How to Fix a Computer That Turns on but Displays Nothing

Check the Power Supply

When your computer turns on but displays nothing on the screen, the first thing to check is the power supply. A faulty power supply can cause a range of issues, including a blank screen. Here are some steps to follow:

Verify power source: Make sure the computer is plugged into a working power outlet. Sometimes, a loose or unplugged power cable can lead to no display.
Check the power cable: Inspect the power cable for any damage or kinks. If you find any issues, consider replacing it with a new cable.
Test the power button: Press the power button and check if the computer fans and lights turn on. If not, it could indicate a problem with the power button or the power supply itself.
Listen for sounds: Pay attention to any abnormal sounds coming from the power supply unit (PSU). If you hear a clicking or buzzing noise, it might be an indication of a faulty PSU that needs to be replaced.
Check the PSU connections: Ensure that the power supply connections inside the computer are securely plugged in. Remove and reseat the connections to ensure a proper fit.
Test with a different power supply: If possible, try using a different power supply to see if the issue is resolved. If the computer displays properly with a different PSU, it’s likely that the original power supply is faulty and needs to be replaced.

By following these steps, you can determine if the power supply is the culprit behind your computer displaying nothing on the screen. If the issue persists after checking the power supply, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Inspect the Display Cables

If your computer turns on but you’re still not getting any display, the next step is to inspect the display cables. Faulty or loose cables can prevent the proper transmission of video signals to your monitor. Follow these steps to check the display cables:

Ensure cable connections: Verify that the cables connecting your computer and monitor are securely plugged in at both ends. Over time, these connections can become loose or accidentally disconnected.
Check for damaged cables: Carefully examine the display cables for any visible damage such as cuts, fraying, or bent pins. If you find any issues, consider replacing the cables to rule out cable-related problems.
Try a different cable: If possible, try using a different display cable to connect your computer and monitor. This can help determine if the issue lies with the cable itself.
Inspect the port and connector: Examine the port and connector on both your computer and monitor for any signs of damage or debris. Use compressed air or a small brush to clean out any dust or dirt that may be obstructing the connection.
Test with a different monitor: If you have access to another monitor, try connecting it to your computer using the same display cables. This can help determine if the issue is with the monitor rather than the cables.
Try a different video output: If your computer has multiple video outputs (such as HDMI, DVI, or VGA), try connecting your monitor to a different output to see if that resolves the display issue.

By inspecting the display cables and ensuring proper connections, you can eliminate cable-related problems as the cause of your computer’s no display issue. If the problem persists, move on to the next troubleshooting steps.

Test the Display with Another Device

If your computer turns on but you’re still not getting any display, it’s important to determine if the issue lies with the computer or the monitor itself. Testing the display with another device can help you pinpoint the source of the problem. Follow these steps to test the display:

Connect another device: Use a different device, such as a laptop or gaming console, and connect it to the same monitor using the same display cables. This will help determine if the issue is specific to your computer or if it’s related to the monitor.
Verify monitor settings: Check the source/input settings on your monitor to ensure it’s set to the correct input for the device you’re testing with. Make any necessary adjustments to switch between inputs (e.g., HDMI, VGA, DVI).
Power on the device: Turn on the second device you’ve connected to the monitor and check if it displays correctly. If the display works with the other device, it’s likely that the problem lies with your computer.
Update drivers: If the display doesn’t work with the second device either, it may indicate a problem with the monitor or its drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website to check for any driver updates or troubleshooting guides specific to your monitor model.
Try a different monitor: If possible, connect your computer to another monitor using the same display cables. If the alternate monitor displays correctly, it suggests a problem with your original monitor and not your computer.
Consider professional help: If you’ve tried the above steps and neither the monitor nor the computer display works with other devices or monitors, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance.

By testing the display with another device, you can determine if the problem lies with your computer or the monitor itself. This knowledge will help guide you in the next steps of troubleshooting.

Restart the Computer in Safe Mode

If your computer turns on but displays nothing on the screen, restarting it in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot and identify any software-related issues that may be causing the problem. Safe Mode allows your computer to start with minimal software and drivers, which can help isolate the issue. Here’s how you can restart your computer in Safe Mode:

Turn off the computer: If your computer is on, shut it down completely.
Start the computer: Press the power button to turn on your computer.
Repeatedly press the F8 key: As your computer starts up, press the F8 key multiple times before the Windows logo appears. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Select Safe Mode: Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight “Safe Mode” and press Enter. This will start your computer in Safe Mode.
Check the display: Once in Safe Mode, check if the display is working properly. If you can see the screen in Safe Mode, it suggests that there might be a software conflict or an issue with a specific driver.
Restart the computer: After checking the display in Safe Mode, restart your computer to exit Safe Mode and boot back into normal Windows mode.
Update drivers and software: Once your computer is back in normal mode, consider updating your graphics card drivers and any other relevant software. Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes cause display issues.

