W11 Blog 005 | Display problems

It’s been a while since I updated the Windows 11 mini-series! What have I discovered about Windows 11 since the last time I posted about this?

Previously I wrote about ensuring you’re using the right hardware to run Windows 11, and you shouldn’t fudge things to achieve this, either use the right hardware or get the right hardware in place.

For my main office computer at Lucid Towers, this meant I needed to replace it sadly. My workhorse of a computer uses a 7th Generation Intel Processor, which isn’t compatible with Windows 11.

I purchased a replacement (refurbished) computer, which was the “big brother” of my existing HP Business computer, which ticked all the boxes for Windows 11 compatibility, and conveniently came pre-installed with it also.

I have to confess it sat in the office for a couple of months, as I use my office computer daily, I found it hard to find the time to make the switch.

Having found that elusive time, I got it all set up in the way I wanted it, and off I went.

So, having used it daily, for work purposes, what are my impressions, thoughts and problems:

It looks great!

Ok, so isn’t a technical thing, but it does look great. I think it looks cool, fresh and modern. When I go back to using Windows 10 on my laptop (soon to be upgraded!), I now think Windows 10 looks dated, which is not something I thought I would say.

I like the cleanliness of it, and I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the centralised Windows button.

Speed and productivity

Now, I appreciate hardware is a factor here, and that I use a decent spec of computer. The experience of Windows 11 is quick. I like the quick boot times, I like the “snappiness” of the Windows and Programs loading. The speed, in turn, makes it a more productive experience for me. Anything which makes me work a little quicker, or increases my productivity is a good thing.

Screen/monitor problems whilst using video

Ok, so now on to the only problem I have using Windows 11. I like YouTube. I use it for research, self-help and simply listening to music. The problem I have using Windows 11, is that randomly whilst landing on the YouTube homepage, or clicking on a video to watch, my screen will go black (like it has turned off for a split second) and be completely fine again within one second. It’s a small thing, but with it happening a few times a day, it’s annoying!

Yes, I’m a techie, and yes I should be able to easily resolve this problem, but through a combination of time, and having tried a few things, it remains unsolved. What I have tried to far is:

• Installing VLC Media player, on the basis this will update all things Codec related
• Updating my Intel display drivers to the latest ones I could find directly from Intel
• Updating my Chipset drivers (and anything else it picked up) via the HP Support Assistant software
• Switched to the other Display Port on my computer (just to rule out hardware)

These things so far, still leave me with the problem. And to be clear, my screen isn’t the problem, it works fine with any other Operating System.

With this in mind, whilst I’m happy to recommend Windows 11, certainly on computers where it is preinstalled from new, I’m still slightly hesitant about recommending the upgrade to people with a fully working Windows 10 installation.

If one of our customers had the screen issue I have, they wouldn’t be annoyed and frustrated, and I think just to get them sorted we would have well rolled back to Windows 10.

I plan on “living with it” for now, and hopefully having some time to spend on this at some point over the next few weeks to maybe reach a resolution.

If anyone reading this has a recommendation or simply knows the solution, please reach out to me using blog@lucidcomputersolutions.co.uk 

Gavin Moorhouse is the owner of Lucid Computer Solutions, an IT Support provider and Microsoft Partner, based in Worcestershire. They like Windows 11 (mostly).