Fix Dell Monitor Display Issues

Still experiencing display issues after following the steps on the Monitor Troubleshooting page? This article goes deeper with additional steps to help you resolve the most common display problems on your Dell monitor.

If your monitor shows no sign of power at all, no light on the power button, go to How to Fix Your Dell Monitor When It Won't Turn On first.

What's your display issue?

Jump to the section that best matches what you're seeing:

• Monitor has no display or shows a black screen
• Screen is flickering or flashing
• Image looks distorted, blurry, or the wrong size
• Colors look wrong or washed out
• Lines on the screen (horizontal or vertical)
• Monitor buttons or on-screen menu not working
• Unusual noises coming from the monitor

1. Monitor has no display or shows a black screen

You've already checked the cable, input source, and run the monitor self-test on the Monitor Troubleshooting page. Here are the next steps to try.

Step 1: Read the power LED

The small indicator light on the front of your monitor tells you what's happening:

• Solid white or green light: The monitor has power and is receiving a signal from the computer. Skip to Step 2.
• Amber, orange, or blinking white light: The monitor has power but is not receiving a video signal from the computer. This is a computer or cable issue, not a monitor hardware issue. Continue to Step 2.
• No light: The monitor has no power. Go to How to Fix Your Dell Monitor When It Won't Turn On.

Step 2: Check that the cable is plugged into the correct port

If your computer has a separate graphics card, it will have two sets of video ports on the back panel. Make sure your cable is plugged into the graphics card ports, these are usually located lower on the back panel.

Using the wrong port (the one built into the main board) is a common cause of a "no signal" screen, especially on gaming or high-performance desktops.

Step 3: Disconnect non-essential devices

Accessories like external hard drives, USB devices, printers, and VR headsets can sometimes interfere with startup. If your screen is black at startup:

1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect all non-essential devices, leaving only your keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
3. Turn on your computer and check if the display works.
4. If it does, reconnect your devices one at a time to identify which one is causing the issue.

Step 4: Roll back the graphics driver

If the black screen started after a recent Windows or driver update, rolling back to the previous driver version may help.

1. Press and hold the Windows key, then press Q.
2. In the search box, type device manager.
3. Select Device Manager (Control Panel) from the results.
4. Select the arrow to the left of Display adapters.
5. Right-click the graphics adapter listed and select Properties.
6. Select the Driver tab.
7. If available, select Roll Back Driver and follow the on-screen prompts.
8. Restart your computer when prompted.

2. Screen is flickering or flashing

You've already checked the cable, refresh rate, and updated drivers on the Monitor Troubleshooting page. Here are the next steps to try.

Step 1: Restart the graphics drivers

This quickly refreshes your display without restarting the computer and can clear temporary driver glitches.

1. Press and hold Windows + Ctrl + Shift, then press B.

You'll hear a short beep and the screen will flash briefly, this is normal. Check if the flickering stops.

Step 2: Roll back the graphics driver

If the flickering started after a recent Windows or driver update, try rolling back to the previous driver version.

1. Press and hold the Windows key, then press Q.
2. In the search box, type device manager.
3. Select Device Manager (Control Panel) from the results.
4. Select the arrow to the left of Display adapters.
5. Right-click the graphics adapter and select Properties.
6. Select the Driver tab.
7. If available, select Roll Back Driver and follow the on-screen prompts.
8. Restart your computer when prompted.

Step 3: Check for software conflicts

If the flickering only happens in certain apps or when looking at specific parts of the screen:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open Task Manager.
2. Watch the screen carefully. If Task Manager itself does not flicker but everything else does, an app is likely causing the issue.
3. Check whether recently installed software is the cause. Try uninstalling recently added apps one at a time to identify the problem.

Step 4: Check gaming or advanced monitor features (if applicable)

If you're using a gaming or high-refresh-rate monitor, certain settings can cause flickering:

• If G-Sync is enabled but your monitor is not G-Sync certified, try turning it off.
• If Overclock is enabled in the on-screen menu, turn it off. Running the monitor above its rated refresh rate can cause flickering.

3. Image looks distorted, blurry, or the wrong size

You've already adjusted the resolution and scale settings on the Monitor Troubleshooting page. Here are the next steps to try.

