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Computer - Monitor Troubleshooting

Computer - Monitor Troubleshooting

Problem

Monitors are not turning on nor displaying anything.

Solution

A few quick notes before you begin:

  • If you are using a laptop with an external monitor, make sure the laptop itself is turned on.

  • If you are using a docking station, adapter, or USB-C hub, those can also cause the problem.

  • If the monitor has a power light, that usually means it is getting power even if the screen is blank.

1. Check Whether the Monitor Has Power

Look for a power light on the front, bottom, or side of the monitor.

  1. Press the monitor power button once.

  2. Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the monitor.

  3. Make sure the other end of the power cable is firmly connected to the wall outlet or power strip.

  4. If the monitor is plugged into a power strip, confirm the strip is turned on.

  5. Try a different wall outlet if possible.

If the monitor still shows no lights at all, try these extra checks:

  1. Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

  2. If the monitor uses a separate power brick, check both ends of that cable.

  3. If you have another monitor power cable that fits, try it.

2. Check the Video Cable

If the monitor has power but the screen is black, the issue may be with the video connection.

  1. Disconnect the video cable from the monitor and plug it back in firmly.

  2. Disconnect the other end from the computer, dock, or adapter and reconnect it firmly.

  3. Check for obvious damage to the cable.

  4. If you have another cable, try that one.

3. Make Sure the Correct Input Is Selected

Many monitors have more than one input. If the wrong one is selected, the screen can stay black even when everything is plugged in correctly.

  1. Press the Menu or Input button on the monitor.

  2. Open the input/source list.

  3. Choose the input that matches the cable you are using (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C).

4. Check That the Computer Is On

Sometimes the monitor is fine, but the computer is asleep, off, or not sending a picture.

  1. Make sure the computer or laptop is turned on.

  2. Move the mouse or press a key to wake it up.

  3. If you are using a laptop, connect the charger.

  4. Restart the computer.

5. Project Menu (Laptops)

A laptop may be set to show the picture on the laptop screen only.

  1. Press Windows key + P and choose Extend.

  2. On some laptops, press the Fn key plus the function key that has a monitor icon.

6. If You Are Using a Dock, Adapter, or USB-C Hub

Docks and adapters are common points of failure.

  1. Unplug the dock or adapter and reconnect it.

  2. If the dock has its own power cable, make sure it is plugged in.

  3. Try a different port on the dock.

  4. If possible, connect the monitor directly to the computer instead of through the dock or adapter.

7. Power Cycle Everything

  1. Turn off the monitor.

  2. Shut down the computer.

  3. Unplug the monitor power cable.

  4. Disconnect the video cable.

  5. Wait 30 seconds.

  6. Plug the monitor power cable back in.

  7. Reconnect the video cable.

  8. Turn on the monitor first, then turn on the computer.

8. Check Other Items

If the monitor still is not working, these tests can help identify what is wrong.

  • Try the monitor with another computer if one is available.

  • Try a different monitor with your computer if one is available.

  • Try a different video port on the computer.

  • If you have more than one monitor, test with only one connected.