Same issue here. I bought an AW 15R4 around a month ago. After like a week, the screen got really dim when the laptop was running on battery power, charging the laptop makes the screen light back up again. I have checked my drivers and they are all up to date. Sometimes the screen remains lit when its on battery power, but turns dim again when the battery level sinks below 90% ish. Sometimes, the display doesn't even become bright when I plug it in and I would have to bear with the low brightness of the screen while gaming. I honestly have no idea if this is a software issue or hardware, but I think something could be wrong with the display panel or with something in that region as there is a little gap between the bezel and the lcd screen in my Alienware and I can see light coming out of it.

Hi @nwd45876, @Xenove,

Here are the steps you can both try:

1. install latest BIOS
2. install latest video driver from Dell
3. if not possible, install all windows updates
4. change to high performance power options, even on battery.
5. adjust the brightness manually using the keyboard.
6. if all else fails: reinstall Windows.

I have the exact same issue on the same unit. I bought my laptop a month ago. It was okay on the first 10 use. I havent been playing a lot since i bought it but when i played dota 2 today my screen brightness started flickering from like 0% to 100% out of nowhere but my screen brightness is on 100% at all times. Most of the time it stays on full dim and itll light up again for a couple of secs then goes dim with flickery effect. I also notice that even booting the computer up on the Alienware title screen it still on dim with the flickery effect. I suppose its a hardware issue? What am i suppose to do? Should i send it to dell for them to fix? Im really frustrated right now im really afraid ill be stuck on a 1500$ broken pc :(

Hi @RayNikko14,

Send me a PM with the Service Tag so I can review your case. 

I am having the same issue. I bought this laptop on 10 September. Just few days after it starts flickering. Now it turns completely 0% brightness. I even did not install any game. I have installed all updated drivers, bios. But nothing works. Don't know what to do. Really disappointed :( 

I've also encountered the same problem on my Alienware 15 R4. 

My Alienware 15R4 that I’ve bought last October give me the same issue.

it dim to very dark and start to flicker.

i don’t know what to do, it happen more often when I’m on battery and I’ve tried everything.

i wonder if is the windows latest update that cause it.

i really love this laptop but it start to give me too many issue (overheating too, with temp that goes up to 100c!)I think this will be the last one if this problem doesn’t have a fix.

if anyone have the solution please post here!

I have the same problem. On battery screen will flicker and then backlight will turn off.  When I reset the system the alienware logo is still dark (proving its not windows).

I sent a private message about it with the service tag after I created an account just now, but then it said I sent to many private messages? I dont think you got it. Please reply or message me.

I even tried the above power options thing but I still have the issue (unless i did not do it correctly)

This recommendation:

4. change to high performance power options, even on battery.

Will make the system nosier and run hotter.  Not what I want my system doing. I have done all other items mentioned and the screen is still flickering on my new m15 when I move the courser around! This is with a fully charged battery and power supply connected.