Laptop Screen and Monitors Flicker When AC Adapter Unplugged

Summary: When switching to discrete mode and connecting multiple external Thunderbolt monitors, unplugging the AC adapter causes the screens to flicker for 4 to 15 seconds.

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Symptoms

Flickering on laptop screen and external monitors for 4 to 15 seconds after disconnecting the AC adapter. This occurs when two or three Thunderbolt monitors are connected in a daisy chain and the computer is in discrete mode where hybrid mode is disabled in the BIOS.

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250
  • Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250

Cause

NVIDIA display output compatibility causes the flicking issue.

Resolution

Updating to driver version 32.0.15.7297, A02 or later on the computer resolves the issue. To download and install the driver, refer to How to Download and Install Dell Drivers and Firmware.

Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250
Article Properties
Article Number: 000308086
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 15 Sep 2025
Version:  3
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