A common problem that a lot of PC users experience is the “monitor no signal” issue.
Most of the time it’s a quick fix.
In this guide, we are going to go through all the easy fixes you can do to get your monitor’s “no signal” issues sorted.
The reason why you are seeing a “No Signal” notification on your monitor is because the monitor isn’t picking up a signal from the device it is connected to.
There are a number of reasons why this is happening. Some are simple to fix, while others may involved more costly action to rectify.
Here are a few reason why you might be experiencing a no signal message.
- Loose or faulty cables
- Poorly configured display
- Outdated drivers
- Faulty monitor
- Hardware issue
Here are a few easy things you can do to get your monitor talking to your PC again.
Inspect Your Cables
Before you do anything drastic like buy a new monitor or take apart your computer, why not take a look at your cables. This is the first obvious fix that you can do.
The monitor may not be properly connected to the computer, hence why you’re seeing “No Signal”. Make sure that the monitor is securely plugged into an active HDMI, DVI, or VGA port on the computer.
One of the most frequent causes of a monitor reporting no signal is a defective, malfunctioning, loose, or incorrectly placed cable.
How To Check Your Cables Properly
You want to really check your DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort cables properly, so you can rule out any issues from them.
1 – Unplug each and every cable. Inspect the cable for any damage. Any fraying, bends and nicks can cause connection issues with monitors. You can do this by rubbing your finger up and down the cables. If there is any damage to them, you will feel it on your finger.
2 – Check for dirt, dust and debris. Once you’ve checked for damage and you’re happy that there is no problems with the cables, take a look at the cable ports. Dust, dirt and debris can easily build up in cable ports and does mess with the connection. Clean out any obstructions from the ports with a compressed air duster.
3 – Reconnect cables. If you’re happy that your ports are clean and clear from dust and debris, firmly reconnect the cables, making sure that they are properly connected.
4 – If you’ve reconnected your cables to the monitor and you’re still getting the “No Signal” notification, then it would be wise to test the same cable on another monitor.
If you get the same “No Signal” result on a different monitor, then you will know that the issue is with the cable and that you should buy a new one.
Check the Monitor Input Source
Another common fix to the no signal issue is to check the monitor input source. Back in the early days of computer technology, monitors would have just the one input source. Modern monitors now have multiple input sources such as HDMI cable, USB-C, DVI etc.
If your monitor is set up to the wrong input source, then you’re more likely to experience the “no signal” issue.
Here’s how you can check that your monitor’s input source is correct, and if not, access the display menu settings to resolve the issue.
1. Go to your monitor display menu. You should see a Input Source settings option on the menu.
2. Have a look at what your monitor is set to. If it needs changing, choose the appropriate input source.
Let’s say for example that your monitor connection is through an HDMI cable, you would then need to set the input source as HDMI.
Check the Adapters
One thing to always check first is the monitor’s adapter.
It’s possible that a dodgy display adapter is preventing the device from connecting, hence why you’re seeing a “no signal” message.
There is also the possibility that the type of adapter you are using, isn’t compatible with the screen resolution that your monitor is set to.
Restart the Monitor
A factory reset can often solve the problem with monitor “no signal” issues.
Check with your monitor manufacture on how to do this, as this process varies from brand to brand.
Test Using a Different Monitor or Device
If everything seems to be working with your cables, adapter and your monitors settings are what they should be, then the issue might be with the actual monitor or your PC.
The way you can find out once and for all is to swap out your monitor with a different one.
Connect your device to a completely different monitor. If it works fine with your cables and PC, then it’s likely to be a fault with your monitor.
This will need to be checked out and repaired either by the manufacturer or a computer repair technician.
If the monitor is over 5 years old, it might be better for you in the long run to just buy a completely new monitor.
What is the “no signal” message appears on the different monitor?
If you’re still seeing the “no signal” issue then it looks like there is a problem with your PC.
Fear not! You can troubleshoot your device with the following methods.
Check The Resolution Settings
It might be worth checking your resolution settings on your graphic card.
There will almost surely be a “no signal” problem if your graphic card’s resolution is set higher than what your monitor can handle.
To access your monitor settings, you will need to reboot your PC in safe mode. This allows your PC to start up at the most basic resolution, which will allow you to see the display settings and adjust accordingly.
Below, I’ve visually mapped out what you need to do.
1 – Once you’re in safe mode, open up Windows settings menu
2 – Click on System, then Display, then Display Resolution. Here is where you can change the settings according to your monitor’s maximum capabilities.
3 – You’ll get a message asking you to confirm any changes that you made. Select “Keep Changes”.
Examine the PC’s Hardware
If you’re reading this, then I assume you’ve tried everything that I’ve suggest above.
In that case, it’s time to open up your PC (only if you’re confident in doing so. If not, then please get a professional to take a look for you).
Any loose or faulty component within your PC can cause a whole lot of trouble with the functionality of your computer. This is why it’s always best to open it up and check that everything is where it should be.
Ensure your computer is off before you start troubleshooting the hardware. You will need to unplug all of the cables including the power cord.
First thing to check is the graphic card. If it’s loose or damaged, this is most likely to result in a no signal problem.
Next is the RAM sticks. Check to see if they are slotted in properly and that they are clean and not oxidized. A dodgy RAM stick can cause monitor display issues.
If those two things are good, you can then continue to look around the motherboard. Check that everything is where it should be and that there is no obvious signs of damage.
Looking for a loose component is quite simple. Locating a broken part might be more difficult. You’ll have to swap them out one at a time to see which is broken.
Again, if this is beyond you, I suggest taking your PC along to a repair technician for further investigation.
Reset the CMOS
What is a CMOS? I hear you say.
CMOS stands for Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor. It’s basically a small battery that sits on your motherboard.
To reset the CMOS you need to do the following:
1 – Shutdown your PC and then unplug all the cables.
2 – Open up the case and have a look around for the CMOS battery.
3 – Carefully remove it from the motherboard.
4 – Leave it for 3 minutes and then put the CMOS back where you removed it from.
Check For Outdated Drivers
If you want your devices to work properly, then you really need to make sure you have the most recent driver update installed.
Your PC may experience a number of issues as a result of outdated drivers, such as stuttering, ghosting, and problems with the monitor’s signal.
To check your drivers are updated, you will need to launch your PC in safe mode, in order to gain access to the settings.
Once in safe mode, you should be able to see a basic version of Windows on your monitor. Follow these steps.
1 – Click the Window “start” button.
2 – Go to device manager.
3 – Look for your monitor icon. It should be under display adapters. Look for the drivers you would like to update.
4 – Right-click the drivers you want to update. Right-clicking will bring up an update driver button.