If your laptop screen isn’t displaying properly and only shows on an external monitor, it can be frustrating. This issue might occur for various reasons, such as display settings, graphics driver problems, or hardware malfunctions. In this guide from Techy Smart Guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue quickly, so your laptop’s built-in display works again.
Check the Display Settings on Your Laptop
One of the most common causes of a laptop displaying only on an external monitor is incorrect display settings. When an external monitor is connected, your laptop might automatically detect it and switch the primary display. Here’s how to check and adjust the display settings using Techy Smart Guide’s recommended steps:
- Press the Windows + P keys
On most laptops, the shortcut Windows + P brings up the display settings. This allows you to toggle between different display modes:- PC screen only: Shows the display on the laptop screen only.
- Duplicate: Shows the same screen on both the laptop and external monitor.
- Extend: Expands the display to both the laptop and external monitor.
- Second screen only: Disables the laptop screen and displays only on the external monitor.
- Check the Display Settings in Control Panel
If the shortcut didn’t work, go to Settings > System > Display. Here you can see which display is active and select “Identify” to determine which screen is which. You can also choose to change the primary display by selecting your laptop screen and clicking “Make this my main display.
Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause display issues, including the problem where the laptop screen doesn’t show anything while an external monitor is working fine. Here’s how to update or reinstall your graphics drivers:
- Update Graphics Drivers
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section and right-click on your graphics card (usually labeled with the manufacturer’s name, like Intel or Nvidia).
- Select Update driver and choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
- Reinstall Graphics Drivers
If updating didn’t resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall the drivers. Right-click the graphics driver in Device Manager and choose Uninstall device. Afterward, restart your laptop, and Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.
Check the Cable and Connection
A loose or damaged connection could also be the culprit if your laptop only displays on an external monitor. Ensure that the cable between the laptop and external monitor is securely connected. If you’re using an HDMI or VGA cable, try the following:
- Inspect the Cable for Damage
A damaged cable can prevent the display from working correctly. Check for frayed or broken cables and consider swapping it out with a different one to rule out any cable-related issues. - Try Different Ports
If your laptop and external monitor have multiple ports (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, etc.), try connecting to a different port. Sometimes, one port may be malfunctioning while another works fine.
Force a Display Reset Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Sometimes, a simple keyboard shortcut can reset the display and bring the laptop screen back to life. Many laptops allow you to toggle between the laptop screen and external monitors using specific key combinations.
- Check for the Function Key Shortcut
Look for a Fn key on your keyboard (usually located next to the Alt key). The Fn key is often paired with function keys (F1, F2, etc.) that control display settings. Typically, one of these keys will have an icon resembling a monitor or screen. Press Fn + [Function Key] to cycle through different display modes. - Reset the Laptop Display
Some laptops may require you to hold the Fn key and press the specific function key multiple times to toggle through the display options. Keep pressing until the screen appears on your laptop again.
Check for Hardware Issues
If the software fixes didn’t solve the problem, it’s possible that the issue lies with the laptop’s hardware. Here are some things to check:
- Inspect the Laptop’s Screen for Physical Damage
If your laptop screen has visible cracks, dead pixels, or black spots, it could be a sign of hardware failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the screen. - Test the Laptop Screen on Another External Monitor
If you have access to another external monitor, connect your laptop to it and see if the issue persists. If the laptop displays correctly on the second monitor, the problem may be with the original external monitor. - Run a Hardware Diagnostic Test
Many laptops come with built-in diagnostic tools. You can access them by pressing specific keys during startup (e.g., F12 on some Dell laptops). Run the hardware diagnostic test to check for issues with your laptop’s screen or graphics card.
Try External Display Detection (Windows)
Windows has a built-in feature that can help detect an external display, even if it doesn’t show up automatically. Here’s how to use it:
- Right-click on the Desktop
Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display settings. - Click on Detect
Scroll down to find the Multiple displays section. Click on Detect to manually search for any connected external monitors.
If your laptop fails to detect the external monitor, it might be a hardware issue, or the monitor might not be powered on.
Conclusion: Get Your Laptop Displaying Properly Again
If your laptop is only displaying on an external monitor and not on its built-in screen, don’t panic. With a few simple steps—checking your display settings, updating drivers, verifying cables, and ensuring no hardware issues—you can quickly resolve the issue. By following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, you’ll have your laptop display working again in no time.
For more tips on fixing common tech issues and optimizing your devices, visit Techy Smart Guide, your go-to source for quick and effective solutions to tech problems.