Computer Turns On But No Display? 17 Solutions to Fix

Are you having trouble getting your computer to display anything? You’re not alone. Many people have experienced this issue, but don’t worry – it’s easily fixable!

In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the most common causes for a computer that turns on with no display and how to get your system running again in no time.

This is a common problem among Windows users and can be caused by frayed or damaged cables, improperly configured displays, troublesome GPUs or RAMs, wrongly configured BIOSes, malfunctioning peripherals, or faulty Power Supply Units (PSUs).

So if you’re ready to take control of your tech problems, let’s get started!

How to Fix Computer Turns on But No Display

1. Force Restart Computer

If your computer turns on but displays a black screen, you may need to force restart it by holding down the power button for about 10 seconds. This will cause the Windows Startup Repair to run automatically as long as you do it three times in a row. Doing this can help fix any issues that are causing the display not to appear.

2. Check Monitor

Checking your monitor’s connection and settings is an important step when troubleshooting a blank screen. Begin by ensuring it is powered on. Check the power light to make sure it’s illuminated.

If not, unplug the monitor from its power source, then plug it back in. It could be signs of a dying monitor.

If that doesn’t fix the issue, you’ll need to take your monitor to a repair shop for further diagnosis. As you continue troubleshooting, don’t forget to reconnect the monitor to your computer if needed – this could be the problem!

3. Reconnect Monitor to Computer

Reconnect your monitor and computer to see if that helps. Hold down the power button until your PC shuts off, then disconnect the video cord between the two devices.

Inspect both port connectors for any damage or dirt buildup which may interfere with a proper connection. Check the video cable for any signs of wear and tear. If it’s working, plug it back in; otherwise use a new one.

4. Disconnect Peripherals

After trying to reconnect the monitor, if your computer still doesn’t display anything, it’s time to check and disconnect all peripherals.

To begin, hold down the power button until your computer shuts down completely. Then unplug all peripherals like your printer, scanner, mouse, etc., and restart your PC. If the boot is successful this time, then one of these disconnected devices could be the cause of this issue.

To identify which one it is, you need to reattach them one by one and test each time until you find out which device is causing the problem.

Now that you know how to disconnect any possible peripheral issues with a computer that turns on but has no display, let’s look at other solutions such as reinstalling or reseating RAM.

5. Reinstall or reseat RAM

Reinstalling or reseating your RAM could help solve the issue. To do this, turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Open up the PC case and remove the RAM stick from its slot on the motherboard. Place it back in securely, plug in AC power cord into the power supply and turn on your computer.

Reseating RAM can be a simple solution to a display issue; however, if that doesn’t work, you may need to reset BIOS settings to default.

6. Reset BIOS Settings to Default

If reseating the RAM doesn’t work, resetting BIOS settings to default may help.

To do this, you’ll need to:

• Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
• Open up your PC case and remove the CMOS battery with a non-conductive screwdriver or fingernail.
• After waiting about 5 minutes, reinstall the CMOS battery and turn on your computer.

From there, if the issue persists, try rolling back or updating your display adapter driver.

7. Roll Back or Update Display Adapter Driver

You may need to roll back or update your display adapter driver to resolve the issue. To do this, you need to access Device Manager in Windows and locate the display adapter. Right-click on it and select ‘Update Driver’. Then click ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ and allow Windows to search for an update. If one is available, it will download it for you and install it.

Below is a table that provides a visual representation of what needs to be done:

Once the driver has been updated or rolled back, check whether the issue has been resolved.

8. Check all Connections

This could be happening for both a desktop or a laptop, so it’s important to check all of the connections that might be causing this issue.

I’ll go over how to properly inspect each type of connection and hopefully you’ll find the source of your dilemma soon!

Desktop

Checking the desktop is the first step in troubleshooting a computer that turns on but has no display. Ensure cords and cables are securely connected, then check if the power light is on. If not, try different cables or another monitor.

To further troubleshoot:

1) Check input source.

2) Reboot system and execute Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B command.

3) Test graphics driver.

If all this fails, it may be time to move onto laptops for diagnosis next.

Laptop

To troubleshoot a laptop, start by making sure the lid is open and the laptop is undocked from its docking station.

Check for loose connections or damaged cables like VGA, HDMI, DVI, Thunderbolt, and faulty adapters such as DVI to VGA.

Connect an external monitor to check if it’s properly connected and turned on.

If all looks good, move on to checking the voltage selector switch.

9. Check the Voltage Selector Switch

Check the voltage selector switch to make sure it is set correctly for your country’s requirements. If not, adjust the voltage selector switch as per the requirement of your current location. Usually, the default value doesn’t need any changes; however, if you bought the device from an overseas dealer or recently moved countries then you must consider adjusting it.

In case of 110 volts operation, ensure that the voltage selector switch is adjusted accordingly. Incorrectly setting up the voltage selector switch can affect your system’s boot function and cause problems with display output. Therefore, double-check this switch before diagnosing further issues.

Moving on to temperature sensing…

10. Check Temperature

You can check your CPU’s temperature to see if overheating is causing no display on boot issues.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security in Safe Mode.
2. Click Advanced Startup > Restart Now and select UEFI Firmware Settings from the ‘Choose an Option’ screen.
3. On the BIOS page, check PC Health Status or System Hardware Monitor for CPU temperature reading.
4. It should be below 80°C.

By checking the CPU temperature, you can determine whether overheating is the cause of no display on boot issues.

The next step is to…

11. Check LED lights

If the LED lights on your device aren’t lit, it may indicate a hardware issue. So, if you’re looking to fix a computer that is turning on but have no display, checking the LED light should be part of your troubleshooting routine.

