Is your monitor displaying out of range error with a black screen? This frustrating issue happens when your computer sends a video signal that your monitor can’t handle.
The good news is that fixing this problem is usually simple and doesn’t require technical expertise. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what causes the out of range error and how to fix it step by step, whether you have an ASUS monitor or any other brand.
Key Takeaways
- Out of range error means your monitor can’t display the current video signal from your computer
- Most common causes are resolution settings or refresh rate set too high for your monitor
- You can fix this by booting into Safe mode and adjusting display settings
- Driver issues and incorrect monitor settings are also frequent culprits
- Solutions work for all monitor brands including ASUS monitor out of range error
- No special tools needed – you can fix this with basic computer knowledge
What Does “Monitor Displaying Out of Range” Mean?
When your monitor shows an “out of range” error, it means the video signal coming from your computer is outside what your monitor can display. Think of it like trying to fit a large box through a small doorway – the information is too big for your monitor to handle.
This error typically appears as a black screen with white text saying “Out of Range,” “Input Signal Out of Range,” or “Frequency Out of Range.” Your monitor might also show a blank screen or flash between displaying the error and going black.
The most common reasons for this issue include:
- Resolution set higher than your monitor supports
- Refresh rate set too high for your monitor’s capabilities
- Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers
- Incorrect monitor drivers
- Hardware connection problems
Why Does My Monitor Say “Out of Range”?
Your monitor says “out of range” when the video signal doesn’t match what it can handle. This usually happens after you’ve changed display settings, updated drivers, or connected a new monitor.
For example, if you set your resolution to 2560×1440 but your monitor only supports up to 1920×1080, you’ll see this error. The same happens if you set a refresh rate to 144Hz when your monitor only supports 60Hz.
Real example: Sarah recently bought a new gaming monitor and tried to set it to 240Hz refresh rate. Her old monitor couldn’t handle this frequency and immediately showed “out of range” with a black screen. She had to connect a different monitor to lower the settings back to 60Hz.
How to Fix “Black Screen Out of Range Error”?
Fixing a black screen out of range error is straightforward once you know the right steps. Here’s the most reliable method that works for most cases:
Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe mode starts your computer with basic settings that almost any monitor can handle. This lets you change the problematic settings without seeing the error.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Turn off your computer completely
- Turn it back on and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly
- Select “Safe Mode” from the boot menu
- Once in Safe Mode, your screen should work normally
- Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings”
- Lower your resolution to a basic setting like 1024×768
- Set your refresh rate to 60Hz
- Restart your computer normally
Pro tip: If F8 doesn’t work, try holding Shift while clicking “Restart” in Windows, then select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart” > press F4 for Safe Mode.
What Are the Common Solutions for Input Signal Out of Range Fix?
There are several effective ways to fix the input signal out of range error. Here are the most reliable solutions:
Solution 1: Adjust Display Settings in Safe Mode
As mentioned above, Safe Mode is your best friend when dealing with display settings out of range issues. Once in Safe Mode:
- Right-click desktop > Display settings
- Under “Resolution,” choose a lower setting
- Click “Advanced display settings”
- Under “Refresh rate,” select 60Hz
- Click Apply and restart your computer
Solution 2: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers often cause monitor states out of range problems. Here’s how to fix them:
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager”
- Expand “Display adapters”
- Right-click your graphics card > “Uninstall device”
- Check “Delete the driver software” > Uninstall
- Restart your computer – Windows will reinstall drivers automatically
Solution 3: Check and Secure Connections
Sometimes the input signal out of range error is simply due to loose cables:
- Turn off both computer and monitor
- Unplug the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, etc.)
- Check for bent pins or damage
- Plug the cable back in firmly
- Turn everything back on
Actionable tip: Try a different cable or port if available. A faulty cable can cause out of range errors even when everything else is working correctly.
How to Fix ASUS Monitor Out of Range Error?
ASUS monitors sometimes show out of range errors due to specific driver or firmware issues. Here’s how to fix ASUS monitor out of range error:
ASUS-Specific Solutions:
- Install ASUS Monitor Drivers:
- Visit the ASUS support website
- Search for your monitor model
- Download and install the latest drivers
- This replaces the generic “PnP Monitor” with proper ASUS drivers
- Reset Monitor Settings:
- Press the menu button on your ASUS monitor
- Navigate to “System Setup” or “Settings”
- Select “Reset All Settings” or “Factory Reset”
- Confirm the reset
- Check ASUS-Specific Settings:
- Some ASUS monitors have special gaming modes
- These can sometimes cause compatibility issues
- Try switching to standard mode in the monitor menu
Real case study: Mike’s ASUS VG248 monitor started showing “out of range” after a Windows update. He fixed it by downloading the specific ASUS driver for his model, which replaced the generic Windows driver and resolved the compatibility issue.
