Technology

Computer Screen Black But PC Still Running: Common Causes and Fixes

Have you ever encountered a situation where your computer screen goes black but the computer is still running? Computers are arguably the most indispensable electronic devices after mobile phones, spanning across work, study, and entertainment. What would you do if this problem were to occur?

Administrator

24 April, 2024

154

Instead of fumbling to fix it the wrong way and making the device worse, let’s go through this article from FPT Shop to find out how to fix a computer screen that turns off but is still running quickly and safely.

How to fix computer screen turn-off but still running

Causes of a computer screen turning off but still running

There are many reasons why a computer screen turns off but still runs, however, below are some of the most common causes that you need to watch out for:

Graphics card error: The graphics card may be faulty or incompatible with the operating system or applications that are running. This can lead to the screen turning off.
Power supply error: A problem with the power supply can lead to the screen turning off. Make sure that the power cord is plugged in securely and is not damaged. You should also try using a different power supply or power cord to test.
RAM error: If the RAM is faulty or malfunctioning, it can cause the computer screen to turn off but still run. Check the RAM sticks to make sure they are still working properly.
Operating system error: An error in the operating system can lead to a black screen. Try restarting the computer to see if the computer starts working normally again. If not, you may need to restore or reinstall the operating system.
Driver error: Incompatible or faulty drivers can also cause the screen to turn off. Check if the drivers, especially the graphics card driver, are updated to the latest version.
Hardware error: Hardware issues such as the graphics card, motherboard, CPU, or power supply can lead to a black screen. In this case, you should have a qualified technician inspect and repair it.

Hardware issues such as graphics card, CPU or power supply can lead to screen turn-off

Summary of 10 ways to fix computer screen turn-off quickly

Check the graphics card

Update the latest driver version that is compatible with your computer’s operating system. There are many cases where the computer screen turns off but still runs due to errors from the graphics card driver.

Check the hardware

Check all RAM, CPU hard drive to detect the exact error. Then, you should take the computer to a professional repair center to fix it.

Scan for viruses

Scan for viruses regularly by using antivirus software. Currently, there are many paid and free antivirus software that many people trust.

Check the power supply

Make sure that your computer is receiving power properly. Check the power cords and make sure they are plugged into the power outlet securely. If you are using a power strip, try plugging the computer directly into the power outlet to eliminate the possibility of a faulty power strip.

Restart the computer

A simple but effective solution is to restart the computer. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the computer turns off completely, then press the power button to restart. Sometimes, restarting the computer can help resolve the issues and restore the display quickly.

Use safe mode

If the computer will not restart or the screen is still turning off after a restart, you can try starting the computer in safe mode. To use this method, restart the computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until the Safe Mode interface appears.

Check the operating system

Restart the computer and choose Safe Mode to check if there is an operating system error causing the problem. In this mode, the operating system only starts the necessary drivers and services, eliminating third-party applications and drivers. If the computer boots successfully in safe mode, it indicates that an application or driver is causing the issue. You can proceed to reinstall the operating system or update to the latest version to fix the issue.

Update drivers

You can search for the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s official website or use driver management software to update automatically. The important drivers that need to be updated include graphics drivers, audio drivers, and network drivers.

Close running applications

If applications are causing the computer screen to turn off but still run, you should close them using the Task Manager or select Restart to restart the computer.

Remove unnecessary multimedia software

If the computer has too much multimedia software or incompatible software installed, remove unnecessary or conflicting software to resolve the issue.

How to use the computer properly to avoid the error of turning off the screen but still running

To keep your computer from breaking down, in addition to fixing component errors, you also need to maintain your computer carefully. Here are few tips to help you extend the lifespan of your computer:

Place the computer in a cool place: Place your computer in a place with good air circulation and cool temperatures. Avoid placing it near heat sources such as stoves, fireplaces, or direct sunlight.
Clean the computer regularly: Your computer needs to be cleaned periodically to remove dust. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the exterior and the air vents. Make sure that there is no dust accumulation in the computer, as it can cause overheating and other damage issues.
Adjust the screen brightness: Adjust the screen brightness accordingly to reduce the impact of light on your eyes, and it also helps extend the life of the screen and saves energy.
Use an external hard drive: If you need to store a lot of data, use an external hard drive instead of storing it directly on your computer’s hard drive. This will reduce the load on your computer’s hard drive and help prevent overloading.
Close the dust covers of the connection ports: When not using connection ports such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, close them with protective caps or dust covers. Closing them helps prevent dust and other substances from entering the ports, damaging them, or causing connection interference.

Use computer properly to avoid screen turn-off error

The above maintenance measures will help protect your computer and minimize the risk of encountering the issue of your computer screen turning off but still running. Furthermore, you should also ensure that your computer is provided with a stable power supply and use quality hardware components to ensure performance and reliability. We wish you all the best!

Frequently asked questions

This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty connection, a problem with your display settings, or an issue with your hardware. It could also be related to your graphics driver or a problem with your operating system.

To fix a black screen, try these steps: check your physical connections, ensure your display settings are correct, update your graphics driver, perform a hard reset, boot into safe mode, or reset your operating system.

Common causes include loose or faulty connections, outdated or incorrect display settings, hardware failures (such as a failing graphics card or faulty RAM), or issues with your operating system or graphics driver.

If your screen is black but your PC is still running, start by checking your physical connections. Ensure that all cables are securely connected, including those to your monitor, GPU, and power supply. If the issue persists, try adjusting your display settings, updating or reinstalling your graphics driver, or performing a hard reset.

It’s possible, but unlikely. While malware can cause a variety of issues, a black screen is typically not one of them. If you suspect your system is infected, run a full system scan using reputable antivirus software.