Have you replaced your laptop screen only to find the new display is glitching?
Replacement laptop display issues can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt your workflow or entertainment. Recently, one of our customers experienced a persistent display glitch that appeared even after multiple troubleshooting attempts.
We knew it was a driver issue because the glitch did not happen in SAFE MODE but the customer was unable to remove the drivers completely as Windows Update insisted on putting them straight back on the next reboot.
After working together, we found the solution: disabling a feature called Adaptive Luminosity. This blog will walk you through the issue, how it was resolved, and steps to follow if you encounter a similar problem.
The Problem: Persistent Display Glitches
Our customer, Girard, contacted us about a recurring display glitch on his laptop. The issue was particularly strange:
The glitch would disappear when playing a YouTube video but reappear under normal usage.
Even after reinstalling display drivers and testing in Safe Mode, the glitch returned whenever Windows installed a new display driver via Windows Update.
Initially, it seemed like a driver issue, and our support team suggested:
Rebooting the laptop in Safe Mode to test if the problem persisted.
Uninstalling the current display drivers.
Letting Windows Plug and Play detect and install a fresh driver automatically.
This approach temporarily fixed the problem, but Windows Update reinstalled a newer driver that reintroduced the glitch. The problem wasn’t just the driver — there was something deeper causing the display issue.
The Discovery: Adaptive Luminosity
Girard decided to dig a bit deeper and found the culprit: Adaptive Luminosity. This feature, part of the Intel Graphics Control Panel, automatically adjusts screen brightness based on surrounding light or on-screen content. While this feature is designed to enhance your viewing experience, it sometimes causes glitches or conflicts with certain hardware - and it had issues with his new display.
By disabling Adaptive Luminosity in the Intel Graphics Control Panel, the display glitch disappeared entirely, even after Windows installed new drivers. Problem solved!
What Is Adaptive Luminosity?
Adaptive Luminosity, also called Adaptive Brightness, adjusts your screen brightness automatically to optimize visibility and save energy. For example:
In a dimly lit room, it reduces brightness to avoid eye strain.
In bright environments, it increases brightness for better clarity.
While useful in theory, this feature can sometimes create issues such as:
Flickering or uneven brightness adjustments.
Conflicts with video playback software (e.g., YouTube or media players).
Driver compatibility issues, especially with Intel Graphics drivers.
How to Disable Adaptive Luminosity
If you’re experiencing similar display glitches, disabling Adaptive Luminosity might solve the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the Intel Graphics Control Panel
Right-click on your desktop and select Intel Graphics Settings or Intel Graphics Command Center.
Alternatively, search for "Intel Graphics" in the Windows Start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings
Once the Intel Graphics Control Panel is open, look for the Display section.
Depending on your version of the software, you might find this under a tab labeled Power, Display Settings, or similar.
Step 3: Locate and Disable Adaptive Luminosity
Look for options such as Adaptive Brightness, Display Power Savings, or Power Efficiency.
Toggle these settings off.
Save your changes.
Step 4: Restart Your Laptop
How to Prevent Windows Update from Reinstalling Problematic Drivers
If Windows Update reinstalls a driver that causes problems, you can block it from doing so. Follow these steps:
Option 1: Use the “Show or Hide Updates” Troubleshooter
Download Microsoft’s Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter from their website.
Run the tool and select the problematic driver from the list.
Block the driver from being reinstalled.
Option 2: Disable Automatic Driver Updates
Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > System.
Click Advanced System Settings on the left.
Under the Hardware tab, click Device Installation Settings.
Choose “No” to prevent Windows from downloading drivers automatically.
The Result: A Happy Customer
After disabling Adaptive Luminosity, Girard’s laptop ran perfectly without any glitches. By sharing this solution, we hope others facing similar issues can save time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
Display glitches can sometimes be caused by features like Adaptive Luminosity rather than hardware faults.
Disabling this feature in the Intel Graphics Control Panel can resolve the problem.
To prevent recurring issues, block problematic drivers from being automatically installed via Windows Update.
If you’re facing display glitches on your laptop, give this solution a try.
