pc playing movies is glitching disorted

Reset the graphics driver first by pressing Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B, then replay a movie or TikTok video to see whether the distortion stops.^1^

The screen may blink and you may hear a beep when the driver resets. This does not delete files or settings.

If it still happens

1. Determine whether this affects Windows or only one app
   • Play a video in two different places, such as your browser and the Windows Media Player or Media Player app.
   • If only one app is affected, update that app. If necessary, reinstall it.
   • If every video source is affected, continue below.
2. Check whether the display driver is involved
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager while the distortion is happening.
   • If Task Manager also flickers or becomes distorted, Microsoft indicates that the display driver is probably responsible.
   • If Task Manager remains normal while the video or rest of the screen glitches, an incompatible app is more likely.^1^
3. Update the graphics driver
   • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
   • Expand Display adapters.
   • Right-click the listed Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA adapter.
   • Select Update driver.
   • Restart the PC and test playback again.
   Also check driver updates through Windows:
   • Windows 11: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates
   • Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View optional updates
   Install any applicable display-driver update and restart.^2^
4. If the problem began immediately after an update, roll back instead
   • Open Device Manager → Display adapters.
   • Right-click the graphics adapter and select Properties.
   • Open Driver → Roll Back Driver → Yes.
   • Restart the PC.
   This requires administrator access. If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, Windows does not have an earlier driver stored.^1^

Check playback and monitor settings

Open Start → Settings → Apps → Video playback and test the available playback-processing options. These settings apply to apps that use Windows’ built-in video platform.^3^

If you use two or more monitors, set them to the same refresh rate. Different refresh rates can cause video to stall, repeatedly start and stop, or otherwise malfunction, including with wirelessly connected displays.^3^

If you are casting through a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, also test with the PC closer to the adapter and away from possible radio interference. Avoid an HDMI-to-VGA converter because it can weaken the video signal and distort the image.^4^

Check whether the PC is overloaded

During video playback, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open Processes:

• Sort by CPU, Memory, and Disk.
• Close only applications you recognize and are not using.
• Check whether any resource remains near 100% while the glitch occurs.

Windows also recommends reviewing Performance and Startup apps in Task Manager to identify heavy background processes.^2^

Finally, open the Get Help app, search for Video playback troubleshooter, and follow its diagnostic steps.^5^

If none of these changes help, note whether the distortion appears in a screenshot or screen recording. If the recording is clean but the physical screen is distorted, that points toward the monitor, cable, or display connection rather than the video itself.

References

1. Windows 10
2. Windows 10
3. Video playback settings in Windows | Microsoft Support
4. Windows 10
5. Windows troubleshooters | Microsoft Support