The other day, I noticed a “Yellow border” around the screen on my Windows laptop. At first, I thought it was just a minor glitch and hence would go away on its own. However, when the peculiar border didn’t seem to disappear, I decided to look for ways to get rid of it. Thankfully, I was able to discover a few valid reasons why it shows up in the first place and also find some workable tips to fix the yellow border around the screen in Windows 11. Read on…
Fix the Yellow Border Around the Screen in Windows 11 24H2
So, what causes the screen to display a yellow border on a PC? One of the main reasons why it crops up is the updated “Capture API” that displays a yellow border around the screen in order to make it a bit more convenient for users to find out when their screen is being captured. For times when a shady app might try to secretly snap the screen, this new add-on will help nab the culprit.
Apart from this security feature, there could be a variety of other reasons as well. For instance, the outdated software might be acting weirdly, or the ill-functioning graphics driver might be behaving abnormally which could be triggering the problem. That aside, some unwanted settings could also be playing their part by keeping you in the dark.
1. Ensure That the “Accent Color Borders” are Disabled on Your PC
To begin with, I would first recommend you get rid of the “Accent color borders” that display a border around the running applications for a more personalized experience. This border could look quite striking if you have set up a yellow-themed wallpaper.
- Simply, press Windows + I to bring up the Settings app on your PC -> head into the Personalization tab, and choose the Colors option.
- Now, ensure that the Accent color is set to manual.
- After that, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and make sure that the toggles next to Show accent color on title bars and windows borders and Show accent color on Start and Taskbar are disabled.
2. Reboot Your Computer
Believe it or not, rebooting has been a savior for ages – on all platforms. Therefore, you should give a chance to this mighty effective yet pretty simple troubleshooter at the very beginning. The reason why I’m counting on it to come good and resolve this Windows problem is because it has the knack for flushing out temporary files and minor software glitches.
3. Stop Snipping Tool from Automatically Adding Border to Each Screenshot
Ensure that the “Snipping Tool” is not allowed to add a border to each of the screenshot you capture on your Windows device.
- First off, launch the Windows search (or press the Press the Windows + S shortcut to bring up the Search) -> search for the Snipping Tool -> hit the Snipping Tool app to launch it.
- Now, hit the triple-dot icon at the top-right and choose Settings.
- Next, make sure that the “Add border to each screenshot” is disabled.
4. Force-Close the Snipping Tool App
If the Snipping Tool still adds border to each screenshot you snap on your device, try force quitting the Snipping Tool app.
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut to bring up Task Manager -> select SnippingTool.exe program in the left sidebar.
- After that, hit “End task” and the top and confirm.
5. Turn OFF Color Filters
As an Accessibility feature, “Color Filters” has long been a great asset for folks who have color vision deficiencies. If this noted Accessibility feature is active on your Windows device, it might be invoking the problem.
- To get it done, press the Win+I shortcut to launch the Settings app -> Accessibility -> Color filters and turn it off.
6. Update the Problematic Apps
If you see the yellow border around your Windows device’s screen only when specific apps are open, the problem could be associated with those apps.
- On your PC, launch the Microsoft Store -> Library tab in the sidebar -> After that, update all the apps.
7. Reinstall the Problematic Apps
If the yellow border issue continues to show up when you are using specific apps on your PC, reinstall those apps.
- Open the Settings app on your computer -> Apps -> Installed Apps -> Head over to a specific, click on the triple-dot icon right next to it -> Uninstall and confirm.
8. Make Sure Contrast Themes are Disabled in Windows 11
Making the best use of a small palette of colors equipped with a contrast ratio of at least 7:1, Contrast Themes ensure that the UI appears much easier to the eyes. This visual Accessibility feature not only enhances readability but also reduces eye strain. For now, I would recommend turning off Contrast Themes as the yellow border around your PC’s screen might be due to the activation of this noted Accessibility feature.
- To do so, dive into the Settings app on your computer -> Accessibility -> Now, hit the drop-down menu next to Contrast themes -> choose None.
- In the end, make sure to click on Apply to bring it into effect – straight away.