Step 1: Restart the graphics drivers

1. Press and hold Windows + Ctrl + Shift, then press B.

The screen will flash briefly, this is normal. Check if the image looks normal after the drivers restart.

Step 2: Roll back the graphics driver

If the distortion appeared after a recent update, try rolling back the graphics driver using the steps in Section 2, Step 2.

Step 3: Calibrate the display in Windows

Incorrect calibration settings can make the image look off even when resolution and scale are set correctly.

1. Press and hold the Windows key, then press Q.
2. In the search box, type calibrate display color.
3. Select Calibrate display color (Display) from the results.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to adjust gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance.

4. Colors look wrong or washed out

You've already checked the cable, adjusted monitor color settings, and updated drivers on the Monitor Troubleshooting page. Here are the next steps to try.

Step 1: Calibrate the display in Windows

1. Press and hold the Windows key, then press Q.
2. In the search box, type calibrate display color.
3. Select Calibrate display color (Display) from the results.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to fine-tune the gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance settings.

Step 2: Check the HDR setting in Windows

If colors look washed out or overly bright, HDR (High Dynamic Range) may be turned on but not supported properly by your current setup.

1. Press and hold the Windows key, then press Q.
2. In the search box, type display settings.
3. Select Display settings (System settings) from the results.
4. Under Brightness and color, look for Use HDR.
5. If it's turned on, toggle it off and check whether colors look normal.

Step 3: Roll back the graphics driver

If the color issue started after a recent update, try rolling back the graphics driver using the steps in Section 2, Step 2.

5. Lines on the screen (horizontal or vertical)

You've already checked the cable, updated drivers, ran the self-test, and tested with another computer on the Monitor Troubleshooting page. Here are the next steps to try.

Step 1: Restart the graphics drivers

1. Press and hold Windows + Ctrl + Shift, then press B.

The screen will flash briefly. Check if the lines disappear after the drivers restart.

Step 2: Roll back the graphics driver

If the lines appeared after a recent update, try rolling back the graphics driver using the steps in Section 2, Step 2.

Step 3: Run the Video Playback Troubleshooter in Windows

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Next to Video Playback, select Run.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer if recommended.

Reminder from the Monitor Troubleshooting page: If lines appeared during the monitor self-test (with all video cables unplugged), this indicates a hardware issue with the monitor panel. Contact Dell Technical Support to discuss repair or replacement options under your warranty.

6. Monitor buttons or on-screen menu not working

Step 1: Check for physical damage

Inspect the monitor buttons for any visible damage or signs that they are stuck. If buttons appear physically damaged, contact Dell Technical Support to check your warranty coverage.

Step 2: Try the buttons with only the power cable connected

1. Unplug all cables from the monitor except the power cord.
2. Try pressing each button to see if the on-screen menu appears.

If the menu appears and buttons respond with only the power cable connected, the issue may be related to the video signal or the connected cable. Reset the monitor to factory defaults through the on-screen menu, then reconnect your cables and test again.

If the buttons still don't respond, contact Dell Technical Support to check your warranty coverage.

7. Unusual noises coming from the monitor

Step 1: Check for physical damage

Inspect the monitor for any visible damage. If damage is present, contact Dell Technical Support to check your warranty coverage.

Step 2: Isolate the monitor from the computer

1. Unplug all cables from the monitor except the power cord.
2. Listen to see if the noise continues.

• If the noise continues with just the power cord connected, the sound is coming from the monitor itself. If the noise is unusual or louder than expected, contact Dell Technical Support.
• If the noise stops once the computer is disconnected, the noise may be coming from your computer, not the monitor. Try some troubleshooting steps to fix noise issues on your Dell computer.

Still need help?

If you've worked through the steps above and the issue isn't resolved, here are two great ways to get further help.

Search your monitor's user guide

Your monitor's user guide contains model-specific information including settings, specifications, and troubleshooting tips that go beyond what's covered here.

Visit Dell Manuals & Documentation and enter your Service Tag or monitor model number to find your guide.

Tips for finding your monitor model number:

• Check the Quick Start Guide or the original box.
• Look for a sticker on the back of the monitor.

Ask the Dell Community

The Dell Community Forums are a great place to get help from other Dell users and experts who may have experienced and solved the same issue. Search for your issue or post a question, the community is active and responsive.