No Display or Black Screen on a computer monitor
Tip: If your monitor works when you first turn on your computer but then goes blank when Windows starts to load, see our page on how to resolve an issue related to distorted video after increasing resolution in windows.
- Distorted video after increasing resolution in window :
If the video resolution has been set higher than what is supported by the monitor or video card, or the video card drivers currently installed are corrupt, you will get a distorted resolution. To recover the picture in Microsoft Windows, follow the steps below.
- Turn the computer on again and boot into Safe mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, the resolution setting will be set at the lowest setting, allowing you to navigate through Windows.
- Change the resolution back to a lower setting by clicking Start, Settings, Control panel and click or double-click the Display icon.
- In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab and adjust the settings. If you are unsure what your original settings were, we recommend at least 800 x 600 with 256 colors or the lowest available setting.
- After the settings have been changed, click Apply, close out of all windows and restart the computer.
Tip: If you have a laptop, see our laptop screen is black page.
My laptop screen is black
Note: If you are having trouble with a monitor for a desktop computer, please see our page about no display or black screen on a computer monitor
Follow the steps below to help diagnose the cause of a black or blank laptop computer screen.
Tip: If you see a white screen or a rainbow of colors, this could mean the video card in the laptop is defective. In this case, the video card would need to be replaced by an authorized repair center for your brand of laptop.
Note: If you are having trouble with a monitor for a desktop computer, please see our page about no display or black screen on a computer monitor
Follow the steps below to help diagnose the cause of a black or blank laptop computer screen.
Tip: If you see a white screen or a rainbow of colors, this could mean the video card in the laptop is defective. In this case, the video card would need to be replaced by an authorized repair center for your brand of laptop.
Computer is not booting
Although you may not be able to see anything on the screen, listen to the laptop and make sure it sounds as if the computer is booting. If don't hear any sound, follow the steps in the link below before moving to the other sections on this page.
Although you may not be able to see anything on the screen, listen to the laptop and make sure it sounds as if the computer is booting. If don't hear any sound, follow the steps in the link below before moving to the other sections on this page.
Operating system issues
If the computer boots up and displays a login screen for the operating system, but the screen goes black or blank after you log in, there may be an issue with the operating system. A system file may have become corrupted, preventing the operating system from loading and resulting in the black or blank screen.
Try restarting the computer, to see if it is a temporary issue and resolves itself with a reboot. If the problem persists, erase your hard drive and reinstall window.
If the computer boots up and displays a login screen for the operating system, but the screen goes black or blank after you log in, there may be an issue with the operating system. A system file may have become corrupted, preventing the operating system from loading and resulting in the black or blank screen.
Try restarting the computer, to see if it is a temporary issue and resolves itself with a reboot. If the problem persists, erase your hard drive and reinstall window.
Brightness is set low or power setting
If the picture is partially visible, it is often the case that the laptop's brightness that is set low or is being turned down by a power setting. Make sure your laptop is not in a power saving mode by plugging the laptop into the wall. Next, try increasing the brightness on your laptop to verify that it is not the cause of your issue
If the picture is partially visible, it is often the case that the laptop's brightness that is set low or is being turned down by a power setting. Make sure your laptop is not in a power saving mode by plugging the laptop into the wall. Next, try increasing the brightness on your laptop to verify that it is not the cause of your issue
Try external display
Verify there is not an issue with the laptop graphics card by connecting a monitor or other display to the laptop. If the external display works fine, it is an issue with your laptop display.
If an external monitor is also not working with the laptop and you have read through the page linked above, the internal graphics card or cable is defective and not the display. You may need to have the graphics card or motherboard replaced. Take the laptop to a computer repair shop to see if it can be repaired.
Verify there is not an issue with the laptop graphics card by connecting a monitor or other display to the laptop. If the external display works fine, it is an issue with your laptop display.
If an external monitor is also not working with the laptop and you have read through the page linked above, the internal graphics card or cable is defective and not the display. You may need to have the graphics card or motherboard replaced. Take the laptop to a computer repair shop to see if it can be repaired.
Laptop Overheating
You can also check to see if the laptop is overheating. While a laptop typically shuts off when it overheats, it may only turn off the display by cutting power to the graphics chip (GPU).
Tip: An issue with overheating may be due to debris build-up on the fan, heat sink or vents. You can try using canned air to blow out the dust and dirt.
You can also check to see if the laptop is overheating. While a laptop typically shuts off when it overheats, it may only turn off the display by cutting power to the graphics chip (GPU).
Tip: An issue with overheating may be due to debris build-up on the fan, heat sink or vents. You can try using canned air to blow out the dust and dirt.
Another hardware issue
If after following the steps above the laptop still has a black or blank screen, there is a hardware issue. The list below displays the most common hardware failures.
- Loose or disconnected cable
- Bad LCD power Inverter.
- Bad CCFL or Backlight.
- Bad LCD.
If your laptop is under warranty, it is recommended you contact the laptop manufacturer for directions on how to get it repaired.
If the laptop is not under warranty, unfortunately, for most end-users, repairing a bad LCD can be complicated or may result in further damage if not done properly. It is recommended that you take the laptop to a repair shop and have them replace the screen. However, if you want to try to switch out the LCD yourself, there a few companies that can send replacement screens for almost any laptop.
If after following the steps above the laptop still has a black or blank screen, there is a hardware issue. The list below displays the most common hardware failures.
- Loose or disconnected cable
- Bad LCD power Inverter.
- Bad CCFL or Backlight.
- Bad LCD.
