Skip to Content

Dell Monitor Not Working Keeps Turning Off/On/Blinking

Dell manufactures premium laptops, desktops, tablets, and many more household electronics. Rolling Stone considers the company to be one of the best producers of desktops and monitors on the market today. However, like other computers, issues with the monitor and other metal parts can arise, with common complaints including monitors that turn off, blink, and don’t work.

When your Dell monitor keeps turning off, the video card driver is malfunctioning and needs a refresh or reset. When your monitor isn’t working, the issue is a failure in the power cables, display cables, or video card. If your monitor blinks, your computer is switching display modes automatically.

Confused male starring at computer desktop monitors

This article will discuss common issues with your Dell monitor and how to fix them. Additionally, we’ll show you how to replace the video card, which will solve most of your monitor’s problems.

Dell Monitor Not Working (Computer Monitor)

Computer desktop monitor sitting on wood table

When your Dell monitor isn’t working, there are likely problems with its cabling. Often, failures in your monitor are caused by the:

  • Power cables
  • Display cables
  • Video card connections

You’ll be able to restore functions to your monitor once you confirm that all of these cords have a proper connection.

How To Reset Your Dell Monitor Using the Power Cable

If you’re using a desktop or external monitor, check the power cable first. Confirm that the power cord is connected tightly, as this is the most common culprit. After your inspection, consider resetting the monitor using the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the monitor from the wall socket.
  2. Remove the power cable from the monitor.
  3. Wait 60 seconds.
  4. Return the plug to the monitor’s port.
  5. Restore power to the monitor by plugging it into the wall socket.

If these steps fail, consider trying another power cable. After confirming that the power cable is not the source of the problem, examine the video cables next.

How To Repair the Display Cable on Your Dell Monitor

Your video cable transmits visual signals by processing the video data sent from your computer’s motherboard. Solving issues with a display wire is easier on a desktop because the lines are outside the device.

To find the video cable on your Dell desktop monitor, look at the backside of your computer. If there’s fraying or other apparent damages to your display cord, they’ll force your monitor to stop working. Try replacing the video cable since a brand new line in mint condition can better relay video signals to your monitor and keep it in tip-top shape.

When working on a laptop, follow these steps to find and replace the internal video connector and repair it:

  1. Unplug your laptop. Remove the battery if it’s accessible from the outside.
  2. Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel at the back of your laptop. Disconnect any internal batteries.
  3. Unscrew and disconnect the hard drive. Remove the drive and set it aside.
  4. Loosen the DC jack cable.
  5. Unplug the cables from the WLAN card. Take out the card.
  6. Remove the solid state drive if present.
  7. Turn the laptop so that the keyboard is facing you.
  8. Run the screwdriver along the edges of the keyboard. Loosen any tabs you find.
  9. Disconnect the keyboard and palm rest cables.
  10. Turn the laptop on its back and remove the palm rest screws.
  11. Pry the palm rest off using a thin object. A credit card or small knife will do.
  12. Unscrew the LCD assembly. Remove it.
  13. With your fingers, detach the bezel from the LCD screen.
  14. Unfasten the screws securing the LCD.
  15. Detach the display from the LCD cable and throw out the cable.
  16. Replace the cable with a brand new LCD wire.
  17. Connect the screen. Replace the screws and bezel.
  18. Add the LCD to your laptop and reposition the cables.
  19. Return the pieces to their original position.

Generally, replacing the display cable is the easiest way to get your monitor working again.

Dell Monitor Turning On And Off

Dell monitors are known for their high-quality display and reliable performance. However, like any other electronic device, they can sometimes encounter issues. One common problem that Dell monitor users may face is the monitor turning on and off repeatedly. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to use your computer for work or other important tasks.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 21, 2021.

If your Dell monitor is repeatedly powering on and off, it might be due to a faulty power connection or an issue with the display settings. One common reason for this behavior is a loose or damaged power cable. To fix it, ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the power outlet.

In addition to these fixes, updating the monitor’s firmware and drivers can also help resolve the issue. Check the Dell website for any available updates and install them if necessary.

Dell Monitor Keeps Turning Off

Computer desktop monitor on work table

If your monitor keeps turning off, the video drivers need to be updated or refreshed. Refreshing the drivers on a laptop or desktop must be done while the device is on. If you get your monitor to stay on long enough, these steps will help you reset the drivers:

  1. Select the “Start” menu on your computer.
  2. Go to the “Device Manager.” If the option doesn’t appear, search for the device manager in your device’s search bar.
  3. Click on the display adapters.
  4. Right-click on the main video driver for your device.
  5. Uninstall the driver.
  6. Restart your machine. Windows will reset and reinstall the drivers automatically.

