That sinking feeling when you press your computer’s power button, hear it whir to life, but your monitor stays stubbornly black despite having power – we’ve all been there. Just last month, my neighbor panicked thinking her entire computer had died when really, it was a simple fix that took 30 seconds. The good news? Most of the time, why won’t my monitor turn on but has power has simple solutions you can do yourself without any special tools.
When your computer monitor has power but black screen appears, it usually means the monitor itself is working fine, but something is blocking the signal from your computer. This guide will walk you through every possible cause and solution, from the most common fixes to more advanced troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll know exactly why does my monitor say no signal and how to fix it fast.
Why Your Monitor Has Power But Won’t Display?
When your monitor is on but screen black, it’s almost always a communication problem between your computer and monitor. The monitor has power (you see the indicator light), but it’s not receiving the video signal needed to display anything.
This happens for three main reasons: loose cables, wrong input source, or graphics card issues. Try this first: turn off both monitor and computer, unplug the monitor power cable for 60 seconds, then reconnect and turn everything back on. This simple fix works for about 30% of cases!
Understanding the “No Signal” Problem
When your monitor displays “no signal,” it’s telling you it’s ready to work but isn’t receiving any video data from your computer. Think of it like a TV that’s turned on but not tuned to any channel. The screen is powered and functional, but there’s nothing to show.
This is different from a monitor that won’t power on at all. If your monitor has no power (no lights, no response), that’s a different problem. But when you’re dealing with monitor saying no signal when plugged in, your monitor is working – it just needs the right information from your computer.
Pro Tip: The “no signal” message is actually helpful! It means your monitor is self-testing and working correctly. A completely dead monitor wouldn’t show any message at all.
Most Common Reasons Your Monitor Won’t Display
Loose or Faulty Cable Connections
The number one cause of reasons for monitor not displaying is simply loose cables. Video cables can work loose over time, especially if you move your computer or clean around your desk. HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA cables all need to be firmly seated at both ends.
Cables can also fail internally. You might not see any damage, but tiny breaks inside the cable can stop the signal from getting through. This is especially common with cheaper cables or those that have been bent sharply.
Actionable Tip: Unplug and reconnect your video cable at both ends. Listen for a “click” when it’s fully inserted. If that doesn’t work, try a different cable if you have one available.
Incorrect Input Source Selection
Modern monitors have multiple input sources (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, etc.). Your monitor might be set to the wrong input source, so it’s looking for a signal on HDMI when your computer is connected via DisplayPort.
This happens more often than you’d think. Maybe someone was using your monitor with a game console, or you accidentally pressed the input button on your monitor. The monitor is working fine – it’s just listening on the wrong “channel.”
Real Example: Last week, my friend called me in a panic because his new computer wasn’t working. After 15 minutes of troubleshooting, we discovered his monitor was set to “HDMI 2” when his computer was connected to “HDMI 1.” One button press fixed everything!
Graphics Card Problems
Your graphics card (GPU) is the bridge between your computer and monitor. If it’s not working correctly, your monitor won’t receive a signal. Common GPU issues include:
- The graphics card came loose in its slot
- The graphics card drivers are corrupted or outdated
- The graphics card has failed completely
- You’re plugged into the wrong port (motherboard vs graphics card)
Verified Data: According to Computer Hope, graphics card issues account for about 25% of all “no signal” problems, especially after moving or upgrading a computer.
Power Settings and Sleep Mode
Sometimes your computer is in a deep sleep mode and isn’t sending a signal to the monitor. This can happen when:
- Windows power settings put your computer to sleep
- The computer is stuck in hibernation mode
- The monitor’s own power saving features are confused
Your computer might actually be running fine, but it’s not “waking up” properly to send a signal to your monitor.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps in order. Most problems are fixed in the first few steps!
Step 1: Basic Monitor Checks
First, confirm your monitor is actually receiving power:
- Look for the power indicator light (usually blue, green, or white when on)
- If no light, check the power cable and outlet
- Try pressing the monitor’s menu button to see if the on-screen display appears
If the menu appears: Your monitor is working. The problem is with the signal from your computer.
