PC Turns On But No Display | 7 Workable Solutions

User case: My PC turns on but no display

When browsing PC-related forums, you'll find many users facing the issue of "PC turns on but no display" However, not everyone knows quick and effective ways to fix it. A black screen on startup is often caused by loose or damaged cables. Other possible reasons include incorrect display settings, issues with the GPU or RAM, BIOS misconfigurations, faulty peripherals, or a failing power supply.

If your PC is on but no display anything, don’t worry. This guide provides several solutions to help you resolve the issue. You can try them one by one until your screen works properly.

How to fix PC powering on but no display?

Now, you have know the reasons that cause computer turns on but no display. You can try the 7 targeted and workable solutions to solve the problem.

Before fixing: make the preparation

Usually, the computer screen functions properly, but Windows fails to load, preventing users from accessing their files, and even cause some degree of data loss. If you attempt to fix the issue right away, new data might overwrite existing files. To avoid data loss, the best approach is to recover and back up important files before making any repairs.

If your PC isn’t experiencing hardware failure but won’t boot into Windows, don’t worry—you can still retrieve lost data with the right solution. Professional data recovery software is specifically designed for situations where Windows won’t start. One of the top options available is AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery, which effectively helps users recover lost files when their system encounters problems.

To restore data from an unbootable computer, first, create a bootable USB drive using AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. Then, use this recovery tool to scan and retrieve your lost files.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Fix 1. Force restart the computer

If your screen stays black after pressing the power button, try holding it down for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn your PC back on. Repeat this process three times, and Windows Startup Repair should launch automatically. Alternatively, you can force a restart three times by shutting it down when the Windows logo appears and powering it back on. Once in Automatic Repair, go to Advanced options, then select Startup Repair to detect and fix boot problems.

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Fix 2. Check you PC's monitor

If your computer turns on but the screen stays blank, check if the monitor is functioning correctly by looking at its power light. If the monitor isn’t turning on, unplug its power adapter and reconnect it to the outlet. If the problem continues, consider taking the monitor to a repair technician.

Fix 3. Reconnect the monitor to your PC

Another potential source of the PC turns on but no display issue could be a poor connection between your computer and monitor. The best course of action in this situation is likely to reconnect the two devices. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button until your computer turns off.

Step 2. Unplug the video cable that connects your computer to the monitor.

Step 3. Inspect the port connectors on both the monitor and the computer. Examine the video cable for any signs of damage. If the cable is in good condition, reconnect your computer to the monitor. If you have an extra video cable, try using the new one instead.

Step 5. Power on your PC to see if it boots up normally.

Fix 4. Disconnect all peripherals

Sometimes, external devices like a mouse, printer, or scanner could be the culprit. Try disconnecting all peripherals to determine if they are causing the "PC is on but no display" issue. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button until your computer turns off.

Step 2. Disconnect all peripherals (printer, scanner, mouse, etc.).

Step 3. Attempt to restart your computer.

Step 4. If your computer starts up smoothly, one of the disconnected peripherals is likely the cause. Reconnect each device one at a time, testing after each to identify the problematic one.

Fix 5. Reinstall RAM

A bad connection between your motherboard and RAM can also lead to this issue. Fortunately, you can reinstall your RAM to help solve PC powering on but no display issue. The detailed steps are as follows:

Step 1. Hold down the power button until your computer shuts down.

Step 2. Unplug the AC power cord from the power source, and open your PC case.

Step 3. Take your RAM out of the memory slot on your motherboard. Put your RAM stick back into the slot.

Step 5. Plug your computer's AC power cord into the power supply and turn on your PC.

Fix 6. Reset BIOS settings to default

Resetting the BIOS to default can help resolve boot issues, hardware conflicts, and system instability. Follow these steps to restore BIOS settings:

Step 1. Open the BIOS menu by restarting your computer and pressing the designated key (F2, F8, Del, Esc, etc.) during startup.

Step 2. Locate the "Setup Defaults" option, which may be labeled as Load Default, Load BIOS Defaults, or similar. Use the arrow keys to navigate.

Step 3. Select the option and press Enter to reset BIOS to factory settings. Press F10 to save changes and exit. Your computer will restart with the default BIOS settings.

Fix 7. Revert or update the display adapter driver

An outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device driver can cause a blank screen when booting a PC. You can resolve this issue by rolling back or updating the drivers. To do this, boot your computer into Safe Mode and follow these steps:

Step 1. Type "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar and open it. Expand the "Display adapter" section.

Step 2. Right-click on your device and select "Update driver." Click "Search automatically for updated driver software."

Step 3. Windows will search for and install any available updates.

After completing these steps, check if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

If your PC turns on but no display, the issue could stem from various factors, such as loose connections, faulty hardware, or software conflicts. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide—checking cables, reconnecting peripherals, reinstalling RAM, resetting BIOS, and updating drivers—you can identify and resolve the problem effectively.

Additionally, if your computer fails to boot into Windows and you’re concerned about data loss, using AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery can help you recover important files before making any repairs. This professional recovery tool allows you to create a bootable USB drive, scan for lost data, and restore files from an unbootable system.