Restarting your computer in Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot software-related problems and identify any conflicts or faulty drivers. If the display still doesn’t work in Safe Mode or after updating drivers, continue with the next steps of troubleshooting.

Adjust Screen Resolution and Display Settings

If your computer turns on but the screen displays nothing or appears distorted, adjusting the screen resolution and display settings might help resolve the issue. Incorrect display settings can cause problems with the screen output. Follow these steps to adjust the screen resolution and display settings:

Right-click on the desktop: Find an empty space on your desktop and right-click to open the context menu.
Select “Display settings”: From the context menu, choose “Display settings” to access the screen resolution and display settings.
Check the resolution: Under the “Display” tab, make sure the resolution is set to the recommended value for your monitor. If it’s not, select the recommended resolution from the drop-down menu.
Adjust other settings: Explore the other display settings such as orientation, scale, and layout. Ensure that they are set to suitable configurations for your monitor.
Apply the changes: Click “Apply” to save the changes you’ve made to the display settings. The screen may go black temporarily while the new settings are applied.
Test the display: After applying the new settings, check if the screen displays properly. If the issue still persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Try a different monitor or cable: If possible, test your computer with a different monitor or try using a different display cable. This can help determine if the problem lies with the monitor or the cable.
Contact technical support: If adjusting the screen resolution and display settings doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact technical support for further assistance with troubleshooting.

By adjusting the screen resolution and display settings, you can optimize the visual output and potentially fix display issues on your computer. If the problem persists, continue with the next steps of troubleshooting.

Update Graphics Card Drivers

If your computer turns on but the display is not functioning properly or shows nothing at all, outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers may be the cause. Updating these drivers can help resolve display-related issues. Here’s how you can update your graphics card drivers:

Identify your graphics card: Determine the make and model of your graphics card. You can do this by checking your computer’s specifications or by opening the Device Manager and locating the Display adapters category.
Visit the manufacturer’s website: Go to the website of your graphics card manufacturer, such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Navigate to the support or downloads section of the website.
Find the appropriate drivers: Locate the drivers section for your specific graphics card model. Look for the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
Download and install the drivers: Download the latest graphics card drivers and follow the provided installation instructions. Typically, this involves running the downloaded file and following the on-screen prompts.
Restart your computer: After the driver installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Test the display: Once your computer has restarted, check if the display issue has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
Roll back drivers (if necessary): If the updated drivers did not resolve the issue, you can try rolling back to the previous version of the graphics card drivers. This can be done by accessing the Device Manager, locating the Display adapters category, right-clicking on your graphics card, and selecting “Properties.” From there, go to the “Driver” tab and choose the “Roll Back Driver” option.
Consider professional help: If updating or rolling back the graphics card drivers does not fix the display problem, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to diagnose and resolve the issue.

By keeping your graphics card drivers up to date, you can ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your computer’s display. If updating the drivers doesn’t solve the issue, continue with the next steps of troubleshooting.

Reset the BIOS

If your computer turns on but the screen remains blank or displays an error message, resetting the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) can sometimes resolve the issue. The BIOS is responsible for managing hardware settings and initializing the system. Here’s how you can reset the BIOS:

Turn off the computer: Make sure your computer is powered off completely.
Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the power cord from the back of your computer. This ensures that no power is supplied to the system during the reset process.
Open the computer case: If you’re comfortable doing so, open your computer case. Find the small coin-shaped battery on the motherboard, known as the CMOS battery.
Remove the CMOS battery: Gently remove the CMOS battery from its slot. Take note of its orientation before removing it, as you’ll need to place it back in the same way later.
Wait for a few minutes: Leave the CMOS battery out of the slot for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the BIOS settings to reset completely.
Replace the CMOS battery: Carefully put the CMOS battery back into its slot, ensuring it is oriented correctly. Make sure it is firmly seated in place.
Close the computer case: If you opened the computer case, securely close it, ensuring that all screws are tightened and the case is properly sealed.
Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer: Reconnect the power cord to your computer and switch it on. The BIOS settings will be reset, and the computer should now boot up normally.
Check the display: After the computer starts up, check if the display issue has been resolved.
Reconfigure BIOS settings (if necessary): If the display issue persists or if certain settings need to be adjusted, you may need to enter the BIOS setup menu during startup (often by pressing a specific key, such as Del, F2, or Esc). Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing the BIOS setup and making the necessary changes.

