In this article, we will explore several methods to fix the issue of cursor flickering on the primary display when fractional scaling is enabled on Ubuntu 20.04. This issue often arises when using dual monitors.
To fix cursor flickering on the primary display with fractional scaling on Ubuntu 20.04, you can try adjusting the scaling value in the display settings or using the xrandr command-line tool to configure the screens. Additionally, the BetterScale project provides a solution for users with specific hardware. Installing the correct graphics card driver may also help resolve the issue.
Overview
Fractional scaling is a feature that allows you to increase or decrease the size of on-screen content without changing the screen resolution. This is particularly useful when using a high-resolution monitor. However, when fractional scaling is enabled on Ubuntu 20.04, some users have reported experiencing cursor flickering on their primary display. This can be quite distracting and hinder productivity.
Method 1: Adjusting the Scaling Value
One of the simplest workarounds is to adjust the scaling value. By default, Ubuntu may set the scaling to 200%, but changing this to a different value such as 175% or 150% can often resolve the flickering issue.
You can do this by navigating to Settings > Displays > Scale, and adjusting the value accordingly.
Method 2: Using xrandr to Configure the Screens
Another method to fix this issue is by using xrandr, a command-line tool used for setting the screen size, orientation, and/or reflection.
You can create a script that modifies one display to use fractional scaling while the primary display does not scale. This script can be customized according to individual needs.
To fix the mouse flickering bug, you can set the non-scaled display to scale at 0.9999×0.9999 using the xrandr command. This command works by setting the size of the output to a fraction of the original.
Here is an example of how this command might look:
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --scale 0.9999x0.9999In this command, --output HDMI-1 specifies the output display, and --scale 0.9999x0.9999 sets the scaling factor for the x and y axes.
Method 3: Using the BetterScale Project
For users with a Dell Inspiron 16 with a GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile / Max-Q GPU, the BetterScale project can be used. This project provides a step-by-step guide to resolve the flickering problem caused by fractional scaling. You can find more information about the BetterScale project here.
Method 4: Installing the Graphics Card Driver
Installing the correct driver for your graphics card can also help resolve the cursor flickering issue. For instance, if you are using a Dell 4k display, you might need to install a specific driver for this display.
You can do this by navigating to Software & Updates > Additional Drivers, and selecting the recommended driver.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored several methods to resolve the cursor flickering issue when fractional scaling is enabled on Ubuntu 20.04. These include adjusting the scaling value, using xrandr to configure screens, utilizing the BetterScale project, and installing the appropriate graphics card driver.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to backup your system before making any significant changes. If one method doesn’t work for you, don’t be discouraged. Try another method and you might find the solution that works for your system.
To enable fractional scaling on Ubuntu 20.04, you can navigate to Settings > Displays > Scale and adjust the scaling value to your desired level.
Cursor flickering refers to the issue where the cursor on the screen appears to flicker or blink rapidly, making it difficult to use and causing distraction.
Cursor flickering can occur when fractional scaling is enabled due to compatibility issues between the display drivers and the operating system. It can also be caused by incorrect scaling values or conflicts between multiple displays.
Yes, adjusting the scaling value can often resolve the cursor flickering issue. By changing the scaling value to a different percentage, such as 175% or 150%, you may be able to mitigate the flickering problem.
Using xrandr allows you to configure the screens and set specific scaling values for each display. By setting the non-scaled display to a slightly smaller scaling factor, such as 0.9999×0.9999, you can often eliminate the cursor flickering problem.
The BetterScale project is a project specifically designed to address the cursor flickering problem caused by fractional scaling on Dell Inspiron 16 with a GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile / Max-Q GPU. It provides a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue, which can be found on their GitHub page.
Installing the correct graphics card driver can help resolve compatibility issues and improve the overall performance of the graphics card. It can also provide better support for fractional scaling, which may help eliminate the cursor flickering problem.
If none of the methods mentioned in the article work for you, you can try reaching out to the Ubuntu community forums or seeking assistance from technical support. They may be able to provide additional guidance or suggest alternative solutions for your specific setup.
