1. Basic Checks & Quick Fixes
- Restart the laptop: Force restart by holding the power button for 15 seconds.
- Check external display: Connect to a monitor/TV via HDMI. If it works, the laptop screen or its cable may be faulty.
- Disconnect peripherals: Remove USB drives, docks, or external devices to rule out conflicts.
- Power cycle: Unplug the charger, remove the battery (if removable), hold the power button for 30 seconds, then reboot.
2. Software Solutions
A. Boot into Safe Mode
- For Windows 10/11:
- Restart and press F12 repeatedly during boot.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press F4/F5 to boot into Safe Mode (with/without networking).
- If the issue disappears in Safe Mode, it’s likely a driver or software problem.
B. Update/Roll Back Drivers
- In Safe Mode, open Device Manager (right-click Start menu).
- Expand Display adapters, right-click the GPU (Intel/NVIDIA/AMD), and:
- Select Update driver (auto-search online).
- If the issue started after an update, choose Roll Back Driver.
C. Check for OS Corruption
- Open Command Prompt as Admin and run:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart after completion.
D. Uninstall Recent Updates/Software
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History and uninstall recent updates.
- Uninstall recently added apps via Control Panel > Programs.
E. Scan for Malware
- Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus to perform a full scan.
3. Hardware Diagnostics
A. Run Dell Diagnostics
- Restart and press F12 during boot.
- Select Diagnostics to test hardware (RAM, HDD, GPU).
B. Check RAM/Storage Health
- Use Windows Memory Diagnostic (search in the Start menu) to test RAM.
- Test the hard drive/SSD using Dell’s SupportAssist tool or third-party software like CrystalDiskInfo.
C. Inspect Internal Connections
- For advanced users: Power off, open the laptop, and reseat the display cable (which connects the screen to the motherboard).
4. Advanced Fixes
A. Reset BIOS Settings
- Restart and press F2 to enter BIOS.
- Go to Exit > Load Defaults > Yes.
B. Perform System Restore/Reset
- System Restore: Revert to a previous stable state via Control Panel > Recovery.
- Factory Reset: Backup data and reinstall Windows via Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC.
5. Seek Professional Help
- If all else fails:
- Hardware failure (e.g., faulty GPU, screen, motherboard) likely requires Dell support.
- Contact Dell Technical Support or visit an authorized service center, especially if under warranty.