Fix Monitor Randomly Loses Signal [Causes & Solutions 2024]

Turn on your PC and operate the computer as always, but suddenly the monitor goes into pitch-black mode and won’t turn on without rebooting the PC? Is this happening in a repetitive manner? Well, you have landed on the tech solution web where you needed to be.

Being a hardware geek, I have tried out multiple variations of monitors (From CRT to OLED) on different devices. I am well aware of the random signal loss situation, not to mention the methods to encounter the problem.

In this article, I will share the workarounds that I have been implementing whenever I face an accidental signal loss on my monitor(s).

But first, you must know, Why does your monitor lose signal randomly?

If all of these seem confusing, do read till the end of the article. I will explain all the doubts you have on your mind.

Why Does my Monitor Keep Losing Signal?

From using an outdated driver to serious hardware issues, a monitor can keep losing signals for various reasons. As you noticed, I have included the primary factors in the earlier part.

Finding out the reason behind your problematic situation is halfway to solving the connectivity issue. In this section, I will be sharing the most common grounds of a monitor losing the signal. Find out which one is the case for you and act accordingly.

Here are the popular reasons behind a monitor’s random signal loss:

• Faulty Drivers: In case you don’t update the existing drivers of your computer regularly, that can lead your monitor to lose signals at random. Or if the issue has been occurring since you have updated a driver. In that scenario, the newly updated driver might be corrupted.
• Inadequate UPS: If the surge protector you are using, is connected with too many devices, it drains too much power and hence the signal loss.
• Shortage of SSD Storage: One very downside of using an SSD is when you run out of spaces and continue playing the game that is stored on the SSD can cut out the monitor. I know it sounds puzzling but, there are several times that I cleared the space on my SSD, and the sudden signal loss was resolved.
• Unmatched Refresh rate: When you are playing a game and suddenly the monitor turns black, most likely it occurs because the game might not support the resolution that your PC uses.
• Failing Operating System: Faulty operating system is one of the biggest reasons behind this connectivity issue. It can happen due to various reasons such as corrupted applications, malware/ virus attacks on the OS, and so on.
• Damaged PC Component: If the graphics card of your computer or even the motherboard, is damaged internally, and about to crash, cutting down the monitor signal could be a sign before collapsing.

These are the reasons you should be aware of. Find out which one is occurring to you, and from the following part, gather the knowledge of battling a certain condition.

Check out the easiest way fixes for Motherboard can’t detect Monitor.

How to Solve Monitor Losing Signal Randomly?

Now that you have a proper understanding of the reasons for losing monitor signals, it is time to fix that problem.

Here on this part, I have arranged the most efficient methods you can use to resolve the issue. Choose which one could serve you best. If you can’t, don’t apply random solutions then. Start from the first, and check every time after applying a solution.

But first, check the cables you are using. If you have an extra video output cable, attach it to the both end on the monitor and PC. If the wiring isn’t proper, signal loss is a very likely scenario. If everything remains the same after using the additional cable, follow the enlisted methods.

Here are the methods to resolve random monitor signal loss:

Reset the Monitor

If you have the monitor that comes with a reset option, then implementing this method will be easygoing for you.

Here are the steps to reset your monitor:

• Press the Menu button from the back of the monitor.
• Go to Settings from the menu.
• Scroll down to locate the Factory reset

Performing a factory reset on your monitor eliminates the previous settings, including the corrupted files. It will backslide to its default settings and perform likewise.

Now, if you have the monitor that doesn’t have the factory reset alternative, perform a hard reset by simply removing the power cable. Wait for a while after the power goes off completely, then replug the wire.

Check if the issue still persists. Continue following the next methods if the answer is yes.

Also, check out our separate post on how to run two Computers with one Display Monitor.

Re-install Graphics Drivers

Hard resetting the monitor didn’t work? There might be some issues with the graphics driver. Reinstalling the driver will help you with the corrupted / outdated driver problem.

Here are the steps to reinstall the graphics driver:

• Press Windows + S button to open the windows search box.
• Type in the control panel and hit Enter.
• Select Uninstall a program from the Program
• Right-click on the display driver, and select
• Follow the on-screen commands to complete the uninstalling.
• Download the display driver from the manufacturer’s website with proper OS information.
• Install it after the downloading is completed.

Note: Your PC might want to reboot after both uninstalling, and re-install. Don’t hesitate to restart every time.

Have some time to spare? Quickly check out our epic guide on how to hook up dual Monitors.

Shut Down Unnecessary Tasks

Unnecessary tasks use a significant portion of the memory. When you launch a large application, or start gaming, with these objects running in the background, push the hardware to its limit. When any of the components start overheating, your monitor shuts down automatically.

Clearing these applications from the background will help you to avoid sudden signal loss. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to launch the Task Manager. Go to the process tab, right-click on the unnecessary apps, and select End task.

Try to avoid using multiple large applications if you have faced the issue once.

Clear files from SSD

As I explained in the earlier passage, Using the maximum free space of an SSD leads to a sudden black screen if you launch a large application from the SSD.

To avoid that, install the necessary files on your SSD. Try not to cluster the drive with junk files, and unimportant files. For that, install an HDD if your solid drive is small in size.

Also, check out our separate post on how to use Mouse on second Monitor while gaming.

Restore OS

If you are not sure whether the OS is problematic, or the hardware, this fix might help you a lot. To make sure of this, reboot your computer. Press F2 or Delete button while restarting to get into BIOS setup.

When you enter the BIOS mode, wait for 15-20 minutes to see if the loss signal occurs in the boot menu. If not, then you can get to the conclusion that your OS is faulty. Install a new OS or restore the operating system to a previous date.

Here’s the process to restore the operating system:

• Go to the windows search box.
• Type in create a restore point and hit enter.
• Go to the System Restore tab when the window appears.
• Click on the system restore
• Select show more restore points in the following window.

Restoring the OS will allow you to use the previous version of the operating system that you used without any issues. If you don’t want to roll back, install a new OS.

Try Different Resolution

If the resolution you have isn’t supported by your monitor, which leads you to the random signal loss, try a different resolution for the monitor. If that is not possible, you can use a custom resolution utility (CRU).

Install the utility on your PC, and edit the resolution to your suitable range. After selecting the resolution, restart the computer.

By implementing this method, you can eliminate the unmatched resolution problem.

Replace some Components

If all of the attempts to prevent losing signal fails, it is time for you to change some of the components of your PC.

Unscrew each component and install every item (separately) on your friend’s PC. Use a different PCIe slot to check the CPU for bent pins for the GPU. Plug out the monitor, and try it with a different device.

When you find the damaged part, replace it with a new one. Make sure to purchase the right type of parts that is compatible with your system.

These are the most effective workable solutions that you can try on when you face the lost signal from the monitor.

Conclusion

The last thing I would like to add is, don’t panic when you face this issue on your monitor. Read the entire article to get a deeper knowledge.

Applying the methods won’t seem hard if you read every word I have put there. I believe you will be able to solve the issue on your own,

Then again, if you face any difficulties understanding the discussion, or implementing any of the methods, feel free to comment below. I will be happy to assist.