No Display or Black Screen Issues

Symptoms:

  • PC turns on but no display

  • Monitor says "No Signal"

  • Computer powers on but screen stays black

  • Laptop screen is black but external monitor works

  • No display after installing new graphics card

  • Monitor goes to sleep mode when PC is on

If you need help, just contact us and we can help.

This page addresses common issues where your computer seems to be running, but nothing appears on the screen. It could be due to display connection problems, a faulty graphics card, monitor issues, or BIOS settings. Don’t worry, we will give you the complete fix for you to try yourself here completely free. But again, if you’d like a pro help specialist instead, just contact us (Tap here to go to the contact page).

The Fix Procedures:

If your computer doesn’t show any display at all right from the start, you may want to also check out our Computer Won’t Boot or Start Up page for additional troubleshooting steps.

  1. Check Monitor Power and Connections:

    • Ensure the Monitor is Powered On:

      • Verify that the monitor is plugged into a power outlet and the power cable is secure.

      • Look for a power indicator light on the monitor; it should be illuminated.

    • Confirm Video Cable Connections:

      • Check that the video cable (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or DVI) is firmly connected to both the monitor and the computer.

      • Make sure the cables are plugged in all the way on both ends.

      • Inspect the cable for any signs of damage.

  2. Verify Monitor Input Settings:

    • Use the buttons on your monitor to access the input source menu.

    • Ensure the monitor is set to the correct input (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, VGA).

  3. Test with Different Cables or Ports:

    • Try a Different Video Cable:

      • If you have another compatible cable, swap it out to rule out a faulty cable.

    • Use a Different Port:

      • If your computer and monitor have multiple ports, try connecting using a different one.

  4. Test the Monitor with Another Device:

    • Connect your monitor to a different computer or laptop to see if it works.

    • If the monitor displays correctly on another device, the issue may be with your computer.

  5. Test Your Computer with Another Monitor:

    • Connect your computer to a different monitor or a TV.

    • If the display works on another screen, the original monitor may be faulty.

  6. Check the Graphics Card (Desktop PCs):

    • Ensure Proper Installation:

      • If you have a dedicated graphics card, make sure it's properly seated in its slot.

    • Check Power Connections:

      • Some graphics cards require additional power connectors. Ensure these are plugged in.

    • Try Onboard Graphics:

      • Connect your monitor to the motherboard's video output instead of the graphics card. This can help determine if the graphics card is the issue.

  7. Inspect Internal Components (Advanced Users):

    • Safety First: Shut down your computer and unplug all cables before opening the case.

    • Reseat RAM Modules:

      • Remove the RAM sticks and insert them back into their slots securely.

    • Check All Connections:

      • Ensure all internal cables and components are properly connected.

  8. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings:

    • Clear the CMOS:

      • Turn off your computer and unplug it.

      • Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard for about 5 minutes, then reinsert it.

    • Use the Reset Jumper:

      • Alternatively, use the CMOS reset jumper on the motherboard (refer to your motherboard manual).

  9. Disconnect External Devices:

    • Unplug all unnecessary external devices (USB drives, printers, external hard drives).

    • Restart your computer with only the keyboard and mouse connected.

  10. Listen for Beep Codes or Check Diagnostic Lights:

    • Beep Codes:

      • If your motherboard has a speaker, listen for beep codes during startup.

      • Refer to your motherboard manual to interpret the beep codes.

    • Diagnostic LEDs:

      • Some motherboards have LEDs that indicate hardware issues.

      If the screen eventually shows something but leads to errors or crashes, take a look at our Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and PC Crashes guide to resolve those issues.

  11. Check for Overheating:

    • Ensure Proper Cooling:

      • Verify that all fans are spinning when the computer is on.

      • Clean any dust from fans and heat sinks.

    • Avoid Overheating Components:

      • Overheating can prevent the display from working properly.

  12. Try Booting in Safe Mode:

    • If you occasionally get a display but it goes black after the Windows logo, try booting into Safe Mode.

    • Restart your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly during startup.

    • Select "Safe Mode" from the Advanced Boot Options.

      If you think the problem might be related to your graphics hardware, our Graphics Card and GPU Problems page can help you identify and resolve GPU-related display issues.

  13. Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers:

    • In Safe Mode or Normal Boot:

      • Go to Device Manager.

      • Locate your display adapter.

      • Update the driver or roll back to a previous version if a recent update might have caused the issue.

  14. Disable/Enable Integrated Graphics (If Applicable):

    • Access BIOS/UEFI Settings:

      • Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during startup).

    • Check Graphics Settings:

      • Look for settings related to integrated graphics or GPU.

      • Enable or disable the integrated graphics to see if it affects the display.

  15. Consider Potential Hardware Failure:

    • If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the problem might be due to faulty hardware such as the graphics card, RAM, or motherboard.

    • It's advisable to seek professional assistance to diagnose and replace faulty components.

If the display starts working but the computer feels sluggish or runs into operating system errors, explore our Slow Computer and Performance Optimization and Windows Updates and Operating System Errors pages for additional help.

If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, feel free to contact us for professional assistance. We're here to help you get your computer back up and running smoothly.