Programs opening scattered?

Dakota 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T17:20:39.7866667+00:00

this is the second program to start opening this way, and it's not a one-time thing. ive given it days, ive restarted the programs, but it's acting like that's just what these prgorams look like now. for krita, i cant open any of the files it shows me, it just stays on that screen. for scarlet hollow, nothing is displayed so i assume i wouldnt be able to press anything. the game has a custom cursor that still shows, though, if that means anything? i dont know what the issue is so i don't know how to fix it !!!

programs were krita (picture one) and scarlet hollow (picture two) (game downloaded from steam)

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Screenshot 2026-09-18 120213

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. Clary-N 16,020 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-19T00:25:05.1066667+00:00

    Hi Dakota,

    Thanks for sharing the screenshots. Since the same visual corruption is appearing in two unrelated programs, I’d like to narrow down whether the issue is coming from the graphics driver or another program running in the background.

    While the problem is visible, please press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and let me know whether Task Manager also appears distorted. If it does, that points more toward the display driver. If Task Manager looks normal, an app or background-software conflict is more likely.

    Could you also confirm:

    • The graphics adapter listed under Device Manager > Display adapters
    • The Windows version and build shown after running winver
    • Whether this began after a Windows or graphics-driver update
    • Whether the corruption appears in any other programs or on another monitor, if available

    As a quick test, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. If the issue started after a recent driver update, open Device Manager > Display adapters, open the graphics adapter’s Properties, and select Driver > Roll Back Driver, then restart the computer.

    If Task Manager looks normal and the issue continues, the next useful step would be testing in a clean boot to rule out interference from another startup program.

    Let me know what you find and I’ll help you narrow down the next step.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-18T17:21:02.3533333+00:00

    That display corruption usually points to an app compatibility or display/graphics issue rather than the programs themselves, especially since it is happening in more than one app.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check for Windows updates
      Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any available updates, then restart.
    2. Update apps
      • If an app came from Microsoft Store, open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
      • If it did not come from Microsoft Store, check the app maker’s site for updates.
    3. Update device drivers through Windows Update
      Older or incompatible drivers can cause apps to flicker, become unresponsive, or display glitches.
    4. Run the compatibility troubleshooter for the affected app
      This is recommended when an app opens but has issues such as flickering windows, unresponsiveness, or glitches.
    5. If the problem is related to scaling or high-DPI behavior
      Some apps do not handle scaling correctly. Check whether the app supports scaling. If it does not, upgrading the app may be necessary. If it does, try changing display scaling in Windows or turning off scaling in the app if that option exists.
    6. For game or app executables showing DPI-related rendering problems
      Locate the app’s .exe file, open Properties > Compatibility, and enable Disable display scaling on high DPI settings, then select Apply and OK. This is recommended only for the specific affected app, not globally.
    7. If one specific app keeps flickering or rendering incorrectly, uninstall and reinstall it
      In Windows, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, then Uninstall. Restart after uninstalling, then reinstall it.

    If the issue started after a Windows update and affects multiple apps with visual corruption like the screenshots, the most relevant supported fixes are updating Windows, updating drivers, checking app updates, and testing compatibility/scaling settings first.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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