If your laptop is under warranty, it is recommended you contact the laptop manufacturer for directions on how to get it repaired.
If the laptop is not under warranty, unfortunately, for most end-users, repairing a bad LCD can be complicated or may result in further damage if not done properly. It is recommended that you take the laptop to a repair shop and have them replace the screen. However, if you want to try to switch out the LCD yourself, there a few companies that can send replacement screens for almost any laptop.
Monitor is not on
It may seem obvious, but make sure the monitor is turned on. If you do not see a power LED (blue, green, or orange light) on the front or bottom of the monitor, press the power button until it comes on. If no light comes on after several attempts, proceed to the next section.
It may seem obvious, but make sure the monitor is turned on. If you do not see a power LED (blue, green, or orange light) on the front or bottom of the monitor, press the power button until it comes on. If no light comes on after several attempts, proceed to the next section.
Computer is asleep
If you stepped away from the computer for a bit and returned to a black screen, it is likely that the computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, or pressing any key (e.g., spacebar) to wake it up. If none of those actions work, press the power button.
If you stepped away from the computer for a bit and returned to a black screen, it is likely that the computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, or pressing any key (e.g., spacebar) to wake it up. If none of those actions work, press the power button.
Loose or improper connections
Tip: See our how to connect a monitor page for help with installing a new monitor.
Check the data cable
Ensure that your monitor's data transfer cable is properly connected to the computer. It should be completely inserted and firmly in place. Most new displays utilize a DVI or HDMI cable and port.
Check the power cable
If the data cable is plugged in, make sure the monitor is getting power by verifying that is a light (blue, green, or orange) on the front or bottom of the monitor's bezel.
If you see no lights on the monitor, make sure it is connected to a working Wall outlet. If the power cord is removable from the back of the monitor, try replacing it with another power cable. If you still cannot turn on the monitor after trying another wall outlet and cable, the monitor is broken and should be replaced.
Check the LED status
If the monitor status light is orange or flashing, make sure the monitor is not in "suspend" mode, by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard. If this does not help, reconnect the data cable to the computer and back of the monitor, and then restart your computer.
Tip: See our how to connect a monitor page for help with installing a new monitor.
Check the data cable
Ensure that your monitor's data transfer cable is properly connected to the computer. It should be completely inserted and firmly in place. Most new displays utilize a DVI or HDMI cable and port.
Check the power cable
If the data cable is plugged in, make sure the monitor is getting power by verifying that is a light (blue, green, or orange) on the front or bottom of the monitor's bezel.
If you see no lights on the monitor, make sure it is connected to a working Wall outlet. If the power cord is removable from the back of the monitor, try replacing it with another power cable. If you still cannot turn on the monitor after trying another wall outlet and cable, the monitor is broken and should be replaced.
Check the LED status
If the monitor status light is orange or flashing, make sure the monitor is not in "suspend" mode, by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard. If this does not help, reconnect the data cable to the computer and back of the monitor, and then restart your computer.
Try a different cable
If your monitor is getting power, but you still don't see an image, the data cable may be the issue. Try using a different DVI, HDMI, or Display port cable with your monitor.
If your monitor is getting power, but you still don't see an image, the data cable may be the issue. Try using a different DVI, HDMI, or Display port cable with your monitor.
Turn up the brightness and contrast
If you're able to view your monitor's settings menu even though the screen is blank, it's likely that you need to turn up the brightness and contrast.
If you're able to view your monitor's settings menu even though the screen is blank, it's likely that you need to turn up the brightness and contrast.
No POST
If the computer doesn't pass POST, it won't turn on and your monitor will remain black. If you hear beeping when you turn on your computer, run through the POST troubleshooting steps to determine the issue.
If the computer doesn't pass POST, it won't turn on and your monitor will remain black. If you hear beeping when you turn on your computer, run through the POST troubleshooting steps to determine the issue.
Hardware Issue
If you have followed the recommendations above and still have the same issue, your computer may have either a bad monitor, video card, or motherboard. The best method of determining this is to try the suggestions below.
Borrow someone else's computer a computer monitor and connect it to your computer
If another monitor works on your computer, it is safe to assume that your monitor is bad and should be replaced. While it may be possible to have the monitor serviced, it is often cheaper and easier to purchase a new one.
Disconnect your monitor and connect it to another computer
If your monitor works on another computer, it is possible that your video card is bad. Try removing video card from the affected computer and installing it in another computer. If it does not work in the other computer, the video card is most likely bad and needs to be replaced.
If your monitor and video card work with another computer, your motherboard probably has an issue. You can attempt to troubleshoot motherboard problems using the link below. If you determine the motherboard is bad, or you cannot successfully run any tests, we suggest replacing the motherboard to fix the display problem.
If you have followed the recommendations above and still have the same issue, your computer may have either a bad monitor, video card, or motherboard. The best method of determining this is to try the suggestions below.
Borrow someone else's computer a computer monitor and connect it to your computer
If another monitor works on your computer, it is safe to assume that your monitor is bad and should be replaced. While it may be possible to have the monitor serviced, it is often cheaper and easier to purchase a new one.
Disconnect your monitor and connect it to another computer
If your monitor works on another computer, it is possible that your video card is bad. Try removing video card from the affected computer and installing it in another computer. If it does not work in the other computer, the video card is most likely bad and needs to be replaced.
If your monitor and video card work with another computer, your motherboard probably has an issue. You can attempt to troubleshoot motherboard problems using the link below. If you determine the motherboard is bad, or you cannot successfully run any tests, we suggest replacing the motherboard to fix the display problem.
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