Now, say your monitor turns off faster than you can update the drivers. If that’s the case, connect an external monitor to complete the process.

Dell Monitor Keeps Turning On

Work desk with dual desktop monitors

When your Dell monitor continuously turns on without your permission, there’s a mechanical malfunction. Generally, it’s best to return the monitor to the manufacturer or get a replacement from the store that sold it to you.

Alternatively, you can perform a monitor test in your BIOS menu. The test will usually pinpoint the internal issues with your monitor so that you can make adjustments.

If the monitor fails the test, you must replace it. Dell suggests that if your device is still under warranty, contact the USA Technical Support and provide them with the following information for a brand new monitor:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Shipping address
  • Monitor order number
  • PPID number

Dell Monitor Goes Blank

Confused guy starring at laptop screen

When your monitor goes blank, but your machine still runs, there are missing or corrupted system files. To solve this problem, use the system file checker tool on your Dell computer. This tool repairs damaged files and programs.

Alternatively, you can download the Nvidia PowerMizer manager software. Dell technicians approve of this software and deem it safe for handling problems with your video display. Once downloaded, activate the tool and alter these settings:

  • Enable PowerMizer
  • Set the fixed performance level to medium
  • Disable overheat slowdown

If neither of these troubleshoots work, try the following steps:

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 21, 2021.

  • Allow “Wake-Up Devices.” This setting is in your device manager.
  • Use the Windows Power Troubleshooter.
  • Update the BIOS, CPU, and drivers.
  • Perform a clean reboot of your system.

Dell Monitor Keeps Blinking

Laptop with screen on

If your Dell monitor keeps blinking, your computer is switching the display modes automatically. To fix this, you need to alter your computer’s display settings.

First, select the Dell Display Manager menu to open the Quick Settings. In this menu, select “Manual Mode” and choose “Standard” from the drop-down menu. Afterward, restart your monitor.

In most instances, this solves the blinking. If this doesn’t work, consider resetting the monitor to stop the flashing.

Dell Monitor Keeps Going To Sleep

Computer desktop monitor

If your monitor enters sleep mode constantly, there are likely many outdated drivers. You can use the following steps to fix this issue:

  1. Run the PC diagnostics.
  2. Select the “Hardware” option.
  3. Click the “Video Card Stress” test.
  4. Update the BIOS firmware. Search online for the latest update available from Dell.
  5. Install the updated AMD and video drivers for your device. You can do this in your device manager or manually download them from the Dell website.
  6. Disable the “Walk Away Lock” in the proximity settings. You can find the proximity menu in the Dell optimizer.
  7. Restart your monitor and connected devices.

Dell Monitor Won’t Go To Sleep

Computer desktop monitor and laptop

A monitor that won’t go to sleep needs a new power plan. You can find the power plans by right-clicking the battery icon on your laptop or desktop.

Delete the active power plan first. However, this instruction only applies if you have a custom power scheme.

After entering the “Power Options” menu, create a new power plan. The High-Performance setting should be your foundational plan. You can make adjustments as you see fit, but they should contrast your old settings. Usually, the new power settings will allow the monitor to go to sleep.

Dell Monitor Not Waking From Sleep

Computer desktop monitor

Is your monitor not waking up from its sleep mode? If so, there’s external software interfering with your monitor’s normal functions. Generally, you’ll have to deactivate various software, using trial and error to isolate the malfunction.

However, if the monitor is new and you have yet to install any external software, try resetting your monitor’s energy settings.

If there are buttons on your monitor, use the second button to open the device’s settings. Choose “Energy” from the menu and select “Reset Energy Settings.” Depending on your monitor’s make and model, you’ll have to refer to your user manual for the energy settings’ location.

Final Thoughts

You can solve most problems with your Dell monitor by adjusting some settings. You’ll rarely have to return your monitor or computer to solve display issues.

Related Articles

Dell Monitor Not Connecting to Laptop/Mac/PC

Dell Monitor Displayport Not Working

Dell Monitor USB not Working

Dell Monitor Sound not Working

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 21, 2021.

Dell Monitor Flickering