Troubleshooting Remote Desktop App: Screen Flickers or Shakes (Not Fullscreen)

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss some potential solutions to address screen flickering and shaking issues in the new Remote Desktop app, especially when the app is not in fullscreen mode. These problems can be frustrating and may occur on multiple PCs, making it essential to identify and fix the root cause.

Checking Your Connection

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, ensure that your internet connection is stable. A weak or unstable connection can cause screen flickering and shaking issues. Perform the following checks:

1. Check your internet connection speed using a tool like Speedtest.net.
2. Close unnecessary applications and background processes that might be consuming your bandwidth.

Updating Remote Desktop App

Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Remote Desktop app. Outdated software may contain bugs that can cause screen flickering and shaking issues. Follow these steps to update the app:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Search for "Remote Desktop."
3. Check if there is an update available. If yes, click "Download and install."

Adjusting Display Settings

Sometimes, incorrect display settings can cause screen flickering and shaking issues. Try the following steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings."
2. Click on the "Display adapter properties" for your graphics card.
3. Go to the "Monitor" tab and click "Identify monitors."
4. Make sure that the correct monitor is selected as the primary display.
5. Set the scaling and layout to your preferred settings.

Updating Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incorrect graphics drivers can also cause screen flickering and shaking issues. Update your graphics drivers using the following steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager."
2. Expand the "Display adapters" category.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver."
4. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

Changing Remote Desktop App Settings

Try changing the Remote Desktop app settings to see if it resolves the screen flickering and shaking issues:

1. Open the Remote Desktop app and click on the "Show options" link.
2. Under the "Local Resources" tab, uncheck "Display the local bell, pointer, and keyboard input when Remote Desktop is disconnected."
3. Under the "Experience" tab, try changing the "Display" setting to "Show options" and then select "Scaled (smaller - recommended for displays with a resolution lower than 1024 x 768)."

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If none of the above steps resolved the screen flickering and shaking issues, try the following:

1. Restart your PC.
2. Reinstall the Remote Desktop app.
3. Disable antivirus software temporarily and try using the Remote Desktop app again.
4. Check if the issue occurs in other Remote Desktop clients, like the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app or third-party clients like TeamViewer or AnyDesk.

References

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot the Remote Desktop Connection app
• Windowscentral: How to fix Remote Desktop screen flickering issue in Windows 10