Date First Published: 18th March 2023
Topic: Computer Systems
Subtopic: Computer Hardware
Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions
Difficulty: EasyDifficulty Level: 3/10
Learn about why your computer monitor won't turn on in this article.
Sometimes, your computer monitor might display blank or not turn on at all. Even though a computer can still turn on and function without a monitor, it is annoying when your monitor displays blank or does not turn on at all as you cannot see anything on the computer, making it unusable. There are so many reasons why a monitor might not turn on at all. This article is designed to help you troubleshoot issues that might be preventing your monitor from turning on, not your computer, so if it is your computer that won't turn on, then this article does not apply to your issue. Below are 9 possible reasons why your monitor won't turn on.
If your monitor won't turn on, the first thing you should do is make sure that it is plugged in properly. Obviously, if the power cord is not connected to the back of your computer monitor, your monitor won't be able to receive any power and won't turn on. Check that the cable is not loose by disconnecting and reconnecting the power cord and ensuring that it is properly plugged into the plug socket or extension lead. Also, check that the power switch of your monitor is on as some monitors have a power switch on the back.
If you're sure that the power cord is connected properly and the monitor still won't turn on, then the extension lead or surge protector might not be properly plugged in. Check that the extension lead or surge protector is correctly plugged into the outlet and that the power switch is on. You can test that the extension lead or surge protector works by plugging in a device that you know works, such as your lamp and seeing if it turns on. If not, then there is a problem with the extension lead or surge protector.
If you have checked that the power cord and extension lead or surge protector is connected properly and your monitor still won't turn on, the power cord that supplies power to your monitor might be bad or damaged. Try using another power cord and trying again.
If lights on your computer monitor will display, but the screen remains blank, then it is clear that there isn't a problem with the power cord. A reason why your computer monitor is blank could be because the connection between your monitor and your computer is loose. Check that the data cable is properly connected to your computer. Monitors can use a DVI, HDMI, or VGA cable to connect to a computer. If you have checked that the data cable is properly plugged in and your monitor still won't turn on, the data cable might be bad or damaged. Try using another cable and see if your monitor will turn on.
If the screen is blank, but you can view the settings menu of your monitor, the brighness or contrast might be too low for it to display pictures and make it look like it is turned off. Try turning up the brightness or contrast and seeing whether the issue is fixed.
If the screen went black whilst your computer was on, something might have happened that requires the computer to be restarted. To do this, press and hold down the power button until the computer turns off. Once it is off, wait a few seconds and then trun your computer back on again.
If you have tried all the steps above and your monitor still won't turn on, then it is likely that the monitor is bad and needs to be replaced. Even though it is possible to get a monitor repaired, it is usually cheaper to buy a new one. If you have another monitor, try to use this one. If that turns on, then you definitely know that the other monitor was faulty and it is a problem with that monitor, not your computer.
If your monitor works with another computer, but you've tried everything above and it still won't turn on with your computer, then there is definitely a problem with your computer rather than the monitor. The graphics card of your computer could be bad and need replacing. To be sure that the graphics card is bad, try taking it out of your computer and installing it in another computer. If it doesn't work in that computer, then it is definitely bad.
If you have taken the graphics card out of your computer and it works with another computer, then there are likely problems with the motherboard of your computer. The motherboard might be bad or damaged. If you determine that the motherboard is bad or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If so, it is important that you tell me as soon as possible on this page.
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