Fix: Vertical Lines on Laptop Screen
Laptops are generally more prone to screen problems compared to desktop computers. As a result, many laptop users wake up to find one or more vertical lines on their laptop’s screen. Unlike a desktop computer’s monitor, a laptop’s screen is actually part of its body, which can cause significant frustration. Vertical lines on your laptop’s screen can be caused by either a software or hardware problem. However, fear not, as there is a good chance you can fix your laptop on your own, regardless of the cause.
How to Determine if the Problem Is Software-Related or Hardware-Related:
Before you take any measures to fix the vertical lines on your laptop’s screen, you need to determine whether the issue is software-related or hardware-related. Fortunately, this is pretty easy. Simply restart your laptop and, at the first screen you see, press the specific key that gets you into your computer’s BIOS settings. This key varies by laptop manufacturer and can be found in your laptop’s user manual or on the first screen you see when your computer boots up.
Because your laptop’s BIOS is not part of its Operating System, if the problem is software-related, you will not see any vertical lines on your laptop’s screen while in the BIOS. However, if you do see vertical lines while in the BIOS, the problem is hardware-related.
How to Fix the Problem if It’s Software-Related
If you determine that the problem is software-related, it’s likely due to incompatible or outdated display drivers. Thankfully, fixing this is straightforward:
- Go to the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop’s motherboard or graphics card.
- Navigate to the Support/Downloads page.
- Search for all available drivers for your laptop.
- Download the latest available versions of the display drivers.
- Install the display drivers.
Restart your laptop. Check if the problem has been resolved once it boots up.
How to Fix the Problem if It’s Hardware-Related
If you determine that the problem is hardware-related, there are a couple of ways to try to fix the issue, both of which require you to open the laptop by removing its faceplate. A laptop’s faceplate is generally easy to remove and grants access to the screen. To remove the faceplate, look for the soft, small, circular, black-colored sponge-like elements on the screen’s bezel. Remove these, and you will uncover screws. Unscrew all the screws, set them aside (preferably somewhere safe), and then gently pry the faceplate apart from the laptop’s body. Be extra careful and gentle to avoid breaking this fragile part of your laptop.
Method 1: Open the Laptop and Tinker with the Screen
Remove the faceplate and inspect the screen. Apply or relieve pressure at certain points around the screen, especially those above and below the vertical lines, to see if you can locate the issue. If applying or relieving pressure fixes the problem, you may need to consider a more permanent solution, such as placing a thick piece of cardboard under the point that needs pressure applied or relieved.
Method 2: Replace the Laptop’s Ribbon Cable
If Method 1 doesn’t work, the problem may be the ribbon cable that connects your laptop’s screen to its motherboard. Over time, this cable can become worn out or crack, especially at the hinges, causing lines to appear on the screen. A replacement ribbon cable usually costs less than $25 and is easy to install.
Remove the faceplate, detach the old ribbon cable, and replace it with the new one. Typically, one end of the ribbon cable connects to the laptop’s screen, another to the motherboard, and sometimes a third end to the laptop’s inverter. Ensure you completely remove all power sources before starting this procedure. Once done, close the laptop, reconnect it to a power source, and boot it up to see if the problem has been fixed.
If none of these methods work, it is advisable to have your laptop inspected and repaired professionally, especially if it is still under warranty.
