Help! My Display (Computer Monitor) Isn't Working!

Issue

If your monitor isn't working, there are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue. This article describes several of the troubleshooting steps you can take.

Resolution

Check the power

Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on. Check the power cord for any damage, and try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out any issues with the outlet. There may be a power button on the front of the display; try pressing that button to see if you can bring the monitor back to life.

Check the cables

If the power is on and the monitor is still not working, check the cables connecting the monitor to the computer or to the docking station. Make sure they are securely plugged in and not damaged. You can try unplugging them and then plugging them back in to see if they simply needed reseated.

You can usually trace the cables to or from the back of the monitor by following them physically, but this might be challenging if the arrangement of the desk does not permit it. The cables you will want to look for are DVI or HDMI cables.

A picture of a DVI and an HDMI cable

On the left is a photograph of an HDMI cable; on the right is a DVI cable. These are the standard display cables of most computer monitors, and loose connections on these can be the source of many display headaches.

Check the display settings

If the power and cables are all in order, try adjusting the display settings on your computer. On Windows, you can right-click on the Desktop and click Display Settings. There should be a list of displays connected to your machine; you can click on them and enable or disable them on this menu.

On Mac, you can use the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner and go to System Preferences, and then Displays. This is where display settings are configured on Mac; make sure your displays are enabled on your device.

Make a service request

If none of these steps fix the issue, it may be a hardware problem with the monitor itself. If it is a Duquesne-issued display or machine, make a service request for a hardware repair. If it is a personal device, you may need to reach out to a qualified repairperson, or contact the manufacturer if it is still under warranty.

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Details

Article ID: 159
Created
Thu 1/19/23 11:30 AM
Modified
Mon 1/23/23 11:28 AM

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Duquesne uses Dell and Apple computers to meet the University's computing needs. Computing and Technology Services (CTS) offers full warranty support for both manufacturers.
The Duquesne University TechHUB includes full-time technicians who are Apple and Dell certified and qualified to assist with any computer-related problems you encounter.