Display has Blotches

[hawkeye62]

Long standing issue with blotches on the screen. More noticeable on dark backgrounds, blotches are lighter, but, still on the dark side.  The original and two repairs did not solve the problem. Current laptop is a replacement that has the same issue.

Is this a known problem? Has anyone else had this problem? Has HP gotten their act together and eliminated this problem?

Regards, Jim

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @hawkeye62 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the issue in detail. I understand how frustrating it must be to continue experiencing screen blotches despite multiple repairs and a replacement. 

It's certainly not the experience you should be having, especially after investing time and effort in resolving it. Let’s walk through some precise and effective steps you can take to address the display problem.

Suggested Actions to Address the Screen Blotches

1. Perform a Screen Diagnostics Test

Use the built-in UEFI diagnostics tool to check for hardware issues.

Steps:

Turn off the laptop.

Press the power button, and immediately start tapping the Esc key repeatedly.

When the Startup Menu appears, press F2 to enter the diagnostics menu.

Select Component Tests > Display and follow the prompts.

This will help rule out hardware-level faults with the display panel.

 

2. Update Graphics Driver and BIOS

Outdated system firmware or display drivers can sometimes cause irregularities.

Visit: https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Enter your laptop’s model number.

Download and install the latest BIOS, graphics drivers, and chipset drivers available.

After installation, restart your laptop and observe if the display performance improves.

 

3. Calibrate the Display

You may want to try calibrating the screen to adjust brightness and contrast levels, which can reduce the visibility of uneven areas.

For Windows:

Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display Settings.

Select Color Calibration and follow the wizard to fine-tune your display settings.

 

4. Avoid External Pressure on the Screen

Physical pressure from carrying or storing the laptop tightly (e.g., in a bag with other items) can affect the display. To avoid this:

Use a padded laptop sleeve.

Avoid pressing on the lid or screen directly.

Place a clean microfiber cloth between the keyboard and screen when closing the lid.

 

If the blotching continues and hardware tests come back clear, a visual inspection by a technician may be the next best step. It could be related to screen assembly, pressure distribution, or panel uniformity—factors best reviewed hands-on.

If you need help identifying your model number or locating the correct drivers and updates, I’ll gladly guide you through that as well. I truly hope these steps lead to a more satisfactory experience with your laptop. 

Let me know how it goes or if you'd like to take any of these steps together.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[hawkeye62]

Hi Hawks_Eye,

Thanks for the reply! But, Component Tests has no Display option. Anyway, there are TWO laptops that have the issue. The first was an HP Spectre x360 14t-ea100 Convertible Laptop delivered in May 2022. The original and two factory repairs later, it still had the problem. A replacement was received in September 2023. It is an HP Spectre x360 2 in 1 14-ef0013dx. It has the same problem! I have not bothered to send it back for repair. Based on the fact that two different Spectre laptops have the same problem makes me think that that there is a design or manufacturing defect in the Spectre line. I won't be buying another HP laptop until HP details what was causing the Spectre problem, and what was done to fix it.

Best Regards, Jim

[Hawks_Eye]

My sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you. We'd hate for you to be stuck in a situation like this. Because you matter to us.

These requests are best addressed over the phone with our dedicated support team for your region. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye