Running Linux 5.19.2 on an Intel Laptop Can Damage the Display

A recent version of the Linux kernel can create a nasty flickering effect on Intel-powered laptops—to the point the problem may damage the display. 

The problem involves a bug in the 5.19.2 release for the Linux kernel. On Monday, an Intel software engineer named Ville Syrjälä noted(Opens in a new window) the software contains a “potentially bogus panel power sequencing delays, which may harm the LCD panel.”

“I recommend immediate revert of this stuff, and new stable release ASAP. Plus a recommendation that no one using laptops with Intel GPUs run 5.19.12,” Syrjälä wrote in the Linux kernel mailing list. 

The good news is that the Linux team quickly rolled out(Opens in a new window) version 5.19.3, which seems to resolve the problem. Users can also downgrade their Linux release to 5.19.11 to prevent the flickering.

The bug in the 5.19.2 release can apparently cause an Intel laptop’s display to go black and then flicker with a full white screen. Another Intel engineer named Tapani Pälli posted(Opens in a new window) a video of the bug in action, which he described as similar to the light effects from a “90's rave party.” 

“This issue happens on a ICL Lenovo laptop (i7-1065G7) running Fedora 35 (Workstation Edition), kernel 5.19.12-100.fc35,” Pälli wrote, adding: “I cannot change VT (virtual terminal) or do anything else since display is just blinking.”

The problem has also affected users of the Intel-powered Framework laptop, which can be installed with Linux. One user said they encountered(Opens in a new window) the bug six days ago.

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