No picture on the monitor? Check where the signal stops.

This guide covers a blank monitor connected to a Windows 11 computer. Look for a power indicator, a No Signal, No HDMI Signal or No DisplayPort Signal message, or a Windows logo that vanishes. Check whether the monitor turns on and shows something, such as its own menu or a message, but not the Windows desktop. Also check whether one screen or all screens are affected. Write down any message exactly as it appears.

Switch the computer on and look for its power light. Listen for fans and startup sounds, then press Caps Lock and Num Lock to check for a response from the keyboard indicators. These observations help distinguish the two problems; lights and fans alone do not confirm that Windows has loaded.

If the computer seems to be running, continue with the monitor checks. If it shows no sign of starting, follow Computer not turning on. A power or internal hardware fault is possible, but these observations do not identify a failed part.

1. Find the monitor’s power indicator. If it is dark, press the physical Power button.
2. Check the power lead at the screen and at the wall socket or power board. Confirm that the power board is switched on.
3. If there is still no power, try another outlet.
4. Unplug the monitor’s power lead, leave it disconnected for 30 seconds, then reconnect it and press Power.

If the indicator remains dark after the outlet comparison, the monitor, its lead or its power supply may need attention.

Use the controls along the front, side or underneath the monitor. Open Input, Source or Menu and select the connection carrying the picture: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA or USB-C.

Match the socket number too: a lead in HDMI 1 needs HDMI 1 selected. For a DisplayPort connection, choose DisplayPort. Give the screen a few seconds to respond.

If several monitors are attached, turn the computer off and disconnect the extra screens. Keep only the screen being tested connected. Power on that monitor, then the computer, and look for the picture.

If this single-screen arrangement works, shut Windows down before reconnecting the second screen. Start the computer again and check whether both displays now work.

Try this monitor with another device. Disconnect it from the original computer and attach it to another computer, laptop or compatible video source. Set the monitor to the input you have connected, start that device and look for an image.

A successful test points towards the original computer, its graphics output, cable or driver path. If this test also fails, the monitor’s power connection, input socket or video lead may still be involved.

Try a different display with this computer. Disconnect the original monitor, connect a compatible replacement monitor or TV and select the connected input on that display. Start the computer and check for a picture. If this display works, the original screen or its cable becomes a suspect. If it stays blank too, the computer or its video output needs further checking. These comparisons narrow the possibilities without proving which part has failed.

For a black screen while Windows is running, press and hold Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B together. Let go of the keys and wait a few seconds.

You may hear a short sound or see the screen flicker. If an image returns, a graphics-driver response problem may have been involved.

If no screen shows a picture and you're comfortable working inside a computer, reseating the memory (RAM) often fixes it.

• Shut the computer down and unplug the power cable or charger.
• Ground yourself before touching anything inside: touch a bare metal part of the computer case, or wear an anti-static wrist strap.
• Open the case and find the memory sticks.
• Release the clips on each stick, take it out, then push it firmly back in until the clips lock.
• Close the case, plug the power back in and turn the computer on.

If you're not comfortable doing this, contact us.