Windows 10: Second monitor causes flash a black frame every few seconds also it reverts back to...

Problem: I have a strange issue with my secondary monitor a Dell S2721Q constantly reverting to an incorrect refresh rate which causes it to display a black frame every few seconds. Like clockwork the monitor will flash a black frame or look as though it's shutting off then powering back on. You get a half second of a black screen, then it powers on, then keeps looping that behavior about every ten seconds. This doesn't stop until I do the following...What I do to temporarily fix it: If I go to Settings > Display Properties > Select Advanced Display Settings > Refresh Rate and chang

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Second monitor keeps reverting to the wrong refresh rate which causes it to flash a black frame every few seconds

Problem: I have a strange issue with my secondary monitor (a Dell S2721Q) constantly reverting to an incorrect refresh rate which causes it to display a black frame every few seconds. Like clockwork the monitor will flash a black frame or look as though it's shutting off then powering back on. You get a half second of a black screen, then it powers on, then keeps looping that behavior about every ten seconds. This doesn't stop until I do the following...

What I do to temporarily fix it: If I go to Settings > Display Properties > Select Advanced Display Settings > Refresh Rate and change it from the incorrect 59.997 to 60Hz and accept the changes the monitor breaks the endless blackscreen loop and functions as I'd expect.

What is causing this?: I believe this endless loop begins after my monitors have been powered on after going to sleep. I have a screensaver set to turn on every 15 minutes and the monitors set to shut off after 1 hour. Basically, when I move my mouse, which causes the monitors to wake up, I then notice this issue. If I go to the Advanced Display Settings for that monitor I will see that it is back to 59.997Hz instead of 60Hz.

How can I fix this? I'm not sure if this incorrect refresh rate is causing the endless cycle, or if there is something else happening. I've tried clean installs of new Nvidia Studio Drivers, game drivers, different monitor cables, and different ports on the monitor. It definitely seems to be something with software that is causing the monitor to go off then turn back on endlessly. If I have task manager open it turns off as well, so it seems the monitor is literally shutting off for a half second then turning right back on or the video signal is dropping for a half second or something.

Is there a way to lock in the correct refresh rate? Some registry hack to lock it in?

This is where I'm changing the refresh rate back to the correct 60 Hz setting, and also shows the monitor model and specs. :

 

Second monitor keeps reverting to the wrong refresh rate which causes it to flash a black frame every few seconds

I really appreciate you replying and posting those links. After visiting those sites however, they don't really answer my question or solve my issue.

I have the monitors setup properly and know how to adjust the refresh rates. The issue is that the second monitor is reverting to an improper refresh rate after waking up.

 

second monitor

Hi Pauline,

Some of the advantages of having multiple screens (dual monitor) are it increases your productivity or it allows you to do multitasking. When awaking your PC after putting it to sleep, it will be directed at the sign in page. Normally,
the second monitor will just reflect black screen and the main monitor will reflect the sign in page. After signing in, your second monitor will automatically open if it is turned on.

If the second monitor doesn’t turn on, we recommend that you run the Power troubleshooter by following these steps:

• Click the Start button, then type Control Panel and then press
  Enter.
• Change the View by option on the top-right to Large icons.
• Click on Troubleshooting, and click on the View all option on the left pane.
• Run the Power troubleshooter.

If the issue persists, kindly refer to the resolution provided by
breadbox88 in this
thread and check if it will help you with the issue.

Let us know how it goes.