This will disable extensions and clear temporary data, potentially resolving conflicts.
5. Clear Chrome's Cache and Data
chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in your Chrome address bar.6. Update Windows 10
7. Try Chrome Canary
Chrome Canary is a developer build of Chrome. It may contain fixes that haven't yet been released to the stable version. Be aware that Canary builds can be unstable.
8. Check for Malware
Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program. Malware can sometimes interfere with browser functionality.
9. System File Checker (SFC) Scan
sfc /scannow and press Enter.This will scan for and repair corrupted system files.
If you've tried all the above steps and the artifacts and flickering continue, the issue might be more complex. It could be related to a hardware problem (e.g., a failing graphics card) or a deeper software conflict. Consider seeking further assistance from online forums or technical support for more specialized troubleshooting.
Chrome artifacts and flickering can be frustrating, but by systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the underlying cause. Remember to keep your drivers updated, manage your extensions, and maintain a clean browsing environment for a smoother, artifact-free Chrome experience.