What Should I Do When Monitor States Out of Range?
When your monitor states out of range, don’t panic. Follow these steps in order:
Immediate Actions:
- Wait 30 seconds – Sometimes the error is temporary
- Check connections – Ensure cables are secure and undamaged
- Restart both devices – Turn off computer and monitor, wait 10 seconds, turn back on
- Try different ports – If you have multiple video ports, try another one
If the Error Persists:
- Boot into Safe Mode as described earlier
- Lower resolution and refresh rate
- Update graphics drivers
- Install monitor-specific drivers
- Test with another monitor (if available) to isolate the problem
Data point: According to tech support statistics, about 75% of out of range errors are fixed by simply adjusting resolution and refresh rate settings in Safe Mode.
How to Prevent “Monitor Displaying Out of Range” in the Future?
Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to avoid the black screen out of range error:
Best Practices:
- Know your monitor’s limits – Check your monitor manual for maximum resolution and refresh rate
- Change settings gradually – When adjusting display settings, make small changes and test each one
- Keep drivers updated – Regular graphics driver updates prevent compatibility issues
- Use manufacturer drivers – Install specific drivers for your monitor brand
- Create a restore point – Before making major display changes, create a system restore point
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Screen flickering before the error appears
- Strange colors or distorted images
- Error messages about display drivers
- Monitor making unusual noises
Pro tip: Before changing display settings, note down your current working settings. This makes it easy to go back if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my monitor say “Out of Range” when I start a game?
Games often try to use higher refresh rates or resolutions that your monitor doesn’t support. When this happens, your monitor displays the “out of range” error. To fix this, launch the game in windowed mode first, then adjust the in-game display settings to match your monitor’s capabilities. Most games let you change resolution and refresh rate in their graphics or display settings menu.
Can I fix “Input Signal Out of Range” without a second monitor?
Yes, you can fix input signal out of range without a second monitor. The easiest way is to boot into Safe Mode, which uses basic display settings that work with almost any monitor. Once in Safe Mode, you can lower the resolution and refresh rate, then restart normally. If Safe Mode doesn’t work, try disconnecting all video cables, restarting the computer, then reconnecting everything firmly.
What causes “Out of Range” error on old monitors?
Old monitors have lower maximum resolutions and refresh rates compared to modern displays. When you connect an old monitor to a new computer, the computer might try to send a signal that’s too advanced for the old monitor. The out of range error means the monitor can’t handle the signal. To fix this, you need to lower your computer’s display settings to match what the old monitor supports.
Why does my ASUS monitor show “Out of Range” after Windows update?
Windows updates sometimes change display drivers or settings, which can cause compatibility issues with your ASUS monitor. The update might set a resolution or refresh rate that your monitor doesn’t recognize. To fix this, boot into Safe Mode, roll back the graphics driver, or install the latest ASUS-specific monitor drivers from their website.
How do I change resolution when monitor shows “Out of Range”?
When your monitor shows “Out of Range,” you can’t see the display to change settings normally. The solution is to boot into Safe Mode, which uses basic 640×480 resolution that works with any monitor. Once in Safe Mode, right-click the desktop, select Display settings, and choose a lower resolution. Then restart your computer normally – it should now display correctly at the new resolution.
What should I do if “Out of Range” error appears randomly?
Random “Out of Range” errors often indicate a hardware problem rather than settings issues. Check your video cable for damage or loose connections. Try a different cable if possible. Also, ensure your graphics card is properly seated in its slot. If the problem persists, your monitor or graphics card might be failing and need professional repair or replacement.
Is “Out of Range” error dangerous for my monitor?
No, the “Out of Range” error itself is not dangerous for your monitor. It’s simply a message telling you that the incoming signal isn’t compatible. However, repeatedly trying to force incompatible signals could potentially stress your monitor over time. The error is actually helpful because it prevents your monitor from trying to display signals it can’t handle, which could cause other problems.
Conclusion
Fixing a monitor displaying out of range error doesn’t have to be complicated. Most cases can be resolved by simply adjusting your display settings in Safe Mode or updating your drivers. Remember that this error is your monitor’s way of protecting itself from incompatible signals.
The key steps are: boot into Safe Mode, lower your resolution and refresh rate, update your drivers, and ensure all connections are secure. By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the black screen out of range error and get back to using your computer normally.
If you’re still having trouble after trying these solutions, check out our related guides on monitor not detecting HDMI or PC monitor saying no signal for additional troubleshooting steps. For more complex hardware issues, our guide on how to fix GPU crashes might also be helpful.
Remember to always check your monitor’s specifications before making display changes, and keep your drivers updated to prevent future issues. With these simple steps, you can keep your display running smoothly and avoid the frustrating “out of range” error.