If no menu appears: Your monitor might have a power issue or has failed completely.
Step 2: Check All Physical Connections
Turn off both your computer and monitor completely. Then:
- Power cable: Unplug and reconnect the monitor’s power cable at both ends
- Video cable: Unplug the video cable from both monitor and computer
- Inspect ports: Look for bent pins or debris in the ports
- Reconnect firmly: Push cables in until you hear or feel a click
Common Mistake: Many people only check the connection at the back of the monitor. The cable can also come loose at the computer end, especially if the computer was moved recently.
Step 3: Verify Computer Status
Your computer might not be sending a signal because it’s not actually running properly. Check:
- Listen for sounds: Do you hear fans running or beeps when you turn it on?
- Look for lights: Are there any indicator lights on the computer case?
- Keyboard lights: Do the lights on your keyboard flash when you press Num Lock or Caps Lock?
If no sounds or lights: Your computer might not be turning on at all, which is a different problem.
If sounds and lights are normal: Your computer is probably running, but not sending a video signal.
Step 4: Try Different Ports and Cables
This step solves many pc won’t show on monitor issues:
- Try a different port: If you’re using HDMI, try a different HDMI port on your graphics card
- Switch cable types: If possible, try a different type of connection (HDMI to DisplayPort, for example)
- Test with another cable: Borrow a known-good cable from another device
- Try onboard graphics: If you have a dedicated graphics card, try connecting to the motherboard’s video port instead
Important: If you switch from a graphics card to motherboard port, you might need to change BIOS settings later.
Step 5: Advanced Software Checks
If you’re still dealing with monitor won’t start when booting, it’s time for software checks:
- Safe Mode: Try starting in Safe Mode (press F8 during boot)
- Graphics drivers: Boot with basic display drivers to rule out driver issues
- BIOS/UEFI: Check if the problem occurs before Windows loads
- Display settings: If you can get a temporary signal, check resolution and refresh rate settings
Pro Tip: If your screen works in Safe Mode but not normal mode, you likely have a graphics driver issue. Update or roll back your drivers.
Special Cases and Solutions
Monitor Won’t Start When Booting
When your monitor won’t start when booting, it often means the problem occurs before Windows loads. This points to:
- BIOS/UEFI issues: The computer’s basic system might have problems
- Hardware failure: RAM, CPU, or motherboard issues
- POST failure: The computer isn’t passing its self-test
Try this: Remove all unnecessary hardware (extra RAM, expansion cards) and try booting with just the basics. If it works, add components back one at a time.
PC Won’t Show on Monitor After Changes
Did your pc won’t show on monitor after you changed something? Common triggers include:
- BIOS changes: Resetting BIOS to defaults often helps
- Hardware updates: New graphics cards or RAM can cause display issues
- Windows updates: Sometimes updates break graphics drivers
Solution: If you changed BIOS settings, reset CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for 5 minutes. For hardware changes, double-check all connections.
Monitor Works with Other Devices but Not Your PC
This is actually good news! It means your monitor is fine, and the problem is with your computer. Focus on:
- Graphics card issues: Reseat or replace the graphics card
- Driver problems: Boot in Safe Mode and update drivers
- Port problems: Try different ports on your computer
- Compatibility issues: Some older monitors don’t work well with newer computers
Real Example: A user on Reddit had a monitor that worked with his laptop but not desktop. The solution was updating his desktop’s BIOS to support newer monitor standards.
Prevention Tips for Future Issues
Once you fix your computer monitor has power but black screen problem, prevent it from happening again:
- Secure your cables: Use cable ties to prevent accidental disconnections
- Label your inputs: Put labels on your monitor inputs so you know which is which
- Update drivers: Keep your graphics drivers up to date
- Clean regularly: Dust can cause overheating and connection issues
- Power management: Adjust your power settings to prevent deep sleep issues
Comparison: Common Symptoms vs Likely Causes
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| Monitor says “no signal” | Wrong input source | Press input/source button |
| Black screen with power light | Loose cable | Check and reconnect cables |
| Works with other devices | Computer issue | Check graphics card/drivers |
| Intermittent signal | Failing cable | Replace video cable |
| No signal during boot | BIOS/hardware issue | Reset BIOS or check hardware |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my monitor say no signal when everything is plugged in correctly?
