Most of the time, the cause is a damaged LCD screen or the cable inside it, but problems with the graphics card or overheating can also cause this.
Basic Troubleshooting
Distinguish if the Issue Is with the Monitor or the System
Start by booting your system into BIOS. If the lines still appear, the monitor is likely at fault, and you should focus on monitor-specific troubleshooting. If you do not see the black lines in BIOS, the issue may be with your system. In this case, continue with system-specific steps. Another way to diagnose the issue is to connect the monitor to a different computer. You could also use a bootable USB drive with a different operating system—if the lines are gone, it’s likely your system software that’s causing problems.
Monitor-Specific Solutions
1. Use the Monitor’s Auto-Adjust Feature
A mismatch between the video signal from your computer and your monitor’s native output can cause black lines. Using your monitor’s auto-adjust feature may help.
2. Check the Monitor’s Temperature
Monitors may not function properly if they’re running at extreme temperatures. Overheating or being too cold can both cause black lines to show up.
3. Connect the Monitor to Another Power Source
Power fluctuations or poor supply can result in display problems like black lines.
4. Check for Electromagnetic Interference Around the Monitor
Nearby electronic devices such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, or speakers can cause electromagnetic interference, which might result in black lines on a monitor.
5. Reset the Monitor
If the monitor’s firmware becomes corrupted or misconfigured, black lines can appear. Resetting the monitor to factory settings can often fix the problem. Note: The exact method might vary depending on your monitor. Please check your user manual or the support website for your monitor model for specific instructions.
6. Check for a Loose Connection on the Monitor’s Motherboard
If you’ve recently moved the monitor, internal connections might become loose, leading to black lines on the screen. Inspecting and securing these connections can sometimes solve the problem.
System-Specific Solutions
1. Change the System’s Refresh Rate
Sometimes, a refresh rate that isn’t supported by the monitor will cause black lines.
2. Disable HDR in the System Settings (if applicable)
High Dynamic Range, or HDR, sometimes creates display issues if your monitor can’t properly support it. Turning off HDR may help.
3. Disable V-sync in the System Settings (if applicable)
When your monitor’s refresh rate is out of sync with your computer’s frame output, black lines can appear. Turning off V-Sync or similar settings might help.
4. Check for a Conflicting App on the System
Certain apps may cause conflicts with your display settings, leading to black lines. Identifying and removing or disabling such apps can remedy the issue. After you find which app is causing the problem, uninstall it or stop it from running at startup. For instance, if you discover that the Snip app or Snipping Tool is the cause, removing it should resolve the issue.
5. Reinstall the System’s Graphics Driver
A corrupted or outdated graphics driver can sometimes cause black lines to appear. Reinstalling the driver can often fix this.
