How to Quickly and Effectively Test a Faulty Laptop Screen [Guide]

You are in need of buying old laptops or checking and maintaining the laptops you are using. But still don’t know how to check if they have any problems.

In the following article, I will tell you how to quickly and effectively test a faulty laptop screen. Stay tuned below!

Why should I test the laptop screen when buying a machine?

For those of you who are intending to buy a genuine second-hand laptop to work or study, testing the laptop screen before buying is extremely important. Usually, some laptop screen errors that you can easily ignore or look closely at are abnormal light spots on the screen, non-standard screen colors, erratic changes, etc.

Therefore, in addition to checking the hardware inside the machine, the laptop display screen also needs to be carefully checked before buying.

In addition, if you buy a new machine, you also need to check it for a warranty period due to a manufacturer’s fault.

Symptoms of a faulty laptop screen

When your laptop screen is not working correctly, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are some common symptoms that can indicate that the screen is faulty. Here are some of the most typical signs to look out for:

Some common errors that make laptop screens have cores such as:

There are dead spots on the screen: These are small light spots on the screen, which are difficult to perceive. If you do not notice this error, it is very likely that in the long run, the light will spread and affect the display of the device.

There is ghosting on the laptop screen: This condition, you will see on the screen display each patch of ghosting and easily recognizable with the naked eye. The main reason is that the high-pressure system in the machine works poorly, leading to insufficient brightness for that area.

Screen stripes: This error can be said to happen often, sometimes with yellow or blue stripes. You can see it easily. Some causes can come from cable damage, software conflicts, VGA damage, etc.

Blank screen: If your laptop is turned on, but the screen is completely blank, it could be a sign that the screen is not receiving power. This could be caused by a faulty power cord or battery.

Flickering or distorted images: If the screen is flickering or showing distorted images, this could indicate a problem with the screen’s connections or the graphics card.

Overheating: If your laptop screen is overheating, it could be a sign of a problem with the cooling system. Overheating can cause the screen to become damaged and eventually fail.

Dim or faded display: If the screen appears dim or faded, this could indicate a problem with the backlight or inverter.

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may also be caused by issues with other components of the laptop. Therefore, it’s crucial to properly diagnose the issue before attempting to repair or replace the screen.

Detailed instructions on how to test the laptop screen simply and quickly

Next, I will show you some ways to test the laptop screen when buying a new machine or checking on the machine you are using.

Test laptop screen with naked eyes

As for the eye test, please pay attention to visually see if there are any abnormalities such as screen stripes, darkened screen, tiny dead spots on the screen, etc.

In addition, you should also combine laptop screen testing with some 3rd party applications using a web browser or software. For testing using a web browser:

Step 1: Go to Myscreenchecker.

Step 2: Next, choose to turn the colors to test on the screen to see the display level and check the dead point.

Step 3: Alternatively, you can choose Random Color Test to randomly display the colors on the screen.

Dead Pixel Tester – Dead Pixel Tester

Next below I will introduce you to some simple and fast laptop screen testing software.

Dead Pixel Tester

Step 1: Download and install Dead Pixel Tester.

Step 2: Then start the software and select the Color Selector and start testing the dead spot on the screen.

Step 3: After checking, select Exit: DPT to exit the application.

Causes of a faulty laptop screen

A faulty laptop screen can be caused by a variety of issues, both internal and external. Understanding the root cause of the problem can help you diagnose and resolve the issue more effectively. Here are some of the most common causes of a faulty laptop screen:

1. Physical damage: Dropping your laptop or applying pressure to the screen can cause physical damage that can affect the display. Cracked or shattered screens, as well as damage to the LCD panel, can result in display issues.
2. Loose or damaged cable connections: The cables that connect the screen to the laptop’s motherboard can come loose over time or become damaged, resulting in display issues.
3. Graphics card issues: The graphics card is responsible for processing and displaying images on the screen. If the graphics card is faulty, it can cause flickering, distorted, or blank screens.
4. Inverter or backlight failure: The inverter or backlight is responsible for providing light to the screen. If either of these components fails, it can result in a dim or faded display.
5. Overheating: Overheating can cause damage to the screen and other components of the laptop. The heat can cause the screen to warp or melt, resulting in display issues.
6. Software or driver issues: Issues with the laptop’s software or drivers can affect the screen’s performance. This can result in flickering, distorted, or blank screens.

It’s important to note that some of these causes may be more difficult to diagnose than others. In some cases, the issue may be a combination of several factors. If you’re not sure what’s causing your laptop screen issues, it’s best to consult a professional for help.

Troubleshooting tips

If you’ve determined that your laptop screen is faulty, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try before seeking professional help. Here are some common issues that can arise during testing, along with tips on how to troubleshoot them:

1. Screen remains blank: If the screen remains blank, it could be a sign of a faulty power cord or battery. Try unplugging the laptop and removing the battery, then reinserting the battery and plugging the laptop back in. If this doesn’t work, try using a different power cord or battery.
2. Flickering or distorted images: If the screen is flickering or showing distorted images, try adjusting the screen resolution. Go to the Display settings in your computer’s Control Panel and select a different resolution. If this doesn’t work, try updating the graphics card drivers.
3. Horizontal or vertical lines: If you see horizontal or vertical lines on the screen, try gently pressing on the screen to see if the lines disappear. If they do, it could be a sign of a loose cable connection. If the lines persist, it may be a sign of a damaged screen that needs to be replaced.
4. Black or white spots: If you notice black or white spots on the screen, try using a pixel fixing tool. These tools can help repair dead pixels by flashing different colors on the screen. If this doesn’t work, the screen may need to be replaced.
5. Overheating: If your laptop screen is overheating, try cleaning the air vents and fan to improve airflow. You can also use a laptop cooling pad to help dissipate heat. If the screen continues to overheat, it may be a sign of a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
6. Dim or faded display: If the screen appears dim or faded, try adjusting the brightness and contrast settings in the Display settings. If this doesn’t work, it could be a sign of a faulty inverter or backlight that needs to be replaced.

It’s important to remember that not all laptop screen issues can be resolved through troubleshooting. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue or if your attempts at troubleshooting are unsuccessful, it’s best to seek professional help.