Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Daniel Osakwe
If you’ve ever tried to use your computer monitor and noticed that the screen is blank, you might be struggling with a common issue: no-input signal (NIS). Luckily, you can solve this problem in just five easy steps. Here are 7 steps on how to fix a no-input signal to a computer monitor.
Table of Contents
How to Fix a No-Input Signal to a Computer Monitor
Examine your connections and power.
Examine your PC and monitor closely to ensure there are no cabling or power issues before you jump to remove your graphics card or head to Amazon to get a new monitor.
It’s easy to perform this check. To make sure there are no loose connections, start by inspecting the cable running from your computer to your monitor. For instance, a slack HDMI cable can be impeding the display of your PC’s output (and vice versa).
It’s also possible that the display cable itself has a problem. Replace the cabling with an alternative if you see any damage to it or if it is very old. This can occasionally instantly fix any problem with your monitor’s display.
Your display may not be operating properly due to a power problem as well. You can presume your monitor has power if it is showing a no-signal error, but you won’t see any errors if your PC isn’t turned on.
Does the monitor’s input source match up?
If a monitor displays a no signal error, your PC monitor may not be receiving the graphics output from your PC. When your monitor’s input source is configured to the incorrect device, this can occasionally happen.
The majority of display monitors offer a variety of input ports, including VGA, HDMI, and DVI connectors. You can do this to link various devices to a single monitor. You may then switch between these using the firmware menu on your monitor or its physical controls, which could be a number of PCs or a PC plus a gaming console.
If so, check to see that your monitor’s input source is properly configured. If it isn’t, change to the proper source (such as HDMI or DVI for contemporary PCs) to get your monitor back in working order.
Inspect the monitor’s resolution.
Your PC output can be shown on a PC monitor using one of a predetermined range of display resolutions. You’ll most likely get a blank screen or a no signal notice if your PC’s graphics card is set to a display resolution that is higher than what your monitor can display.
Fortunately, it’s simple to repair a blank monitor screen after adjusting your display settings. After making your own settings changes, if the monitor suddenly loses resolution, wait 15 seconds; Windows will then return to the original resolution.
When operating in Safe Mode rather than in regular mode, Windows will automatically use a much-reduced display resolution. This will enable you to lower the resolution of your monitor’s default display to a level that it can handle.
You could check your user manual or the website of the monitor’s manufacturer if you’re not sure what resolutions it can handle. Alternatively, you can experiment with different resolutions throughout the 15-second window. Windows will return the setting to the last working one if changing the resolution causes your display to cease functioning.
Install the latest graphics card drivers
Your diagnostic attempts for display issues may first be directed at the monitor, but more often than not, the greater issue is the graphics card your PC is using. It’s probably time for a new graphics card driver if your new monitor is blank when you turn it on.
As we mentioned before, your PC occasionally has the ability to use a resolution that is not compatible with your monitor. Similarly, if you’re switching to a 4K panel or going from a 60Hz to a 240Hz display, your monitor may occasionally support resolutions that your graphics card doesn’t now support.
Thankfully, updating the graphics card drivers frequently fixes this. To access new features and problem patches, it’s advised that you update your drivers frequently. Support for new monitors and display resolutions is part of this.
For example, if you have an NVIDIA graphics card, updating your NVIDIA drivers is simple and can be done either through Windows Update or, for the most recent drivers, by downloading them straight from the NVIDIA website.
Test on a different monitor or computer
If you’re certain that a software problem (such as outdated drivers) is not the cause of the lack of signal reaching your display, you might need to try a different monitor or PC as part of your troubleshooting steps.
Your computer’s monitor should be replaced with a spare. If the issue can be reproduced, your PC probably has a problem that needs additional investigation.
Similarly, if your primary monitor stops operating but your backup monitor continues to function normally, there may be a hardware issue with your primary display. But this does not definitely mean that there won’t be more software problems. You’ll need to look into this issue more because it could still be caused by things like out-of-date drivers or an inappropriate display resolution.
Get new hardware
After careful testing, you may need to think about changing your hardware if you’ve tried all possible software fixes and any hardware problems can be reproduced with other attached devices.
For instance, a damaged graphics card would prevent your monitor from receiving any visual output, which would cause a no-input signal. You would need to replace your graphics card if the drivers weren’t the issue.
Similar to a malfunctioning monitor, one that is incompatible with various devices won’t automatically repair itself. If a repair is not covered by your warranty, you should think about getting a new monitor.
This would also be a wise choice if the monitor flickers or the device otherwise shows signs of impending failure. This might be the case, for example, if it takes a while for your display to turn on.
Troubleshooting PC Hardware
Don’t freak out if a monitor says there is no input signal. The aforementioned techniques ought to aid in troubleshooting, but you might need to further diagnose your monitor or PC to see if you’re eligible for a replacement or repair under your device warranty.
You must invest in the proper PC hardware if you don’t want to find yourself in the same predicament in a year or two. Cheap isn’t necessarily a good deal, so think carefully about your budget before rushing out to get new PC parts or an entirely new computer or display.
