Laptop Turns On but Display Doesn’t – 7 Ways to Fix It

Laptops have become vital to our daily routines in this digital era, serving numerous purposes, from work to entertainment. Nonetheless, encountering technical problems, such as a laptop turning on without displaying anything on the screen, can frustrate and impede productivity.

To get your laptop functioning again, it’s important to comprehend the possible reasons for this issue and the measures you can take to fix it. Throughout this discussion, we will explore typical causes of laptops turning on but not displaying anything and the troubleshooting and fixing processes.

Why The Laptop Turns On, but the Display Doesn’t?

Several reasons your laptop might turn on but have no display. Some of the common causes include:

• Faulty hardware: A damaged or faulty hardware component, such as a graphics card, hard drive, or RAM, can cause your laptop to turn on but not display anything.
• Loose cables: A loose or disconnected cable between the display and the motherboard can cause the display not to work even if the laptop is turned on.
• Malfunctioning software: A software malfunction or corrupted driver can cause your laptop to turn on but not display anything.
• Battery or power adapter issues: If your laptop battery is dead or your power adapter is faulty, your laptop may not turn on or display anything.
• Incorrect display settings: Sometimes, incorrect display settings can cause the screen to be black or blank even if the laptop is turned on.

How to Fix the Laptop Turns On, but the Display Doesn’t Issue?

Now that we have discussed the possible causes, let’s look at some of the ways you can fix this issue and get your laptop running again.

Disclaimer: Be aware that opening up your laptop may void its warranty, so proceed with caution and at your own risk. It is recommended to take professional help if you are not sure about what to do. The writer of this article will not be responsible for any damages caused due to following the instructions mentioned in this article.

Fix 1: Try an External Display

This is done to determine whether the issue is with the laptop’s display or the graphics card.

To connect an external screen to your laptop, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your laptop and the external display.
2. Connect the HDMI or USB C cable to your laptop’s respective ports.
3. Attach the other end of the HDMI or USB C cable to the external display’s respective ports.
4. Turn on the external display and select the correct input source.
5. Turn on your laptop.

If the external display shows a picture, it indicates that the graphics card is working and the issue is likely with the laptop’s display. Conversely, if the external display does not show a picture, it could indicate a problem with the graphics card or another hardware issue.

Note that some laptops may require pressing a specific key or combination of keys to switch to the external display. Refer to your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions.

Fix 2: Check the Brightness Settings

If your laptop screen is black, but the computer is still running, the brightness settings on your screen may be too low. You can fix the issue by adjusting the brightness settings in such cases.

Here’s how you can check and adjust the brightness settings on your laptop screen:

1. Look for the brightness keys on your laptop keyboard. These keys are usually labeled with a sun icon or the letters “Fn” (Function) and “F7” or “F8”. Depending on your laptop model, the brightness keys may be located on the top row of the keyboard or the arrow keys.
2. Press the brightness-up key (usually the “Fn” key and the “F7” or “F8” key) to increase the brightness of the screen. Press the brightness down key (usually the “Fn” and the opposite brightness key) to decrease the brightness.

Fix 3: Check the Power Supply

If your laptop is running, but there is no display, another potential issue could be related to the power supply. Here are some things you can do to check the power supply:

1. Check the battery: Make sure that the battery is adequately charged and inserted into the laptop. Try connecting the power cord and removing the battery to see if the laptop powers on.
2. Check the power adapter: Ensure that the power adapter is working correctly. Check if the adapter is warm to the touch, and make sure that the LED light on the adapter is lit up. If the adapter is not working correctly, it may need to be replaced.
3. Try a different power outlet: Sometimes, it may be faulty. Try plugging the cord into some other outlet to see if this resolves the issue.
4. Check the power cord: Inspect the power cord for any physical damage, such as frayed or broken wires. If you notice any damage, replace the power cord with a new one.

Fix 4: Perform a Hard Reset

Another way to solve the ‘laptop won’t turn on‘ issue is by performing a hard reset. This will restore your laptop settings to the factory defaults and clear any errors that may be causing the problem. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Power off your laptop and carefully remove the battery.
2. Remove all of the external hardware components from your laptop and disconnect the laptop charger.
3. Now press and hold down the power button for about 15-30 seconds to completely drain out any electricity (residual electric charge) inside the laptop.
4. Insert the battery in the laptop and reconnect the charger. DO NOT connect any external peripherals right now.
5. Press the power button to turn your laptop on.
6. The laptop will be turned on, and you will see the manufacturer’s logo (in this case HP).
7. Finally, you will get the option to Start Windows Normally.

Note: If your laptop has a non-removable battery, then also you can follow the above steps, except you don’t have to remove the battery by any means. However, since the battery is un-detachable, it might take a longer time to drain the power of the laptop.

Fix 5: Clear the BIOS Memory

If none of the above methods works, then resetting the BIOS settings of your laptop might be the only solution. To reset BIOS settings, you will need to open up your laptop and locate the CMOS battery. Disconnect this battery for a few minutes and reconnect it again. This should clear all of your stored settings and get your laptop working again.

Fix 6: Reset the Memory Modules to Fix Laptop Screen Black

If your laptop is not displaying an image, it could be because one of the memory modules is loose. In such cases, reseating the memory modules could resolve the issue of a blank or black screen. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Switch off the laptop and detach the power cord. Before starting any procedure, touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity.
2. Remove the cover to access the memory.
3. Carefully remove the memory modules from the laptop.
4. Reinsert all the memory modules, making sure they are securely in place.
5. Once the memory modules are reseated, perform any necessary tests to verify that the laptop can start running in the Windows operating system.

By reseating the memory modules, you may be able to resolve the issue of a blank or black screen on your laptop. However, suppose the problem persists even after reseating the memory modules. In that case, another underlying issue may require professional assistance to diagnose and fix.

Fix 7: Get Professional Help

If none of the overhead actions resolve the issue, your laptop may have a hardware problem. This could include faulty components or bad connections, which will require the expertise of a professional repair shop to fix.

It’s important to remember that prevention is the best way to avoid encountering such issues in the future. So, it’s recommended that you take proper care of your laptop and use it with caution.

How to Prevent It?

To prevent your laptop from turning on but having no display issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Keep your laptop clean: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your laptop and cause overheating, leading to hardware failure. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the vents and the air intake.
2. Use a surge protector: Power surges can damage your laptop’s hardware. Using a surge protector can help protect your laptop from sudden power surges and spikes.
3. Update your software: Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and even lead to crashes. Regularly update your operating system, drivers, and antivirus software to ensure your laptop runs smoothly.
4. Avoid overheating: Overheating can cause damage to your laptop’s components, including the graphics card. Ensure your laptop has proper ventilation, and use a cooling pad if necessary.
5. Handle your laptop carefully: Dropping or mishandling it can cause hardware damage. Be careful when handling your laptop, and avoid placing heavy objects on it.

By pursuing these suggestions, you can help prevent the issue of your laptop turning on but with no display. However, if you still experience this issue, it may require professional assistance to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.

Final Words

Finally,  a laptop turning on but not displaying anything can be a frustrating experience for users. However, understanding the possible causes and the steps to resolve the issue can help alleviate the problem. Whether it is a hardware issue, loose cable, software malfunction, battery or power adapter problem, or display setting, troubleshooting can help you get your laptop back up and running. By following the steps mentioned in this conversation, you can determine the root cause of the issue and take appropriate measures to fix it. However, if the problem persists, seeking professional assistance may be necessary.

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