Resetting the BIOS can be helpful in resolving display-related issues caused by incorrect or corrupted BIOS settings. If the issue persists after resetting the BIOS, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Check for Hardware Issues

If your computer turns on but displays nothing on the screen, it’s possible that there may be hardware issues causing the problem. Checking for hardware issues involves inspecting various components of your computer. Here are the steps to follow:

Check the monitor: Connect the monitor to another computer or device to verify if it’s functioning properly. If the monitor works fine with another device, the problem likely lies with your computer.
Inspect the graphics card: Make sure the graphics card is properly seated in its slot on the motherboard. If it’s not inserted correctly, gently remove and re-seat the card, ensuring it is securely in place.
Check the cables and connectors: Examine the cables and connectors connecting your computer to the monitor. Look for any signs of damage or loose connections. Replace any faulty cables or connectors to rule out cable-related issues.
Test with integrated graphics: If your computer has integrated graphics, remove the dedicated graphics card (if applicable) and connect the monitor to the motherboard’s video output. This will help determine if the dedicated graphics card is causing the problem.
Inspect other hardware components: Check other hardware components, such as RAM modules and hard drives. Ensure that they are properly seated and securely connected.
Remove and reseat RAM modules: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Carefully remove the RAM modules from their slots and reinsert them one at a time, ensuring they are firmly seated in place.
Perform a visual inspection: Inspect the motherboard for any visible signs of damage, such as blown capacitors or burnt areas. If any damage is noticed, consider seeking professional help or replacing the motherboard.
Test with another power supply: If possible, try using a different power supply unit (PSU) to rule out power-related issues. Connect the alternate power supply to your computer and check if the display problem persists.
Consider professional assistance: If you’re unable to identify any hardware issues or if the problem is not resolved after performing these checks, it may be necessary to seek professional help or contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.

By checking for hardware issues, you can identify and address any problematic components that may be causing the no display problem on your computer. If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Remove and Reinstall RAM Modules

If your computer turns on but displays nothing on the screen, faulty or improperly seated RAM modules could be the culprit. Issues with RAM can often lead to display problems. Performing a reseat or reinstall of the RAM modules can help resolve these issues. Here’s how you can remove and reinstall the RAM modules:

Turn off your computer: Shut down your computer completely and unplug it from the power source.
Locate the RAM slots: Open your computer case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. They are usually long and thin, with locking mechanisms on the ends.
Release the locking mechanisms: Gently press down on the locking mechanisms at both ends of the RAM module to release it from the slot. The RAM module will pop up at an angle.
Remove the RAM module: Carefully pull the RAM module out of the slot by gripping it at the edges. Avoid touching the gold contacts on the bottom of the module.
Inspect the RAM module: Check the RAM module for any signs of damage, such as bent pins or corrosion. If any damage is found, you may need to replace the RAM module.
Reinsert the RAM module: Align the notch on the RAM module with the notch on the RAM slot. Insert the RAM module at an angle and press it down firmly until it clicks into place. The locking mechanisms should automatically snap into position.
Repeat for other RAM modules (if applicable): If your computer has multiple RAM modules, repeat the removal and reinstallation process for each module.
Close the computer case: Securely close the computer case and tighten any screws that hold it in place.
Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer: Reconnect the power cord to your computer and turn it on. Check if the display issue has been resolved.
Test one RAM module at a time: If you have multiple RAM modules, you can test them individually by reinstalling just one at a time. This helps identify if a specific module is causing the problem.
Consider replacing faulty RAM modules: If you suspect that a particular RAM module is faulty and causing the display issue, consider replacing it with a new module of the same type and specifications.

By removing and reinstalling the RAM modules properly, you can eliminate any potential connection issues or faulty modules that may be causing the no display problem. If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Perform a System Restore

If your computer turns on but displays nothing on the screen, performing a system restore can help revert your computer’s settings to a previous working state. This can resolve display-related issues caused by recent system changes. Here’s how you can perform a system restore:

Access the System Restore tool: In the Windows Start menu, search for “System Restore” and open the matching result.
Select a restore point: In the System Restore window, choose a restore point from the available list. Restore points are created automatically during certain system events or software installations. It’s recommended to choose a restore point that predates the appearance of the display issue.
Review the restore point details: Before proceeding with the restoration, carefully review the details of the selected restore point to ensure it corresponds to your desired timeframe and system state.
Start the restoration process: Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the system restore. This process may take several minutes, and your computer may restart during the restoration.
Wait for the restoration to complete: Allow the system restore process to complete until you see a confirmation message indicating a successful restoration.
Check the display: Once the system restore is finished and your computer has restarted, check if the display issue has been resolved.
Update drivers and software: After performing a system restore, it’s recommended to update your graphics card drivers and any other relevant software to ensure compatibility and stability.
Monitor system stability: Keep an eye on your computer’s performance and monitor for any recurring display issues. If the problem persists or resurfaces, further troubleshooting may be necessary.

Performing a system restore can help revert your computer to a previous state where the display was functioning properly. It’s important to note that a system restore will not affect your personal files, but it will undo recent system changes. If the display problem persists or worsens, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.