If your laptop screen is having display problems, there are several potential causes and solutions. This guide will help you troubleshoot the issues and determine the best course of action.
1. Verify laptop display settings
The first step is to check the display settings on your laptop. Your laptop may be set to an incorrect resolution or brightness setting, which can cause display issues. To verify this, open the device’s control panel or settings menu, then navigate to the display section. Check to make sure the resolution, refresh rate, and brightness settings are all correct.
2. Check the video card
Sometimes display problems can occur due to issues with the video card powering your laptop’s display. To verify if this is the case, open up the Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and select the Performance tab. Here you’ll find the name and version of your video card. Do a quick online search to ensure it’s the most up-to-date version, and if it isn’t, update it using the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Test external displays
If the display settings are correct, but your laptop still has display problems, try connecting an external monitor. If the external display works correctly, the problem likely lies within the laptop itself and will require further investigation.
4. Disconnect peripherals
If connecting an external monitor works but the laptop screen still has display issues, then the problem might be due to a peripheral or add-on connected to the laptop. Try disconnecting all peripherals and add-ons, such as USB devices, and check if the display issues still exist. If they don’t, then one of the peripherals was the cause.
5. Restart
The next step is to restart your laptop and see if the display problems go away. A restart can reset any software or hardware conflicts that may have been causing the issue.
6. Check for malware
Sometimes display problems can be caused by malware or viruses. Before taking the laptop to a repair professional, run a scan using a trusted antivirus program to check for malicious software.
7. Update drivers
Outdated drivers can cause display problems in some cases. To update the drivers, navigate to the device manager and select the appropriate category for your laptop model. Select the particular driver causing the issue and click “Update”.
8. Replace parts
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, then the problem likely lies in the hardware. This could be a faulty video card, a loose cable connection, or a bad motherboard. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can replace the parts or have a professional do it.
These are the most common steps to troubleshoot laptop display issues. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to seek professional help or replace the laptop entirely.