It’s important to identify the source of the problem in order to properly address it. Moving forward, we’ll discuss how to check hardware components such as RAM and other peripherals.

12. Check hardware

To identify the source of the issue, it’s important to check the hardware components such as RAM and other peripherals. I suggest:

• Disconnecting all devices and peripherals like mouse, external hard drive, speakers, printers, scanners, etc. from the computer.
• Turning on your computer again.
• Checking port connectors on the computer and monitor for any damage.
• Taking a look at bent or damaged VGA/HDMI ports.
• Visiting a repair shop if needed.

By doing this, you can make sure that any hardware issues are identified and resolved quickly.

Now let’s move onto finding out how to wake the device or restart graphics drivers.

13. Wake the device or restart graphics drivers

The first step to try is a keyboard shortcut to wake the device or restart the graphics drivers. Windows logo key + P or Ctrl + Alt + Del will wake the screen, and pressing the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B will restart the graphics drivers.

Knowing how to access these shortcuts quickly can save time in diagnosing and repairing a computer that has turned on but have no display. With this knowledge, you can make sure your computer is running correctly and efficiently. Transitioning into checking individual components should be next.

14. Check individual components

Take a look at the individual components of your PC to make sure everything’s connected properly. From the CPU and motherboard, to the power supply and graphics card– reseat them all for double-checking. Even small parts related to these components could be misaligned, like the CPU plug from the power supply being plugged in wrong.

If you’re not comfortable with this, contact customer support or take it to a pro.

Here are 3 things you should consider:

1. Reseating all components
2. Testing each component in another computer
3. Checking for small parts that may have become misaligned

To ensure your device is operating correctly, thoroughly inspect all individual components and related parts– then move on to replacing the CMOS battery if necessary.

15. Replace CMOS Battery

If everything else is connected properly, replacing the CMOS battery could be the next step to ensure your device is working correctly.

The CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) battery helps store system settings like date, time, and BIOS passwords for your computer. It’s also what maintains the clock speed when you turn off your PC.

To replace it, you’ll have to open up the case of your computer and locate where it is placed. Once found, unplugging the old battery should be easy – just use caution not to damage other components when doing so. Then plug in a new one in its place and reassemble your device before powering it on again.

If this doesn’t work, then testing with another graphics card may be necessary.

16. Test with another graphics card

Try swapping out the graphics card to see if that solves the issue. If you don’t already have a spare, you may need to borrow one or buy a new one. Before you do, though, make sure it is compatible with your specific motherboard and power supply.

Take your time and follow all instructions carefully when performing this test. Make sure all connections are secure before powering on again. If everything looks correct, turn on the computer again and check for display output. If there is still no output after swapping out the graphics card, it may be time to move onto testing with another set of RAM.

17. Test with another set of RAM

Swapping out the RAM could be the solution. Make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard before proceeding.

To test an alternate set of RAM, you’ll need to:

1. Disconnect and remove all existing memory modules from the motherboard.
2. Carefully insert new memory modules into their respective slots on the motherboard.
3. Power up your computer and check whether you’re able to see any display output.

If successful, you may have found a quick fix for your problem – congratulations! If not, continue testing other components until you identify and replace the faulty one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of a computer turning on but having no display?

Common causes of a computer turning on but having no display include issues with the monitor, cables, graphics card, RAM, or power supply.

If the monitor is not receiving power, it will not display any information. Loose or damaged video cables can also prevent the display from working correctly.

The graphics card could be malfunctioning and preventing the image from being displayed.

Lastly, if there is insufficient power running through your computer due to faulty RAM or a failing power supply, it may cause the issue as well.

How can I tell if my computer’s display is not working?

If your computer turns on but has no display, it’s possible the display is not working.

To tell if this is the case, first make sure the monitor or TV you’re using is connected properly and powered on.

Secondly, check that your computer isn’t set to a different display output; try plugging another device into the same port as your computer.

Lastly, try connecting a different monitor or TV to see if it displays normally.

If none of these steps work, then chances are that your computer’s display isn’t working.

What tools do I need to fix a computer with no display?

I’m looking to get my hands dirty and learn how to fix a computer with no display.

To get started, I’ll need some tools: an antistatic wrist strap for safety, a Phillips head screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver, and a multimeter.

With these items in hand I can diagnose the issue and make repairs if needed.

Even if the problem is not hardware-related, knowing the proper process will ensure I have everything covered.

How do I know if my computer has a faulty display cable?

To determine if my computer has a faulty display cable, I’d first inspect the cable itself. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear such as fraying, tears in the insulation, or corrosion.

If there doesn’t appear to be any physical damage, then I’d test it with a continuity tester. This will tell me if the electrical connection is still intact.

If it turns out the cable is indeed faulty, then replacing it should solve my issue and restore my computer’s display.

Are there any software solutions to fix a computer with no display?

Yes, there are some software solutions that can help to fix a computer with no display.

For example, you can try updating your graphics drivers or adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor.

You may also want to check if the display settings have been changed in the operating system or if any programs are blocking access to the display.

Additionally, running a hardware diagnostics test on your computer’s components might reveal what’s causing the issue.

Conclusion

Overall, troubleshooting a computer that turns on but has no display can be a difficult task. However, with patience and the right knowledge, it is possible to fix the issue in an efficient manner.

You may not have been successful on your first try, but don’t let that discourage you; keep trying until you get the desired result. With each attempt, you’ll gain more experience and confidence in fixing these kinds of issues in the future.

So don’t give up! A little bit of persistence can go a long way.