no display

There can be a number of reasons why a desktop computer monitor is not displaying an image. Before taking your computer or monitor to your local repair shop you can try some easy troubleshooting steps below to help determine the cause of your display issue.

Please Note: We have received a large number of support requests related to this article. While we do offer FREE troubleshooting tips on our website we are unable to offer free one-on-one support. If you’re interested in paid phone/remote support feel free to contact us.

If Monitor Displays “NO SIGNAL” or “SELF TEST” – this means that your computer monitor is working properly but isn’t getting a signal from the computer. Start troubleshooting your issue by ensuring that both ends of the video cable that goes between your computer and your monitor are pushed in the whole way. Your monitor cable will look like one of the three examples below. If you have a VGA or HDMI cable be careful not to screw the adapter in place too tightly. You also want to be careful not to pull on the cable until the screws have been loosened completely from the back of the computer. 

Monitor power light is off –  If your monitor is not displaying a power light then you might have a problem
with your monitor. Ensure that the power adapter to the monitor is plugged in completely. Test your power outlet with another device such as a lamp to ensure the power outlet works. If you have another cable that matches your monitors power cable you can try using that or take your monitor to a local repair shop to see if they can test your monitor. If you have another monitor that you can plug into your computer you can test that just to rule out any potential issues with your computer.

My monitor has power but I have no display – usually this points to a video card or display driver issue. You can first check to make sure your video cable is plugged into the proper display port on the back of your computer. If you have two separate areas on your computer that have the same display adapter your computer has on-board video as well as a video card. Try plugging into the video card (usually away from other connections) first and if no-signal or self test is displayed on your monitor try the other port. 

What should you do if I still have no display on my computer monitor?

If the above don’t resolve your issue you may need to take your computer to a local computer repair shop for additional troubleshooting and support. Your technician will want to see your computer tower first to ensure that the display output from your computer is working properly.

If your computer displays properly on another monitor your technician can check to ensure that your screen resolution isn’t set too high for the monitor your normally use.  If the resolution is within normal ranges your monitor may need repaired or replaced. Replacing your out of warranty monitor may be the most sensible option depending upon the monitors age and specifications. 

If your computer does not display properly on another monitor your technician will need to perform further diagnostics to determine if other components including motherboard, memory or power supply are contributing to the lack of display. 

If your computer requires a new video card the cost of the repair will depend upon the quality of parts purchased and the video requirements that you need. If your using your computer for gaming or programs that are graphics intensive the cost of your video card will be higher. Basic video cards can cost as little as $49.99 or even less but you don’t want to sacrifice too much quality for price. The video cards that we purchase for the average gamer is around $150. Part installation fees can vary from repair shop to repair shop at Jester’s Computers we charge $15 for part installation.