NVIDIA Game Ready Driver 616.56 is causing display flickering for some users, but a workaround is available
NVIDIA’s latest Game Ready Driver 616.56 appears to be creating display flickering problems for some PC users, particularly on monitors running in 8-bit color mode. The driver was released recently with performance improvements, but reports from users suggest that the update may also introduce an irritating screen flicker issue on certain display setups.
According to user reports, the flickering does not seem to affect every monitor or every system. However, several users have noticed the same pattern: the problem appears most often when the display is set to 8-bit color depth. In many cases, switching the monitor output from 8-bit to 10-bit stops the flickering almost immediately.
NVIDIA has reportedly acknowledged the issue and is already testing a fix. That means affected users may not have to wait too long for a hotfix or a newer driver update that resolves the display flickering bug in Driver 616.56.
For now, the easiest workaround is to change the display color depth to 10-bit if your monitor supports it. This can be done through the NVIDIA App by going to System, then Monitors, and selecting a 10-bit output mode. After applying the change, you can confirm it in Windows 10 or Windows 11 by checking Advanced Display Settings, where the system should show the updated color depth.
If 10-bit color is not available, your monitor may not support it at the current refresh rate. In some cases, lowering the refresh rate may allow the 10-bit option to appear, though this is not guaranteed. Another possible workaround mentioned by users is enabling Windows Auto Color Management, if available on your system.
If none of these solutions work, the safest option is to roll back to the previous NVIDIA Game Ready Driver. Reverting to an older driver should remove the flickering problem until NVIDIA releases an official fix for Driver 616.56.
The issue is frustrating for users who updated expecting better performance, especially since display flickering can make everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation uncomfortable. Still, the good news is that NVIDIA is already investigating the bug, and a driver update should likely arrive soon.
Until then, users experiencing NVIDIA driver 616.56 screen flickering should try switching from 8-bit to 10-bit color, adjust refresh rate settings if needed, or temporarily return to the previous stable driver.
