My hp spectre screen suddenly shows different colours and a crack

[chris080]

My hp spectre screen suddenly shows different colours and a crack in between them on the screen while i was watching a movie then i shut it down using the power button and wait for 5 minute and turn it back on then it disappears and shows well again but am really concerned about it because it might happen again and not work anymore. i recently bought it as a uk used from a gadget seller so i want to know if it this is a big issue.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @chris080 

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

Thanks for explaining that so clearly—it’s definitely concerning when a screen shows sudden discoloration and what looks like a crack, even if it temporarily resolves. 

Let’s break down what might be going on and what you can do next. 💡

🧠 What Might Be Happening

Based on your description, here are the most likely causes:

⚡ Temporary Display Glitch

• If the screen showed strange colors and a “crack” that disappeared after rebooting, it could be a GPU or display driver hiccup.
• This is more common during high-load tasks like video playback.

🧱 Pressure or Flex Damage

• A hairline crack in the LCD layer might not be visible when the screen is off but can cause color distortion when active.
• Even if it disappears temporarily, it may worsen over time.

🔌 Loose Display Cable

• A partially disconnected or damaged display ribbon cable can cause intermittent issues like flickering, discoloration, or ghosting.

🌡️ Thermal Stress or Power Surge

• If the laptop was exposed to heat or a sudden power fluctuation, it might have stressed the display panel or graphics circuitry.

🛠️ What You Can Do

✅ 1. Run HP Diagnostics

• Press Esc during startup → Select F2 for HP Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run the Display Test to check for panel issues.

✅ 2. Update Graphics Drivers

• Go to Device Manager → Display Adapters → Right-click your GPU → Update driver.
• Or use HP Support Assistant to check for updates.

✅ 3. Check for Physical Damage

• Gently inspect the screen under bright light for any hairline cracks or pressure marks.
• If you see any, take photos for documentation.

✅ 4. Monitor for Recurrence

• If the issue happens again, note the conditions (e.g., during video playback, after waking from sleep).
• This helps pinpoint whether it’s hardware or software-related.

You’re absolutely right to be cautious—intermittent screen issues can be a warning sign. Let’s keep an eye on it and take action early if it returns. 💪😄

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