How to Fix a Dimmed PC Monitor?

If you have ever experienced a dimmed PC monitor, you will know how frustrating it can be, especially if you have tried everything to fix it and nothing works.

When a PC monitor spontaneously dims, words and images on the screen can be difficult to read. Fortunately, the following guide will help you diagnose and potentially fix a dimmed PC monitor.

However, it is important to note that some suggestions for fixing a dimmed screen may involve opening your computer case, which could void your PC's warranty if it is new.

In this case, you should get professional advice and assistance.

Understanding Monitor Brightness Issues

Before fixing the problem, you need to know what is causing the PC display problem.

Common Causes of Dim Displays

Hardware malfunctions are a common cause of dim screens. Your PC's backlight could be broken, or your inverter could malfunction. If the cables connecting your monitor to your PC are faulty, they can also cause a dim screen

Sometimes, the issue is far less complicated. For example, your computer's built-in power savings features may need to be set correctly. So, if your settings are low to conserve energy, you can adjust them to brighten your screen.

Moreover, having outdated or corrupted graphics drivers may interfere with your screen's brightness and display.

Lastly, if you have a modern monitor, it may have a built-in light sensor that adjusts brightness. If this sensor does not work well, it could dim your screen too much.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

If you notice your screen has suddenly dimmed, try to adjust the monitor's brightness controls. The controls are either on the screen or accessible from your keyboard. If this does not work, hardware failure is likely the culprit.

Try connecting your screen to a different computer. If the monitor does not brighten, there may be a fault within the screen's hardware. Connect a different screen to your PC. If the new monitor is not dim, the problem is either with the connection or the dimmed screen's hardware.

Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before fiddling with your brightness settings or cables, do some basic checks. For instance, check that your monitor's power cable is securely plugged in on both ends.

While checking the cable, look for damage to it or the monitor. If you cannot see anything that looks like damage, restart the computer. Sometimes, a dimmed screen results from a software glitch or outdated display driver that temporarily affects the display settings.

Software and Settings Adjustments

If you believe your dimmed monitor needs an operating display system or display driver adjustment, try doing that first.

Checking Display Settings

For a Windows operating system, you can right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select 'display settings' from the popup window. Find 'brightness' and adjust the slider to increase the screen's brightness.

If you see 'adaptive brightness' or 'night light,' turn off these features.

For Mac, click the Apple icon and select 'system preferences.' Click on 'displays' and adjust the brightness slider. You can also disable 'night shift' or 'automatic brightness' if it affects your PC's screen brightness.

If you need help balancing the brightness settings, consult your monitor's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Updating Display Drivers

Outdated display drivers often cause problems with brightness. In Windows, right-click on the Start menu and go to the Device Manager. Select the display adapters section, right-click the graphics card, and select 'update driver.'

Search automatically for the updated driver software (according to the options given) and follow the prompts.

Apple usually includes graphics driver updates within its macOS operating system updates. You can install available updates via system preferences – software update.

Again, check the manufacturer's website for clarification on settings or if the changes do not make a difference.

Hardware Solutions

If software adjustments do not work, it is even more likely that hardware malfunctions are the problem. At this point, you should get help from a professional because DIY hardware fixes can cause more problems if you do not know what to do.

Adjusting Monitor Settings

Some monitors have built-in menus you can access via controls on the bezel. Here, you may find additional brightness and contrast controls that you may not see in your operating system settings.

If you suspect these controls are set incorrectly, reset your monitor to factory default. The reset option is within the monitor's OSD menu (on-screen display).

Checking and Replacing Cables

If that does not work, check whether another cable (HDMI, DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort) makes a difference. If the screen display brightens when you use a new cable, the original cable is faulty.

Whenever you buy a new cable, ensure you get one with the correct connector type for your screen and graphics card.

Dealing With Potential Backlight Issues

If you have an older monitor, your screen's backlight is powered by an inverter. Modern screens have an LED panel illuminating the LCD.

If you believe that the backlight panel or inverter is causing your dimmed PC monitor issues, it is best to contact a technician for help. The technician would have to open the monitor casing to determine the extent of the problem and fix it.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried various software updates and hardware adjustments, or you find physical cable damage, get help from the professionals. If you are uncomfortable troubleshooting hardware issues, it is better to ask a technician to help you instead of making the problem worse.

Monitors and PCs have delicate components that technicians know how to handle and work with. A qualified technician will help you diagnose your monitor's issues and do the repairs safely.

Preventing Future Dimming Issues

After your dimmed PC monitor is fixed, you must properly care for your screen to extend its lifespan. Doing this will also prevent future dimming issues.

Clean your monitor regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust and debris buildup. Do not use chemical cleaners.

Always ensure that your monitor has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. When a screen overheats, it can damage the internal components.

Do not use the automatic brightness adjustment if you do not have to. Also, refrain from setting the brightness levels of the screen excessively high. Balance the brightness to avoid straining the backlight.

Also, protect your monitor from damage during power surges by using a high-quality surge protector.

Final Thoughts

A dimmed PC monitor can cause several days of frustration. If you encounter the same problem more than once, consider investing in a new monitor. While you are at it, why not consider investing in a stacked monitor setup like the popular Duex Float

This innovative setup instantly expands your workspace while remaining portable and convenient. Whether you are a business professional or gamer, or you travel a lot, this stacked monitor setup is easy to assemble and use wherever you are.