Black lines that appear on your computer screen can be a source of frustration, regardless of whether they’re horizontal or vertical lines on your screen. The lines could show many reasons, like loose cables, severe issues such as physical damage, or malfunctioning hardware. This article will discuss the reasons behind the black line on monitor and offer step-by-step instructions to solve this issue quickly.
What Causes The Black Line on Computer Screen?
Before you dive into the solution, it’s essential to comprehend the reasons why black line on monitor.
- Physical Damage: Impacts or pressure, or overheating, could result in visible lines appearing in the screen.
- Damaged or loose cables: A Broken cable for video (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) can interfere with the signal from the video.
- Graphics Card Problems. Problems with a malfunctioning or poorly seated graphics card can result in display problems.
- Driver issues: Issues with outdated or incompatible graphics drivers could cause visual artifacts on the screen, such as black lines.
- Dead or stuck Pixels. Lines that appear consistently in the same spot could be a sign of pixel problems.
- Screen settings: The wrong screen settings (like Resolution or Refresh Rate) could result in lines.
- RAM and Hardware issues: Bad memory modules or motherboard malfunctions could cause display issues.
Knowing these causes will assist you in identifying black vertical lines on monitor and fixing the issue faster.
How to Fix A Black Line on Monitor
The good news is that there’s a variety of efficient ways to identify and resolve black vertical lines on monitor. Through a step-by-step troubleshooting method–from looking at cables and drivers, to testing on a different display– you can resolve the issue at home, without requiring urgent repairs or a replacement. In this article, we’ll help you understand the most common reasons for black lines on laptop screen and offer simple solutions to get your monitor normal.
1. Restart The Computer
Restarting your PC can resolve minor errors and glitches. If you notice a small black line on monitor screen that is caused by a glitch or issue, the issue can be fixed by restarting the computer.
Also, restart your computer, and after it restarts, if the problem persists, proceed to the next solution.
Also read: Why Is My MacBook Not Charging? 7 Common Reasons and Fixes
2. Avoid Heating of the Laptop
If you’re using a laptop computer, place it on a solid surface far from sunlight. Make sure the area is adequately ventilated.
The laptop should be placed on a smooth surface, such as a tablecloth or a blanket can cause excessive overheating, which will cause a horizontal or black line on screen.
3. Check for Physical Damage on Monitor
Another method to check when the screen shows a black line on laptop screen.
All you have to do is turn the monitor on, then disconnect it from the PC and look for lines on the screen.
If you notice any kind of distortion, the monitor may be damaged.
In this instance, you must take it to a repair shop or have it replaced.
You could also try another monitor to check whether you can see any black lines.
If you can access another monitor, you can take advantage of that and then check for the problem.
If you are still seeing a black line on monitor, you need to reconnect the cable for video.
4. Check Cables and Connections
Check that your power cables are connected to your monitor. Ensure there isn’t a loose connection and the cable isn’t damaged.
You can unplug the cable and then reconnect it. Make sure you take care of each end of your cable when you connect them.
Damaged cables can cause black horizontal lines on screen. If you notice any signs of damage to the cable, you should replace it and fix this problem at home.
5. Adjust Resolution and Refresh Rate
Adjusting your screen resolution can help to fix the horizontal lines on screen.
Incompatible resolutions cause problems with the display and also affect the pixel density.
Follow these steps to change the resolution of your screen:
- Go to your display settings
- Click on Advanced display
- and adjust the resolution or refresh rate according to your needs
6. Update Graphics Driver
Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers could also result in screen anomalies occasionally.
So an update to the graphics driver will help fix the black line on monitor.
It also boosts its performance and assists in removing visual artifacts. Additionally, it will ensure smooth and precise rendering of images.
This is how to update the graphics driver:
- First, open your PC settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Then select Windows Update
- Click Check for updates,
- And if a graphics driver update is available, Windows will install it automatically
Also read: YouTube Black Screen? How to Fix YouTube Not Playing Videos Quickly
7. Test for Dead or Stuck Pixels
Sometimes, a black line on monitor is caused by pixels that are stuck (frozen in one color) or dead (completely off). Use solid color backgrounds or online pixel test tools to check. Stuck pixels may be revived with repair tools, while dead pixels usually require monitor replacement.
Final Words
A black line on monitor is caused by many problems, ranging from loose connections to serious physical damage. Start by reviewing your cables and updating drivers, then proceed to more complicated repairs. If your monitor is suffering due to physical damage, professional repair or screen replacement could be the best option.
FAQs — Black Line on Monitor
Why does a black line appear even before Windows starts (BIOS/UEFI screen)?
If the line is visible before Windows loads, it's likely hardware-related—such as a faulty LCD panel or damaged internal cable. Software updates won't help in this case.
Can a simple restart really fix black lines on a display?
Yes! Sometimes restarting your system resets temporary glitches and restores normal display. Especially in laptops like HP, a restart may clear unwanted artifacts.
Could adjusting monitor settings remove a persistent black line?
Surprisingly, yes. On some monitors (e.g., ASUS), changing input settings—like switching to a “Video” mode—has been reported to eliminate black lines.
Are dead or stuck pixels responsible for black lines?
Absolutely possible. A row of dead or stuck pixels can look like a black line. Reddit users suggest gently applying pressure near the bezel to temporarily fix—or even wedge folded paper to hold the correct pressure in place.
Does resetting PRAM/SMC help on MacBooks with screen lines?
Yes. On macOS, issues like black or horizontal lines can sometimes be resolved by resetting the PRAM and SMC. Booting into Safe Mode or connecting to an external display can also help determine the cause.
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