Laptop screen wont come on keeps flickering

[JenP5]

Laptop will power on, but screen will stay black, flickering grayish like it wants to come on- over and over. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @JenP5,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The issue you are experiencing with your laptop screen flickering and not fully powering on could be due to several factors. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue:

1. Basic Hardware Checks

External Monitor Test

1. Connect to an external monitor: Use an HDMI or other appropriate cable to connect your laptop to an external display.
2. Switch display modes: Press Win + P and select Duplicate or Second screen only. If the external monitor works fine, the issue is likely with your laptop's screen or its connections.

Check for Loose Connections

1. Power off your laptop: Ensure the laptop is completely powered off and unplugged from any power source.
2. Remove and reinsert the battery (if removable): This can sometimes reset the connection.
3. Check display cable connections: If you're comfortable doing so, open the laptop and check if the display cable is securely connected to the motherboard and screen.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

1. Force restart: Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on.
2. Access Safe Mode: Repeatedly press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. If successful, select Safe Mode.
3. Check for display issues: If the screen works in Safe Mode, the issue might be related to software or drivers.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers

1. Access Device Manager: Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Update drivers: Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your GPU, and select Update driver.
3. Roll back drivers: If the issue started after a recent update, you might want to roll back to a previous driver version. Right-click on the GPU, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver.

4. BIOS and Firmware Updates

1. Access the BIOS: Turn off your laptop and turn it on while pressing F2, F10, Delete, or the key specified by your manufacturer to enter the BIOS setup.
2. Check for display issues in BIOS: If the screen flickers in the BIOS, it's likely a hardware issue.
3. Update BIOS/Firmware: If there are no issues in the BIOS, check the HP support site for any available BIOS or firmware updates for your specific model and follow the instructions to update.

5. Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the laptop: Disconnect any external devices and unplug the power adapter.
2. Remove the battery (if removable): Hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge any remaining power.
3. Reinsert the battery and power on: Connect the power adapter and try to power on the laptop.

6. Check for Overheating

1. Clean vents and fans: Ensure that the laptop's vents and fans are clean and not obstructed.
2. Check for overheating signs: Overheating can cause display issues. Make sure the laptop is on a flat, hard surface for proper ventilation.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support