Laptop Screen Flicker When Charging? The Hidden Windows HDR Setting Responsible

For many users of modern Windows laptops, plugging in or unplugging the charging adapter triggers a frustrating momentary blackout or flicker. While often mistaken for a hardware fault or driver error, this phenomenon is actually a deliberate software behavior linked to Windows 11’s power-saving management of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and color bit depth.

The Symptom: Why the Screen Goes Black

Owners of high-end laptops equipped with HDR-capable displays – such as those running recent Intel Arc graphics – often report that their screen turns black for 1–2 seconds immediately after connecting or disconnecting the power cable.

This is not a traditional “flicker” caused by a loose cable. Instead, it is a complete signal reset. The graphics processing unit (GPU) momentarily cuts the video signal to the internal display to renegotiate the data bandwidth and format. The root cause lies in how Windows handles color depth transitions to preserve battery life.

The Technical Cause: 8-bit vs. 10-bit Color Handshakes

The flickering occurs because the laptop is switching between two distinct color modes:

• 10-bit Color (HDR): Required for High Dynamic Range content, offering over 1 billion colors. It requires significant data bandwidth and higher power consumption.
• 8-bit Color (SDR): The standard for non-HDR content, offering roughly 16.7 million colors. It is more power-efficient.

When a laptop is plugged into AC power, Windows prioritizes visual fidelity, enabling HDR and switching the signal to 10-bit. When the charger is unplugged, Windows automatically disables HDR to save energy, downgrading the signal to 8-bit.

This switch forces the GPU to perform a “handshake” with the display panel. The black screen represents the brief moment where the display controller stops the 10-bit stream and starts the 8-bit stream (or vice versa).

Technical Breakdown of the Signal Switch

How to Fix the Charging Screen Flicker

To stop the screen from going black when moving between battery and power, users must prevent the system from switching modes. This can be achieved in two ways via the Windows System > Display settings.

Solution 1: Disable HDR Completely (Battery Friendly)

The simplest fix, as confirmed by user troubleshooting, is to turn off HDR entirely.

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Display > HDR.
2. Toggle Use HDR to Off.

Result: The laptop will remain in 8-bit SDR mode regardless of power source, eliminating the need for the GPU to switch signal formats.

Solution 2: Force HDR On Battery (Quality Focused)

For users who require color accuracy for creative work or media consumption, HDR can be forced to stay on even when unplugged.

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Display > HDR.
2. Expand the Battery options.
3. Uncheck the box labeled “Turn off HDR when running on battery” (or select “Optimize for image quality”).

Result: The laptop will maintain a 10-bit HDR signal constantly. While this stops the flickering, it will significantly increase battery drain.

The momentary black screen experienced when charging a laptop is a functional feature of modern Windows power management, not a bug. It signifies a transition between power-saving 8-bit color and high-fidelity 10-bit HDR. By understanding this relationship, users can choose to either lock their settings to SDR for stability or force HDR for quality, effectively eliminating the distracting flicker.

Tags: Laptop screen flicker when charging, Windows 11 HDR settings, 10-bit vs 8-bit color, Intel Arc graphics display issues, fix laptop black screen, display power management, Windows troubleshooting