Vertical Lines on Your Laptop Screen? Here's What They Mean

Which one do you have?

Lines also appear on an external monitor

The graphics driver or graphics card is the likely cause. See fixes

Lines only on the built-in screen

The laptop screen may have a hardware problem. See fixes

Fixes to try (easiest first)

1. Check with an external monitor

   Connect a monitor and press Windows + P > Duplicate. If it looks fine, the laptop screen may have a hardware problem; if it has lines too, troubleshoot the graphics side. [1]

2. Reset the graphics driver

   Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B and check whether the lines disappear. [2]

3. Run the Video Playback troubleshooter

   Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Video Playback. [2]

4. Update the graphics driver and BIOS, then restart

   Corrupted graphics drivers can cause lines on the screen. [1]

5. Run the built-in LCD test

   On Dell laptops hold D and press power. If the lines show on the solid colors, the LCD may be faulty. [1]

Is it worth fixing?

If the lines also show on an external monitor, the fix is usually on the software or graphics side. If they're only on the screen and show in the built-in test, the panel or cable needs replacing. Check your warranty, then weigh a repair quote against the laptop's age and value.

Repair or replace? Try the calculator · Not sure this is your problem? Take the quiz

What could help

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• USB-C to HDMI adapter (4K): Lets a laptop with only USB-C ports connect to a monitor or TV, so you can do the external-monitor test.
• 6 ft 4K HDMI cable: A known-good cable to rule out a faulty one, or to connect an external monitor for testing.
• 15.6-inch portable monitor (cocopar, 1080p, USB-C and HDMI): If the laptop screen is broken but the laptop works, a separate screen can cost less than a screen repair and lets you keep using it.