If your monitor flashes when you receive a new email, it’s likely due to notification settings, display driver issues, or hardware problems. Adjust notification settings, update drivers, or check connections to fix it.
Receiving an email is typically a quick and simple notification, but for some users, it can cause an unexpected problem: their monitor flashes every time a new email arrives. This issue can be distracting and frustrating, especially if you are working or gaming.
Fortunately, this problem usually stems from specific settings or hardware issues, and it’s something you can fix without too much hassle. In this article, we will explain the potential causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to stop your monitor from flashing when you get a new email.
Why Does My Monitor Flash When I Receive an Email?
A monitor flashing when you receive an email can be caused by several factors. Understanding these causes will help you figure out how to stop it.
- Notification Settings: Many email clients have visual alert settings that make your screen flash when a new message arrives. This can be helpful in some situations, but annoying in others.
- System Display Settings: Some computers are set up to flash the active window or screen when notifications come in. This is often a built-in feature that can be turned off.
- Display Driver Problems: Outdated or malfunctioning drivers can cause display issues, including unexpected screen flashes.
- External Device Issues: Sometimes, the problem is not with the software or settings, but with your hardware, such as loose cables or defective equipment.
- Accessibility Features: Accessibility settings, like visual alerts for sound, can cause flashing if they are accidentally enabled.
Let’s go through each of these potential causes and explore the solutions to fix them.
Adjusting Notification Settings:
One of the most common reasons for screen flashing is email notifications. By adjusting your settings, you can stop the monitor from flashing when you receive new emails.
Windows Notification Settings
On Windows, you can control whether or not your screen flashes when you receive a new email. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Click on the Start button and then the gear icon to open Settings.
- Navigate to Notifications: Go to System > Notifications & Actions.
- Turn Off Visual Alerts: Scroll down to find your email app (like Microsoft Outlook or Mail). Turn off any settings related to “Visual Alerts” or “Flashing Screen.”
This will stop your monitor from flashing whenever you receive a new email in your inbox.
Mac Notification Settings
For Mac users, you can also adjust the system to prevent screen flashes when emails arrive.
- Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and choose System Preferences.
- Go to Notifications: Select Notifications and scroll through the list of apps to find your email program.
- Disable Alerts: Uncheck the options that mention screen flashing or visual notifications.
By doing this, you can prevent your monitor from flashing when a new email comes in.
Turning Off Email Client-Specific Notifications:
Your email program may have its own settings that cause the monitor to flash when new messages are received. Depending on your client, follow these instructions.
Microsoft Outlook
If you use Outlook, there’s an option to disable flashing notifications.
- Open Outlook: Launch the program and click on File > Options.
- Mail Settings: Under the Mail section, find Message Arrival settings.
- Disable Desktop Alerts: Uncheck Display a Desktop Alert and any other similar options to stop the flash.
Gmail
In Gmail, flashing notifications can also be turned off:
- Go to Gmail Settings: Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select See All Settings.
- Turn Off Desktop Notifications: In the General tab, scroll down to Desktop Notifications and turn them off.
By adjusting these settings, you can stop your monitor from flashing when new emails arrive through your email client.
Also Read: LG 45 Ultragear How To Change Monitor Settings Without Remote – A Simple Guide!
Updating Display Drivers:
Your display drivers are responsible for controlling how your monitor interacts with your computer. Outdated or faulty drivers can cause various issues, including screen flashes. Updating or reinstalling them can help solve the problem.
Updating Display Drivers on Windows
- Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Find Display Adapters: Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Update the Driver: Right-click on your display adapter and select Update Driver. Follow the instructions to download and install the latest version.
Updating Drivers on Mac
On macOS, drivers are updated automatically when the operating system is updated. Follow these steps:
- Check for Updates: Go to System Preferences and click Software Update.
- Install Updates: If there are any updates available, install them. This will ensure your drivers are up-to-date.
Disabling Flashing in System Display Settings:
Both Windows and macOS have built-in features that may cause your monitor to flash in certain situations, such as when receiving notifications. These settings can be turned off to stop the flashing.
Windows Flashing Settings
- Open Ease of Access Settings: Go to Settings > Ease of Access.
- Turn Off Flashing: Scroll down to the Other Options section. Turn off the option that says Flash Active Window or similar.
Mac Flashing Settings
- Open Accessibility Settings: Go to System Preferences > Accessibility.
- Turn Off Visual Alerts: Under the Audio section, uncheck the option to flash the screen when alert sounds occur.
These adjustments will prevent your screen from flashing when you get an email.
Checking Hardware Connections:
Sometimes, the problem isn’t software-related but due to faulty hardware. Loose cables or defective devices can cause screen flickering or flashing.
- Check HDMI or DisplayPort Cables: Make sure your monitor’s cables are securely connected to your computer.
- Try a Different Cable: Sometimes, a bad cable can cause flashing. Try replacing your HDMI or DisplayPort cable to see if that fixes the issue.
- Test on Another Device: Connect your monitor to a different computer to see if the flashing happens there. If it doesn’t, the issue is with your original computer, not the monitor.
Resetting Your Display Settings:
If none of the above solutions work, resetting your display settings might help. Resetting your monitor settings to default will eliminate any accidental changes that may be causing the screen to flash.
Resetting Display Settings on Windows
- Open Display Settings: Right-click on the desktop and choose Display Settings.
- Advanced Display Settings: Scroll down and click Advanced Display Settings.
- Restore Defaults: Click on Display Adapter Properties and restore the settings to default.
Resetting Display Settings on Mac
- Open Displays: Go to System Preferences > Displays.
- Choose Default Settings: Select Default for Display under the resolution settings.
This will reset your display settings and may stop your monitor from flashing when you receive new emails.
FAQ’s:
1. Why does my monitor flash when I receive a new email?
Your monitor may flash due to notification settings, outdated display drivers, or hardware issues. Adjust notification settings and check for driver updates to resolve this problem.
2. How can I stop my monitor from flashing on Windows?
Go to Settings > System > Notifications & Actions, and turn off visual alerts for your email app. Also, check Ease of Access settings to disable flashing for active windows.
3. What should I do if my monitor flashes on a Mac?
Open System Preferences > Notifications and disable visual alerts for your email app. Additionally, check Accessibility settings to turn off visual alerts for sounds.
4. How do I update my display drivers?
On Windows, open Device Manager, find Display Adapters, and select Update Driver. For macOS, check for system updates in System Preferences > Software Update.
5. Could faulty hardware be causing my monitor to flash?
Yes, loose or defective cables can cause monitor flashing. Ensure all cables are securely connected, try a different cable, or test your monitor with another device to rule out hardware issues.
Conclusion:
Monitor flashing when receiving new emails can be distracting, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start by adjusting notification settings on your operating system or email client. If that doesn’t help, update your display drivers or check hardware connections. If the issue persists, resetting display settings to default may resolve the problem. By following these steps, you can eliminate screen flashing and enjoy a smoother computing experience.
