Last night, I was trying to turn on my monitor, but I was absorbed in the fact that the monitor shut off, but the computer stayed on.
At first, I thought it might be due to a loose connection or a poPSU issue, but later, it became a significant issue when nothing worked.
Then I researched for about 1 hour and found out the exact solution for it.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes and solutions for why your monitor is not showing anything while the computer is on.
Let’s dive in!!
Why Does My Monitor Shuts Off But Computer Stays On
If your monitor is shutting off, but the computer remains on, it may be due to several reasons; it may be related to hardware or power settings.
Power supply issues, incorrect power management settings, faulty cables, or problems with the monitor itself can cause this issue.
It might also be due to the graphics card not functioning properly. It’s crucial to troubleshoot these issues systematically to identify and address the root cause.
1. Faulty Power Supply
A faulty power supply can often be the culprit if your monitor shuts off while the computer remains on.
This piece of hardware is responsible for distributing power to all of the components within the computer system.
If it is failing or inadequate, it might not be able to provide the necessary power for all devices, including the monitor.
Symptoms of a faulty power supply can vary, but common signs may be random system shutdowns and system instability.
It’s crucial to address this issue promptly, as a failing power supply can potentially damage other system components over time.
2. Loose Cable Connections
A loose cable connection can also be a common cause for it; a loose connection can cause the monitor to not receive any signal from the computer, which makes it go into standby mode or turn off entirely.
This issue may occur with any type of video cable, whether it’s VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort.
To resolve this issue, make sure the cable connecting the monitor to the computer is securely plugged in at both ends.
If the problem persists, the cable might be faulty and need to be replaced.
3. Disable Power Saving Mode
Disabling the power-saving mode can often solve the issue of the monitor shutting off while the computer stays on.
Power saving mode is a feature designed to conserve energy by reducing the power consumption of the computer when it’s left idle.
However, it can sometimes cause certain components, like the monitor, to turn off unexpectedly.
To disable power saving mode, navigate to the control panel and select “Power Options.”
From there, you’ll see the current plan your computer is using. Click on “Change plan settings” and then “Change advanced power settings.”
In the new window that pops up, look for the “Sleep” option and expand it. Set “Sleep after” and “Hibernate after” to ‘Never.’
4. Incorrect Power Management Settings
Most operating systems have power-saving features that automatically turn off the monitor after a certain period of inactivity.
If these settings are not configured correctly, the monitor might turn off prematurely or even fail to wake up when you return.
It’s important to check these settings in your operating system and adjust them to match your usage patterns, ensuring that your monitor stays on as long as your computer is running.
5. Issue With Video Card
The video card, also referred to as a graphics card, is a pivotal component responsible for delivering the image you see on the monitor.
Faulty video cards can cause a myriad of problems, including a blank screen or not turning on at all.
Symptoms of a faulty video card can range from distorted graphics, random pixelation, to a total loss of video feed.
This issue could stem from an overheated card, outdated drivers, or even a poor connection between the card and the motherboard.
In some cases, the video card may need to be replaced entirely. It’s crucial to diagnose and address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to your machine.
6. Outdated GPU Drivers
Outdated GPU drivers can often be the culprit behind issues such as a monitor shutting off while the computer stays on.
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) plays a critical role in managing and executing complex system tasks and graphics processes.
Having out-of-date GPU drivers can lead to compatibility issues and communication breakdown between the computer’s hardware and software.
This can result in erratic behavior, including your monitor unexpectedly turning off.
Therefore, updating the drivers is one of the available solutions in that case.
Here are the steps to update the drivers:
- Identify your graphics card model: You can do this by going to the “Device Manager” (accessible by right-clicking the start button on Windows). Under “Display Adapters,” you’ll see the model of your graphics card.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website: If you have an NVIDIA card, go to the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page.
- If you have an AMD card, visit the AMD Drivers and Support page. For Intel, visit the Intel Download Center.
- Use the menus on the website to select your graphics card model, your operating system, and other relevant details, and then click on the search or download button.
- Once you’ve found the correct driver for your model, download it and follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Remember to restart your computer after the installation process to ensure the new drivers are properly implemented.
7. Overheating
When a computer system becomes too hot, it can lead to the malfunctioning of various components, including the monitor.
The processor, graphics card, RAM, and other components generate heat under stress.
If this heat isn’t dissipated effectively by the cooling system, it can cause the system to overheat. Over time, this can damage the components, leading to system instability and random shutdowns.
Regular cleaning of the system and adequate ventilation can help prevent overheating issues.
8. Faulty Motherboard
A faulty motherboard is one potential reason why a computer may stay on while the monitor shuts off.
The motherboard is the central hub that connects all of the computer’s components, including the CPU, memory, and hard drive.
If the motherboard becomes faulty, it could disrupt the communication between these components and the monitor, causing the latter to shut off prematurely.
Signs of a faulty motherboard can range from system instability and random restarts to more severe symptoms like the inability to boot up the machine.
In some cases, replacing the motherboard may be the only solution to restore proper computer functionality.
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FAQ
What does it mean if the computer turns on but nothing shows on the monitor?
If your computer powers on but nothing displays on the monitor, it can indicate an issue with the monitor itself, which could be malfunctioning or not properly connected.
It’s important to verify that all cables are securely plugged in. It could also be an issue with your computer’s graphics card.
This hardware component is responsible for transmitting visual information to the monitor.
If it’s not functioning correctly, the monitor may show a blank screen even though the computer is on.
How do I stop my computer from turning off my monitor?
To prevent the computer from turning off your monitor, go to Windows and navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
Here, you can click on ‘Change plan settings’ next to your selected power plan and then set the ‘Turn off the display’ option to ‘Never.’
For Mac users, go to System Preferences > Energy Saver, then adjust the ‘Display sleep’ slider to ‘Never’.