Screen completely washed out

[Jakub12345]

Bought this laptop a few days ago and upon recieving it and logging in the screen is completely washed out. I've completed all the usual steps, drivers, energy-saving settings, colour corrections/calibration, bios updates, changing brightiness/contrast etc to no avail. I have a picture between this laptop and my other one which shows the grey/white backlights all across the new laptop and on the other one black is simply black and that isnt even a hdr laptop.

I have another of the same model of this laptop that I haven't opened yet so I am considering opening despite me wanting to send that one back as I bought the 2nd one on a discounted rate,  that one to see if the same issue persists but if it were not to, could I just send the what seems to be faulty one away?

Looking for advice as either the display is cheap or faulty at this point as i've exhausted all options.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Jakub12345 

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

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—and I’m genuinely sorry you’re facing this so soon after purchase. You’ve already done a thorough job ruling out software, firmware, and calibration causes, and your comparison with another laptop helps clarify that this isn’t just a matter of settings.

Let’s walk through a few final checks to confirm whether this is a panel-level fault or a design limitation:

Focused checks for washed-out display symptoms

1. Confirm panel type and color depth

• Open Device Manager > Display Adapters, then check the Monitor section
• Right-click your display > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs
• This can help identify whether the panel is TN, IPS, or VA
• TN panels often show poor contrast and washed-out blacks, especially off-angle

2. Check Windows color profile

• Go to Settings > Display > Advanced Display Settings > Display Adapter Properties > Color Management
• Under the Devices tab, select your display
• Click Add and choose sRGB IEC61966-2.1 if not already selected
• Apply and restart

3. Test with external monitor

• Connect an external display via HDMI or USB-C
• If blacks and contrast are normal externally, it confirms the issue is isolated to the built-in panel

4. Compare with the second unit (if you choose to open it)

• If the unopened laptop shows deeper blacks and better contrast, then the first unit may have a defective panel or backlight bleed
• If both show the same washed-out effect, it may be a design trait of the panel used in this model

You’re absolutely right to expect a crisp, balanced display—especially when your previous device performs better without HDR. 

You’ve done everything right by investigating thoroughly, and I’ll be here to support you with any next steps.

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

[Jakub12345]

Hi,
Cheers for your reply but i've decided to give both of them back before your reply. I had checked color profiles and they were on the correct settings and on external monitors everything was fine. I had opened the 2nd laptop, there was a difference but it was still not to my liking as the colours were simply too washed out. Even text clarity was not very good despite doing cleartype calibration.

Another issue with both laptops was they sounded like fighter jets even when idle and no programs beyond what you get when windows is first installed, all parameters were running at low % so there was no reason for the fans to be at full blast. One could excuse fans at full blast whilst windows was installing and updating etc but it was constant, even when I restarted the laptops the fans didnt turn off during restart? Which is a first.

I've returned both and bought a ASUS laptop since and had no issues with that, perfect picture quality, albeit it is an OLED but the panel difference is clear. The fans are practically silent, even when windows was installing and updating. The price tag difference was a mere £50 between the two and yet the difference is dazzling.  Have been a HP consumer for nearly 20 years but as time has passed by my experiences have been worse with HP products and this may just have been the last straw. The elitebook I received last year may be the last HP product i'll be keen to keep but other than that I'm thoroughly disappointed with HP quality in recent years.

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for sharing your experience so candidly—and I truly appreciate the time and effort you invested in troubleshooting both units. It’s disappointing when expectations aren’t met, especially after years of loyalty to a brand.

You did everything right: from checking color profiles and ClearType calibration to comparing external monitor output and even testing a second unit. The fact that both laptops exhibited washed-out visuals and unusually loud fan behavior—even at idle—suggests that the panel and thermal design didn’t align with your needs, and your decision to return them was completely justified.

Your switch to an OLED-based ASUS system sounds like a refreshing contrast. Crisp blacks, vivid colors, and quiet operation make a huge difference in day-to-day use, and it’s great to hear that the experience has been smooth and satisfying.

If you ever revisit HP products in the future, feel free to reach out for guidance on display specs, thermal profiles, or setup tips—we’ll make sure you get the best possible experience. And if you need help optimizing your new system or comparing features, I’m here for that too.

Wishing you a seamless and enjoyable time with your new laptop.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye