Windows 10 Start Menu Flickering – How To Fix?

Windows 10 was launched quite a while back, and while it brought many new changes like new security features and regular updates, it isn’t perfect. It is plagued with many errors of its own, and one such error is the Start menu flickering error.

Many users have reported that they experience an error where the Windows 10 start menu icons start flickering in a way that makes it hard to scroll through the list and sometimes makes the icons impossible to click. This icon blinking error has been reported by many users after they installed some updates. Here I will discuss how to solve the Windows 10 Start menu flickering error.

Why Am I Seeing This Error?

Before solving the issue, it is better if you know why you may be facing ‘Windows 10 flickering start menu’ error in order to understand your system better and prevent further mishaps.

There are multiple reasons that you may be seeing this error. The error can be caused by outdated graphics drivers or outdated Windows for that matter. If this is the reason you are facing the error, you will see this flickering error in other places too. To run a quick diagnostic test, follow these steps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together to open the Task Manager.

Alternatively, you can launch task manager from the WinX menu by right-clicking on the start button, or from Run (Win + R) dialog typing taskmgr and press Enter.

• Check if the task manager dialog box is flickering as well.

If you see the task manager flickering, there is possibly a conflict between an outdated driver and your hardware. Check Solution 2 and 3 below on how to solve this issue.

If you don’t see the task manager flickering, it is possible that some incompatible app that you recently installed is causing the start menu icons flickering error.

How To Fix: Windows 10 Start Menu Flickering

Now that you have a brief idea about why you may be facing this error, now I will discuss how you can solve the error using the potential fixes given below.

# Solution 1: Run Hardware Troubleshooter

Although Microsoft Windows is filled with errors, they have included an inbuilt troubleshooter that can diagnose and solve most of the recognized errors. You can use the Hardware troubleshooter to pinpoint what exactly is causing the Windows 10 start menu icons flickering on your system.

To launch the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app. You can use the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. From the left pane, select Troubleshoot.

4. Here run the troubleshooters associated with your problem.

The troubleshooter will find and solve the issue with your system on its own.

However, the troubleshooter can be inconsistent, and not find the correct errors and solutions sometimes. If that is the case with you, you can follow the next steps.

# Solution 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Device drivers are a group of files that enable one or more hardware devices to communicate with the system’s operating system. Without proper drivers installed, your computer won’t be able to exchange data properly with the associated hardware.

If you have outdated hardware drivers, that may conflict with the operating system and cause your start menu icons to flicker. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:

1. Boot your computer into safe mode. To do that, press and hold the Shift key, and select Restart from the Start menu power options. Then, click on Troubleshoot => Advanced options => Startup Settings => (use number keys to select your preferred option)

Alternatively, you can read here how to enable legacy boot and press F8 to enter the boot menu.

2. In safe mode, open a Run dialog box by pressing Win + R.
3. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the Device Manager.

4. Here, expand the Display adapters by clicking on the arrow beside it.
5. Right-click on the hardware device, and select Uninstall device.

6. Press OK to confirm.
7. Restart your PC into normal mode.
8. In the search bar, type Update to launch the Windows Update settings.

9. Check for available updates and follow the onscreen instructions to install them.

Windows will automatically search for broken and missing drivers and download and install the latest version. After the update, check if the issue is resolved.

If you want to manually download and install the latest drivers from your manufacturer’s website, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the latest drivers from your manufacturer’s website.
2. Open Device Manager as said above.
3. Expand the device that you want to update the drivers for.
4. Right-click on the hardware device, and select Update Driver.

5. Click on Browse my computer for driver software.

6. Locate the downloaded latest device driver, and follow the onscreen instructions to install the drivers.

# Solution 3: Update Windows

If you missed an update for your Windows 10 operating system, many apps misbehave with outdated OS.

You need to update Windows to its latest build version in order to resolve this issue. To update windows, follow these steps:

1. In the search bar, type Update to launch the Windows Update settings.
2. Check for available updates.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

# Solution 4: Remove Incompatible Applications

If updating your device drivers did not solve your issue, or you did not see the task manager flickering in the diagnostic test, there is an incompatible app that is conflicting with your device OS and causing start menu flickering on Windows 10.

First, update all the installed apps to their latest version to remove any possibility of a conflict due to version mismatch.

Then if the problem still persists, check which application you installed before getting the error. Remove the application from your device and restart your PC. This should solve your error.

Wrapping Up

Windows 10 brings in a lot of new features. Although it is a very good OS, it has its own set of issues. The start menu blinking is one of them. And now you know how to solve the Windows 10 Start menu flickering error using the fixes given above. Do comment below to let us know if you found this post useful, and to discuss further the same.