Is Your Monitor Going Black Randomly? Here’s How to Fix it!

Has your monitor been randomly going black lately? This problem can be incredibly disruptive. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons monitors lose display out of the blue. We outline several effective troubleshooting techniques that can help fix the problem for good.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Update Graphics Drivers

Starting with the simplest solution, let’s look at your graphics card driver. Did your monitor start going black right after a graphics card driver update? If yes, then this driver is likely the source of your problem. It’s important to remember that the latest driver doesn’t always guarantee the best performance.

Sometimes, new drivers can conflict with certain software, leading to issues like a black screen. In this situation, rolling back to a previous, more stable driver version can resolve the problem.

On the flip side, if it’s been a long time since you last updated your graphics card driver, this also could be the reason behind the black screen issue. Outdated drivers may not work well with newer software or games, leading to display problems.

Evaluate Cable Quality

Sometimes, the culprit behind frequent and random black screens is a poor-quality cable. Not all cables are created equal, and a subpar one could be causing your screen to go black.

A poor-quality cable often struggles to transmit a strong and consistent signal, especially when using a high refresh rate monitor. This issue might point to the cable reaching its bandwidth limit, unable to handle the data being sent.

When this happens, your monitor can’t process the information correctly, leading to frequent black screens. To resolve this, consider investing in a higher-quality cable, one that’s designed to handle higher bandwidths and refresh rates.

Alternate GPU Ports

Moving along to a different yet easy fix – testing other ports on your graphics card. If your monitor goes black, it’s possible that the current port you are using has an issue.

Try to switch your monitor’s cable to another port and see if the problem persists. This simple step can help you identify whether the issue is with the port itself.

Check Power Supply

Now that we’ve gone through the easier fixes, it’s time to dive deep into other potential causes. Let’s start with your PSU (Power Supply Unit) cable. Make sure it’s tightly plugged into your GPU, as a loose cable can disrupt power flow, leading to your monitor’s black screen.

For those with a modular PSU, it’s equally important to check the PSU’s own cables. A secure connection ensures consistent power, warding off potential screen issues.

As for gamers, if the black screen occurs mostly during gaming, try limiting your GPU’s power to 90%. It’s a trade-off with performance, but it can reveal whether your PSU is underperforming. If this tweak stabilizes your screen, then it’s time to replace your PSU.

However, if your monitor goes to sleep during gaming only, then please read this article because it’s a different problem.

Assess Electrical Load

Is your monitor going black without showing any errors or issues in Windows? If yes, then you’re in luck. I once experienced this exact issue where my both monitors would go black for a second and then come back, and it turned out the problem was with my Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

Here’s what I suggest you do: First, try reducing the load on your current power source by unplugging non-essential devices. This step alone might solve the issue.

If you don’t have any additional devices, the next move is to connect your PC directly to a wall outlet or switch to a different UPS or power strip.

Your GPU Might be Overheating

Your monitor’s random blackouts could also be linked to your GPU’s temperature.

On top of getting a random black screen, GPU overheating also causes the system to crash, graphic glitches, or the fans to spin at full speed constantly. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s wise to check your GPU’s temperature.

I recommend using tools like MSI Afterburner or HWiNFO64 for monitoring your PC temperature. These can give you a clear picture of your GPU’s heat levels. If you find that the temperatures are consistently high, then it’s time to address the overheating.

Start by inspecting the GPU fans for dust buildup, which can reduce cooling efficiency. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of your case fan slots if you have any empty ones, as adding more fans can enhance airflow.

Overclocking

Just like high GPU temperature, overclocking your GPU can also cause stability issues, one of which is random black screens.

When you overclock your GPU, you’re essentially pushing your graphics card to work harder and faster than its standard settings. While this can improve performance, it also increases heat and strain on the GPU, leading to potential problems under the wrong circumstances.

If you’re facing black screens and have your GPU overclocked, consider resetting it to its original settings. This can help you figure out if the overclocking is the root cause. Overclocking without adequate cooling and power can lead to these unexpected shut-offs or black screens.

Reseat the GPU

Another potential solution that can help you solve this problem is by reseating your GPU. This involves physically removing your graphics card from its slot and then securely placing it back.

Over time, your GPU can become slightly unseated due to movement or dust accumulation, leading to poor connection and, consequently, display problems.

Before you start, ensure your computer is completely powered off and unplugged. Carefully remove the GPU, inspect it for any dust or debris, and clean it if necessary. Then, reinsert it firmly into the slot, ensuring it’s properly aligned and secured.

Test Monitor Function

If you’ve tried all the approaches we listed above but haven’t had any success, then it’s possible the issue lies within your monitor itself. Besides random black screens, other potential signs of a monitor in decline include flickering, distorted images, or unusual lines.

Additionally, try connecting your monitor to a different computer to see if the issue persists. Alternatively, using a different monitor with your computer can offer further insight. If the problem doesn’t occur with the alternate monitor, it likely points to an issue with your original screen.

For those who suspect their monitor might be failing, I recommend reading our article on the different signs of a dying monitor before making your final judgment.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been effective in helping you fix the problem of your monitor going black. If you’ve managed to solve it, please drop a comment sharing which method worked for you. If you still have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

We’re here to help you navigate through any remaining challenges you might be facing with your monitor.