What to do When Your Monitor Is Not Working
While a monitor going out is, arguably, the most inconvenient of all hardware failures short of a dead hard drive, it remains a problem that cool-headed users can solve. The following steps can resolve most issues that involve a recently-non-working monitor, assuming there's no permanent damage to the product (such as through a power surge from an unprotected outlet).
When introducing a new component to a PC, including a monitor, always ensure that any associated software is up-to-date. For display issues, this caveat includes the driver for the graphics card and the monitor. Users can identify their graphics card from the 'Display adapters' entry in Device Manager by right-clicking the device, clicking Properties, and then changing the new window to the Drivers tab. Similarly, the Device Manager also provides a Monitors section for the display monitor, although many models will show generic, placeholder names (such as 'PnP monitor,' AKA 'plug and play').
Directly update the driver by downloading the latest version from the manufacturer's website, if possible. Retrieving the patch straight from a primary source limits the chance for an inaccurate update. However, users who are uncomfortable with doing so or who have no better options (such as the manufacturer's bankruptcy) can use the Windows feature for driver updates. Just right-click the monitor in the Device Manager and select 'Update device' instead of Properties.
Monitors that aren't plug-and-play also should include bundled software for installation.
When dealing with an unresponsive monitor, users should re-seat the cables to the PC and the power on both ends. Unlike, for instance, USB connectors, monitor cables aren't 'one-size-fits-all,' and users never should force plugs into non-fitting slots, which may damage pins by bending or breaking them. For example, VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort interfaces all use different plugs, although adapters, if necessary, may 'convert' a cable into matching another interface format.
Brightness settings also may cause problems that look more severe than they are, such as orange-toned colors or extreme dimness. Depending on the monitor model, users may or may not have a Windows UI-based brightness option available from the Action Center's slider (labeled with a sun icon). If there's no brightness option available, consult the product's documentation – the monitor should have buttons for controlling brightness underneath the screen. Experts also recommend Windows users familiarize themselves with features like the Windows 'night light,' which is available by typing its name directly into the taskbar's search field.
Due to the growth in LCD technology-based monitors, backlight failure is an increasing source of monitor failures. This issue may occur over time from water damage or due to an initially-defective product. A failing backlight also may cause other problems besides an overt blackout, such as flickering. Unfortunately, the replacement of a backlight requires disassembly and isn't for novices. Unless the monitor is well over the average cost of a professional repair (roughly two hundred USD), replacing the entire product is more cost-effective.
When in doubt, keep a spare monitor for troubleshooting in cases where the 'good one' fails. Although it takes up extra space, having a backup display is priceless in situations that can leave a PC owner blind.