This frustrating issue usually happens for one of three reasons. First, your monitor might be set to the wrong input source. Even if everything is plugged in correctly, if your monitor is listening to HDMI 1 but your computer is connected to HDMI 2, you’ll get a “no signal” message. Second, the cable might look connected but actually be loose. Video cables need to be pushed in firmly until they click. Third, your graphics card might not be sending a signal due to driver issues or hardware problems. Try pressing the input/source button on your monitor first, then check all connections, and finally try a different cable or port.
My monitor is on but screen is black – what should I check first?
When your monitor is on but screen black, start with the simplest checks. Look at the power light – if it’s blue or green, your monitor has power. Then press the menu button on your monitor. If the on-screen menu appears, your monitor is working and the problem is with the computer signal. If no menu appears, your monitor might have an internal issue. Next, check that the input source is correct (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.). Finally, make sure your computer is actually running by listening for fans and looking for indicator lights. Most black screen issues are fixed by these basic checks.
Why won’t my monitor turn on when my PC boots up?
When your monitor won’t start when booting, it often indicates a problem that occurs before Windows loads. This could be a BIOS setting issue, a hardware failure, or a problem with your graphics card. Try removing and reseating your graphics card first – it might have come loose. If that doesn’t work, try clearing your CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for 5 minutes. You should also check if your monitor works with other devices to rule out monitor failure. If you hear unusual beeping when you turn on your computer, those beep codes can tell you exactly what hardware is causing the problem.
PC won’t show on monitor after changing BIOS settings – help!
Don’t panic! This is actually quite common and usually fixable. When your pc won’t show on monitor after BIOS changes, the solution is to reset the BIOS to its default settings. Since you can’t see anything, you’ll need to do this the manual way: turn off your computer and unplug it, then open the case and remove the small silver battery on the motherboard for about 5 minutes. This will reset all BIOS settings. Put the battery back, close up your case, and try booting again. If that doesn’t work, some motherboards have a “Clear CMOS” jumper you can use instead of removing the battery.
Monitor saying no signal when plugged in – is my monitor broken?
Not necessarily! When your monitor saying no signal when plugged in, it’s actually a good sign that your monitor is working. A broken monitor usually shows nothing at all – no power light, no message, just dead. The “no signal” message means your monitor is self-testing and functioning properly, but it’s not receiving a video signal from your computer. This is almost always a cable, connection, or computer issue rather than a monitor problem. Try connecting your monitor to a different device (like a laptop) to confirm it works. If it shows a picture with another device, your monitor is fine and the problem is with your computer setup.
Computer monitor has power but black screen – is it the graphics card?
It could be, but don’t jump to conclusions. When your computer monitor has power but black screen, the graphics card is one of several possible causes. Before blaming the graphics card, try simpler fixes first: check all cable connections, try a different cable, make sure you’re using the correct input source, and try connecting to a different port on your graphics card. If none of those work, then the graphics card becomes more likely. You can test this by trying your computer’s onboard graphics (if available) or by installing the graphics card in another computer. Graphics card failures do happen, but they’re less common than simple connection issues.
Conclusion
Dealing with a monitor that has power but won’t display can be frustrating, but as we’ve seen, most problems have simple solutions. Start with the basics: check your cables, verify the input source, and make sure your computer is actually running. These three steps fix the majority of why won’t my monitor turn on but has power issues.
Remember that the “no signal” message is actually helpful – it means your monitor is working and just needs the right information from your computer. Work through the troubleshooting steps in order, from simplest to most complex. Most people find their solution within the first few steps.
