So, you turn on the computer, you hear your CPU fan spinning, but your monitor is not turning on - it is just black. If that is the predicament you are in, then this article is for you.
Monitors can be temperamental at times. From monitor ghosting to monitor flickering to the black screen of death, monitors sometimes encounter issues that are just plain annoying and make them hard to use. However, with a little bit of guidance and patience, you can fix many of these problems.
This guide will walk you through some troubleshooting steps to fix a monitor that doesn't turn on. Let's get started!
How To Fix Monitor Not Turning On
The monitor not turning on is a common problem, but it’s not something you should panic about. It's usually an easy fix - in most cases. You can follow the steps below to fix your monitor if it's not turning on.
Make sure the monitor is turned on
It may sound obvious, but make sure the monitor is turned on before you begin. You can do this by pressing the power button on the monitor itself. If the power light on the monitor is not turning on, make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into the monitor.
Check the data cable
If your monitor is on, but not getting any signal from the computer, you can check if the VGA cable is plugged into the back of the monitor and CPU properly. Just screw the cable tightly on both ends to ensure a solid connection.
Try a different data cable
If the problem persists, it is possible that the issue is caused by a faulty VGA or DVI cable. First, try using a different data cable.
Also, examine your port to see if any of the pins are broken or bent. You may need to take the computer to a repair shop to fix the damaged port.
Test your monitor with another computer or laptop
To figure out whether the problem is with your monitor or the computer, you need to test it with another computer or laptop. Plug the monitor into the other computer or laptop and see if it works.
If the monitor does not work on another computer, it should be replaced. If it does, then the problem is likely with the computer.
Check the graphics card, processor and RAM
Next, check if your graphics card, processor and RAM modules are correctly seated in the dedicated slots. Turn off your computer, open it up, and unplug and replug the said components into their respective slots - properly.
Replace the faulty hardware
If you have tried all the steps and are still having the issue, the hardware is probably faulty. It could be your graphics card, RAM, processor or even the motherboard. You need to take your computer to a professional to find out the root cause and get it fixed.
Why Is My Monitor Not Displaying?
If your computer turns on but the monitor screen is black, it could be a number of things. The following are some of the most common reasons why your monitor is not displaying.
- Your monitor is not turned on
- Faulty or loose cables
- Damaged port
- Defective monitor
- Damaged hardware
You need to figure out the actual cause of the issue in order to fix the monitor that is not turning on. You can follow the instructions in the previous section to get your monitor working again.