How To Fix A Broken Laptop Screen?

A broken laptop screen can be a frustrating and stressful problem. It can make it difficult or impossible to use your laptop and may require costly repairs. In this post, we will discuss some of the common causes of a broken laptop screen and provide detailed steps on how to fix it.

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What causes a broken laptop screen?

There are several factors that can cause a laptop screen to become broken or malfunction. These include physical damage, such as dropping the laptop or something heavy falling on it, stuck pixels, screen burn, malfunctioning backlight, and cable and connector problems. In some cases, the issue may be related to the graphics card or the operating system, which can cause the screen to display distorted or flickering images or no image at all.

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How to fix a broken laptop screen?

If your laptop screen is broken or malfunctioning, there are several steps you can take to try to fix it. If the issue with the screen is resolved or you see sufficient improvement to use the laptop, you can stop trying the fixes. If the problem persists or occurs again later, return to the list and try the remaining troubleshooting steps.

1. Check the power supply: It may seem obvious but make sure that the laptop is getting enough power and that the battery is charged. A low battery or a faulty power supply could cause the screen to stop working.
2. Restart the laptop: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix a variety of issues, including a broken screen. Close any open programs, save your work, and then shut down the laptop. Wait a few minutes and then turn it back on.
3. Close the laptop and reopen it: If a simple restart doesn't work, try closing the laptop and then reopening it. Make sure that you also thoroughly clean any debris on the keyboard or screen. This can sometimes reset the screen and fix the problem.
4. Check the display settings: Make sure that the display settings on your laptop are set correctly. If the resolution or refresh rate is set too high, it could cause the screen to appear distorted or not work properly.
5. Plug in an external monitor: If the screen is still not functioning properly, try plugging in an external monitor. If the external monitor displays correctly, the issue is likely with the screen. If the external monitor is not working, then the laptop may not actually be turned on correctly, or it could be in “sleep” mode.
6. Check the graphics drivers: If the external monitor displays correctly but the laptop screen is still not functioning properly, try updating the video drivers. Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause the screen to malfunction. To do this, go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your specific model. 
7. Check for software updates: If you have not updated your operating system or other software in a while, it may be necessary to do so in order to fix the screen.
8. Try to unstick the stuck pixels: If you have one or more stuck pixels on your laptop screen, you can try using an app to attempt to fix them. Stuck pixels appear as single, stuck pixels that are a different color than the surrounding pixels. To try to unstick them, you can use an app that cycles through different colors rapidly or generates digital snow to try to force the stuck pixel to start functioning properly again.
9. Try to fix the burn-in: If you have screen burn-in, which is when an image becomes permanently etched into the screen, you may be able to fix it by using a screen burn-in fixer tool. These tools typically involve displaying a series of colors and patterns on the screen to try to fix the burn-in.
10. Check the connections: If none of the above steps have fixed the issue, it's possible that the screen or backlight connections may be loose or damaged. Carefully examine the connections and try tightening or reattaching them if necessary.
11. Replace the screen: If none of the above steps have fixed the problem, it's likely that the screen will need to be replaced. This is a more involved repair and will likely require the help of a professional repair service or the manufacturer.

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How to replace a broken laptop screen?

To replace a broken laptop screen, you will need to be skilled with electronics and have a good understanding of how to disassemble and reassemble electronic devices. The process involves removing the bezel, which is the frame around the screen, and disconnecting the cables that connect the screen to the motherboard. The old screen is then removed and a new screen is installed in its place. The cables and bezel are then reconnected and the battery and power are replaced to test the new screen.

While it is possible for someone with the necessary skills to replace a broken laptop screen themselves, it is generally best to seek the help of a professional repair service. This is because the repair involves disassembling and reassembling sensitive electronic components, which can be difficult and time-consuming. In addition, if the repair is not done correctly, it can result in further damage to the laptop or even personal injury.

By seeking the help of a professional repair service, you can ensure that the repair is done safely and correctly, and that your laptop is fully functional once again. This can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

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How much does it cost to replace a broken laptop screen?

The cost to replace a broken laptop screen can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the make and model of the laptop, the type of screen needed, and where you have the repair done.

In general, the cost of replacing a laptop screen can range from $100 to $500 or more. For example, a basic, non-touchscreen LCD screen for a budget laptop may cost around $100 to $200, while a high-resolution, touchscreen OLED screen for a premium laptop could cost upwards of $500.

It's also worth noting that the cost of the screen is just one part of the overall repair cost. If you have the repair done by a professional service, you may also have to pay labor fees, which can add to the overall cost.

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What can I do with a broken laptop?

If your laptop is broken and you are unable to repair it, there are a few options for what you can do with it. Here are a few ideas:

Sell it for parts: Depending on the condition of the laptop, you may be able to sell it for parts to someone who is looking to repair their own laptop. You can advertise the laptop on online marketplaces (such as eBay) or through classified websites and see if anyone is interested in purchasing it for parts.

Donate it: If the laptop is still in relatively good condition, you may be able to donate it to a local school or non-profit organization that can use it. Many organizations are in need of functioning laptops for students or employees, and your old laptop may be able to help someone in need.

Recycle it: If the laptop is beyond repair or is not suitable for donation, you can recycle it. Many electronic waste recycling programs will accept broken laptops and will responsibly dispose of them in an environmentally-friendly way.

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If you own a laptop, it's important to protect it against sudden accidental damage or malfunctions, such as a damaged or broken screen. To safeguard your investment and get peace of mind, consider getting laptop insurance from Oyster. With Oyster's comprehensive coverage and easy claims process, you'll be able to get your laptop repaired or replaced in the event of accidental damage, liquid spills, and other covered events.