Animation stuttering

Leave Intel Display Power Saving Technology → Power Efficiency at 6/default for now; the stutter’s repeatable dependence on that Intel setting makes this the most specific workaround, while Microsoft does not currently list this symptom as a known Windows 11 26H2 issue.^1^

The fact that opening Intel Graphics Software or Services immediately ends an episode suggests a graphics software or power-state interaction, but it does not establish whether the Intel driver, Intel Graphics software, or Windows is responsible.

Recommended sequence

1. Keep Power Efficiency at 6/default, restart Windows, and test for several hours under the same battery/AC conditions.
   • Do not change Windows power mode simultaneously; otherwise, the result will be ambiguous.
   • If the stuttering stops, retain this setting and report the value-1 behavior to both the PC manufacturer and Intel.
2. Check whether Windows is actually changing refresh behavior during an episode:
   • Open Settings → System → Display → Advanced display.
   • Select the affected display and note the displayed refresh rate.
   • If Dynamic refresh rate is available and enabled, turn it off temporarily and test again. Windows 11 DRR can automatically adjust refresh rate according to activity; the option is available only on supported hardware.^2^
   • If the reported rate remains normal while only the cursor and desktop scrolling stutter, the problem is more likely in frame presentation or the graphics driver than the panel actually switching to 15–20 Hz.

If it returns at the default setting

Use the graphics driver supplied by the laptop or PC manufacturer first, because it may contain model-specific display and power customizations.

If the problem began immediately after a graphics-driver update:

1. Search for and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click the Intel adapter → Properties → Driver.
4. Select Roll Back Driver → Yes.
5. Restart and test.

If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, Windows has no previous package available; proceed with a clean reinstall instead.^3^

For a clean reinstall:

1. Download the correct graphics package from the PC manufacturer before removing anything.
2. Open Device Manager → Display adapters.
3. Right-click the Intel adapter → Properties → Driver → Uninstall Device.
4. Select Attempt to remove the driver for this device, if shown, and choose OK.
5. Restart Windows.
6. Install the previously downloaded manufacturer package and restart again.^3^

This removal temporarily falls back to a basic/default display driver, so the resolution or refresh rate may change until installation completes.

Reporting the issue

If value 1 consistently triggers the problem after reinstalling the manufacturer’s driver, submit a report through Feedback Hub and include:

• Exact PC model and Intel GPU
• Windows version and build from winver
• Intel graphics driver version
• Battery versus AC-power state
• Display refresh rate and whether DRR is enabled
• Reproduction sequence: set efficiency to 1, wait for stutter, then open Intel Graphics Software
• A short screen recording, if the stutter is visible in it

Microsoft recommends Feedback Hub when display troubleshooting does not resolve the problem and asks for reproducible steps and supporting details.^4^

References

1. Windows 11, version 26H2 known issues and notifications
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/display-graphics/change-the-refresh-rate-on-your-monitor-in-windows#to-change-the-refresh-rate)
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/display-graphics/troubleshoot-screen-flickering-in-windows#fix-your-display-driver)
4. Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows | Microsoft Support