Linux Kernel 5.19.12 Bug May Damage Intel Laptop Displays

Experts warn that upgrading to Linux kernel version 5.19.12 can trigger display issues for Intel laptop users that may lead to permanent hardware damage.

Several Linux users have reported seeing white, intermittent flashes on their displays after upgrading to the 5.19.12 version of the Linux kernel. The issue manifests after selecting the kernel in the GRUB menu for every display update, rendering users unable to perform any operation.

Although this situation usually occurs for experimental, development or beta releases, the troublesome kernel is a part of the project’s stable branch. According to user feedback, the flickering display issue doesn’t affect older or newer versions of the kernel.

To make matters worse, the intermittent white screen flashes not only disrupt users from using their systems, but they can also permanently damage the laptop’s display, according to Intel Linux kernel engineer Ville Syrjäl.

“After looking at some logs we do end up with potentially bogus panel power sequencing delays, which may harm the LCD panel,” replied Syrjäl to the kernel mailing list. “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.”

Fortunately, Linux kernel developer and stable branch maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman released kernel version 5.19.13 on Tuesday to address the flickering screen issue.

“This release is to resolve a regression on some Intel graphics systems that had problems with 5.19.12,” wrote Kroah-Hartman in the release announcement. “If you do not have this problem with 5.19.12, there is no need to upgrade."

To dodge this issue, owners of Intel GPU laptops should steer clear of Linux kernel 5.19.12. Users who have already applied the update should move to a different version of the kernel and avoid leaving their displays blinking for too long to prevent hardware damage.