Fix – Monitor No Signal Issue on Windows

Are you encountering the no signal error on the monitor, issue like thousands of other Windows users? Its your lucky day you’ve come to the right place.

The no signal message explains that monitor is not getting an input it can be due to wrong connection established between the CPU and the monitor, outdated drivers and other issues.

For some users the issue is just a glitch and is resolved relatively quickly. However, if it sticks around longer than expected it is frustrating. So without any further delay let’s learn the causes and different ways to fix the issue.

What Causes the “No Signal on Monitor” Error on PC?

Some of the causes that can cause no signal issue on monitor include –

Loose Connection
Faulty Cables
Outdated Drivers
Configuration Errors
Hardware Problems
Issues with Connection Port
Incorrect Input Source
Issues with Display Adapters & Graphics Card
Monitor Resolution Errors
Other Minor Errors

The list of issues can go on and on and the issue is sometimes fixed with a simple restart. However, if you have tried that and the issue persists then there might be something else causing it. Check out the list of fixes shared in the next section!

How to Fix Monitor No Signal Error?

Here are some fixes that help you resolve the the input signal not found error or monitor says no signal error on your PC error.

Fix 1 – Check the Connections

First, you should check the connection between the source and the monitor. Sometimes, while moving the setup, the connection might loosen up. All you have to do is

Check if the cable is connected properly at the monitor’s and CPU’s end.

If the wires are fine and connections are firmly connected move to the next fix.

Fix 2 – Try Replacing the Cables

If there is no connection problem, there is a chance that the cables are faulty. Try using a different set of connection cables and see if it helps fix the no-signal error.

Fix 3 – Check the input source

The no signal issue is also encountered when the correct input source is not selected. Therefore, before you reset monitor configuration and try other fixes ensure the right input source is selected.

These are the different ports you find on your PC.

To select the right input source for your monitor follow these steps:

1. Turn on both PC and monitor.

2. Press the menu button on your monitor.

3. Go to the Input source and select the right one. If you connect PC via HDMI select the input source as HDMI.

See if this helps fix the problems, if not we’ve have other fixes.

Fix 4 – Reset Monitor Configuration

If cables are not at fault, you should move to configure the monitor properly. You can locate physical buttons on your monitor to help you navigate the settings and configuration.

Since every monitor has a different set of options to work with, here are some basic settings that you should look for-

Input source selected (if you are using a multi-input monitor)
Display Settings (Set all of them to default)
Resolution (Ensure selected resolution is supported)

After you have made the changes, save them all and restart your computer. This should fix the input signal not found error for you.

Fix 5 – Try Using a Different Monitor

If the above fixes could not help, try swapping the monitor. This will help you identify if the issue is with the monitor or the PC. If a different monitor works, the error is with the hardware you are using.

However, if the no signal on the monitor prompt is still there it can be the PC’s display settings. Follow the next fix to reset display settings.

Fix 6 – Check Screen Resolution Settings

After checking your monitor for issues, it is time to fix the screen resolution settings. When you are using a wider aspect ratio than your monitor can support you can face no signal issue. Also, there are multiple other settings that you need to pay attention to.

Here’s how to do so –

1 – Press Win+I to open the System settings on your PC.

2 – Click Display option at the top of the list in the settings.

3 – The Display settings offer many options to support the connected monitor. Check if the resolution and scale are set to match the metrics supported of your monitor.

4 – If you are using multiple output devices or a multi-display setup go to Advanced Display settings.

5 – Check and ensure that the source of your connected display is selected for the one you want to access.

Since you have already checked the monitor configuration in one of the previous fixes, you know what resolution your monitor is capable of. Set the settings accordingly, and you should be good to go.

Fix 7 – Update Graphics Drivers

At times the monitor no signal issue can be because of a faulty or outdated graphics drivers. Try updating the driver and see if it helps.

There are multiple ways in which you can update drivers on your PC.

Option 1. Update graphics driver manually

Graphics driver can be updated manually by visiting manufacturer’s website > searching for latest graphics card driver update.

When doing so ensure you select the correct Windows operating system and bit.

However, if this sounds tricky or you don’t have required technical skills you can do it automatically with Advanced Driver Updater. The tool finishes the updates for all the outdated drivers on your PC in just three steps –

Step 1 – Download and install the tool from the link below.

Step 2 – Run a scan for outdated drivers by clicking the Start Scan Now button.

Step 3 – Click Update driver next to your graphics driver (if you are using the trial version) or Update All to update all outdated drivers (if you are using the paid version).

Once the three steps are complete, restart your computer, to apply changes.

Updating drivers helps fix driver related issue and can also smoother the performance of your PC.

Note – If these fixes did not fix the issue for you, there are a few advanced fixes. We recommend trying them if you have computer skills. However, if you are unsure about any steps contact a professional who can help you with these. Please remember that the following fixes require you to open your CPU cabinet to check the components.

Fix 8 – Check Graphics Card Placement

The graphics unit is the first thing you should look at after opening up your CPU. Since the display issues are directly related to the graphics, you should physically ensure that the unit is connected firmly and there is no damage to the surface of it. Here are the things to check for –

Check for loose connections in the unit.
Ensure that there’s no leakage of thermal insulation
If you are using liquid cooling, ensure it is not affecting the graphics performance.
Check if the heat generated by the intense use of graphics has damaged the unit.

Check for these problems; if any of these appear, you should get help from a professional to resolve them instantly.

Fix 9 – Plug Out and Re-Plug RAM Sticks

The next thing to do is to check the RAM sticks. You can find them connected to the slot in the motherboard. There are multiple connections. Some require screws to be fixed, while others stick to the slot. Ensure that, in both cases, the connection is firm.

Secondly, if you see a lot of dirt on the surface of it, there’s no harm in plugging it out and dusting it. Remove all the dirt and dust, clean the port, and connect the RAM sticks back.

Restart the PC again and check if the no signal error is resolved.

Fix 10 – Perform a CMOS Reset

The CMOS is a semiconductor device that powers your motherboard. The Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor plays a crucial role in the functioning of the motherboard. However, if there’s an issue with the same, issues like the monitor not detecting the PC may appear.

Resetting the CMOS can be of great help to you. Here’s how you can do the same –

Please note that the steps are shown, considering that you have shut down the PC and removed all the cables from the device. It is really important to disconnect the power from the motherboard else it might harm your PC.

1 – Spot the CMOS (silver round battery-shaped) component on the motherboard.
2 – Carefully remove it from its slot
3 – Leave it unconnected for a good 5 to 10 minutes.
4 – Slap it back in the slot. Ensure you have brushed away the dust from the slot and the CMOS.
5 – After doing it all, close the cabinet and start your PC.

Other than these, you always have the option to get your motherboard checked for monitor support. Ensure these advanced fixes are only used if none of the basic ones work. Usually, the error is fixed easily as it is just a matter of connection and cables.

No Signal on Monitor – No Problem!

With the help of these fixes, you can easily resolve no signal on your monitor. However, if they do not help and your PC is unable to catch signals properly, seek professional help.

Hope this information was helpful enough to assist you with the monitor not detecting signal issue. Thanks for reading. Good luck!

Dishank Sharma

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.