If you’re experiencing repeated black screens or stuttering on your second display while watching Netflix movies, you’re not alone. Many users with a multi-monitor setup have run into this issue. Fortunately, there’s a fix for this problem. The culprit appears to be the dual DRM (Digital Rights Management) decryption technology in the browser.
DRM, or Digital Rights Management, is a technology used by content providers to control how digital media files are used and distributed. It ensures that only authorized users have access to specific content, like movies, music, or eBooks. DRM works by encrypting the content and allowing access only through a secure key or authentication process. In the context of watching movies online, DRM helps prevent unauthorized copying and sharing. Various DRM systems are employed by different platforms.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to disable PlayReady DRM for Windows and enable Widevine DRM to fix the screen flickering issue.
Step 1: Choose the Right DRM Module
The solution is to use only one DRM module in your browser, as it allows you to play DRM videos on platforms like Netflix without interference.
Step 2: Adjust Your DRM Settings in Microsoft Edge
Follow these steps to modify the DRM settings:
- Open Microsoft Edge Browser: Make sure you’re using the latest version.
- Access DRM Settings: Type edge://flags/#drm into the address bar and press Enter.
- Search for DRM: Search DRM on the search field.
- Modify Settings: Find and make these adjustments:
- PlayReady DRM for Windows: Set this to “Disabled.”
- Widevine DRM: Set this to “Enabled.”
- Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen Microsoft Edge.
Step 3: Test the Fix
Try playing a Netflix movie again. If the black screen issue is gone, congratulations! The problem is fixed. If not, you may want to experiment with switching between the two DRMs to see if it works.