9. Tweak the Display Scaling
On some occasions, just tweaking the display scaling will help you eliminate the yellow border around the screen problem on your Windows device.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your PC -> Select the System tab in the left sidebar -> Display.
- Go to the Scale & layout section, hit the box for Scale, and tweak the display scaling.
10. Try Adjusting the Display Resolution
Tweaking the display resolution is also a nifty way to resolve this vexing Windows issue.
- Go to the Settings app on your device -> System tab in the left sidebar -> Display -> Under Scale & layout section, hit the box for Display resolution, and choose a preferred option.
11. Disable the Narrator
For people who are blind or have low vision, Windows Narrator has been a great asset. Using this Accessibility feature, they can perform a number of common tasks such as writing an email, working with documents, or browsing the internet even without using a mouse. Check if “Narrator” is enabled on your computer. If it’s active, try turning it off.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device -> Accessibility -> Narrator option on the right pane.
- Now, turn off the toggle for Narrator.
12. Update the Graphics Driver
If your computer is running an outdated version of the graphics driver, I suspect the devil could very well be hidden in the outdated graphics driver.
- Use the Win+X shortcut to bring up the Quick Links menu on your computer -> Device Manager.
- After that, click on the small arrow to the left of “Display adapters” and select your graphics driver.
- Then, ensure that the “Driver” tab is selected at the top.
- Now, hit the “Update Driver” option and let it update with complete peace of mind.
13. Update Your Windows PC
As stated above, a software glitch related to Windows 11 might also be spoiling your party. Therefore, it would be apt to check for the updates and update your computer. Since Windows updates often come loaded with several performance enhancements and bug fixes, there is a decent chance that it may help you overcome the hurdle.
- On your Windows 11 computer -> dive into the Settings app -> Windows Update -> Check for Updates and then go through the usual way to update your PC.
14. Reinstall the Graphics Driver
No luck as yet? Bother not! Now is the time to reinstall the graphics driver. If the problem is arising due to the malfunctioning graphics driver, the reinstallation may let you troubleshoot it.
- Press the Windows+X shortcut to bring up the Quick Links menu on your computer -> Device Manager.
- Now, hit the tiny arrow located to the left of “Display adapters” and choose your graphics driver.
- Make sure that the Driver tab is selected at the top.
- Now, choose the Uninstall Device option and confirm the action.
Your device’s screen may flicker off/on. Once the uninstallation is finished, restart your PC. Once your computer boots up, it will be able to automatically reinstall the latest Intel or AMD graphics driver, which will hopefully fix the ongoing problem.
15. Scan for Viruses or Malware
Should the problem persist, it would be apt to scan your PC for viruses or malware and eliminate the malicious files sooner rather than later.
- On your Windows device, launch the Settings app -> choose Privacy & security on the left sidebar -> Windows Security.
- Now, select Virus & threat protection.
- Then, hit the Quick Scan button to start scanning your device.
- Once the scan is completed successfully, take the necessary action to get rid of all the problematic apps, third-party tools, or software packages.
16. Run SFC Scan
As a command line tool, SFC (stands for System File Checker scan) is exceptionally helpful. What makes it so reliable is the ability to scan the entire system file directory, replace missing files, and even fix corrupt system files, which often works wonders in flushing out a persistent issue on Windows.
- Press the quick Windows + S shortcut to access the Windows search -> type in cmd.
- Next, select the “Run as administrator” option and hit the Yes option on the User Account Control Prompt.
- When the Command Prompt shows up, make sure to copy-paste the exact command given below and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow
17. Run DISM Scans
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans are also command-line tools that you can use to check the disk images and also resolve many complex issues plaguing your Windows computer.
- Use the handy Windows + S shortcut to fire up the Windows search -> enter cmd -> Run as administrator” -> Yes option on the User Account Control Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, be sure to copy-paste the following commands and hit Enter – after you have typed/copy-pasted each command.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wrapping up…
There you go! I hope you have gotten the better of this annoying Windows problem and the yellow border has gone and gone for good. Now that you have put the annoyance behind your back, share your feedback and the tips that have done the job for you so that folks like you will benefit from your invaluable input.
Read more: 21 Tips to Use Windows 11 Recall on Copilot+PC Like a Pro