If your monitor is not displaying properly, there are a few steps you can take to determine the cause and make any necessary repairs.
1. Check your connections.
Ensuring all connections between your monitor, graphics card, and computer are tightly plugged in can often be the solution to display problems. If you’re using a VGA cable, make sure it’s firmly connected at both ends. If you have a digital connection such as HDMI or DVI, make sure the connections are snugly fit and that both the video card and the monitor support the same type of connector.
2. Adjust the resolution.
Resolution settings are stored in Windows and by default, it tries to detect the best resolution for your monitor. In some cases, this might be lower than your monitor’s native resolution. To check this, navigate to Settings > System > Display. Here you can select a higher resolution and click “Apply.” If the display is still experiencing issues, simply select the original resolution again and click “Ok.”
3. Change the refresh rate.
Changing the refresh rate is the process of adjusting the number of times your monitor updates the display per second. A low refresh rate will cause an image to appear choppy and distorted. To adjust the refresh rate, right-click anywhere on the desktop. Select “Display Settings” and then “Advanced Settings.” In the “Monitor” tab, find the “Refresh Rate” and select the highest number available.
4. Adjust the brightness and contrast.
Improperly adjusted brightness and contrast can be a factor in display issues. To access these settings, open the “Display Settings” window and select “Advanced Settings.” From there you can adjust both the brightness and contrast.
5. Update your drivers.
Outdated drivers can cause many display problems, such as poor resolution or no display at all. To update your drivers, navigate to your computer’s device manager. Here you can see all of the devices connected to your computer and check for any outdated drivers.
6. Clean the connections.
Dust, dirt, and corrosion can build up over time which affects the electric signals being sent to and from your monitor. To clean them, use a moistened Q-tip or a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. Avoid using any solvents such as alcohol or acetone which can damage the plastic.
7. Try a different connecting cable.
You may have a faulty cable; swapping it out with a new one (if possible) can help you isolate the issue.
8. Test the monitor on another system.
If the display works fine on another computer, then the problem is likely related to the graphics card or the cables.
9. Replace the graphics card.
A damaged or dying graphics card can cause display problems. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to purchase a new one.
10. Buy a new monitor.
If none of the above troubleshooting options worked and you’ve already tried a different cable, then the problem could be with the monitor itself. Consider investing in a new monitor.