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The HP computer powers on—the LEDs may light up and the fan or hard drive may be running—but the display remains completely blank with no image, text, or colors.
when the computer has power but nothing appears on the internal display. HP provides separate troubleshooting guidance if the computer does not power on at all, displays an error message, or shows blinking LEDs/beep codes.
Important: If the computer may be installing a Windows or BIOS update, wait at least 5 minutes before interrupting it. Do not turn off or unplug the computer during an update because interrupting the process can damage the computer.
Applicable Symptoms
Powers on but displays a black/blank screen.
Has power LEDs or fan activity but no display.
Starts but does not show the HP logo or Windows screen.
Shows no image on the internal LCD.
Experiences a blank screen after a startup or BIOS-related issue.
Troubleshooting steps
1. Perform a Hard Reset
Turn off the computer.
Disconnect the AC adapter.
Remove any discs from the optical drive.
Remove memory cards.
Disconnect all nonessential external devices, including printers, scanners, USB drives, and external hard drives.
With the AC adapter disconnected, press and hold the Power button for approximately 15 seconds.
Reconnect the AC adapter.
Turn on the computer and check whether the display works.
If the screen remains blank, continue with the next step.
2. Test the Computer With an External Monitor
Connect an external monitor or TV to the computer and restart it.
If the external display works, the problem may be related to the notebook LCD, graphics driver, or display configuration.
Press F4 or the key with the display-switching icon to cycle through available display outputs.
If the external monitor displays an image, install the latest graphics and chipset drivers for the specific HP computer.
Check for an available BIOS update and install it if appropriate.
If the external monitor also remains blank, the internal display may not be the only cause and additional hardware troubleshooting is required.
If the display remains blank after updating the graphics/chipset drivers and BIOS, continue troubleshooting.
3. Recover the Notebook BIOS
If the BIOS may have become corrupted, attempt BIOS recovery:
Turn off the computer.
Connect the AC adapter.
Press and hold Windows + B.
While holding the keys, press the Power button for approximately one second.
Release the keys.
Wait for the HP BIOS Update or recovery screen.
The power light may remain on and the screen can stay blank for approximately 40 seconds before the BIOS recovery process appears.
4. Test the Memory
A defective, loose, or improperly seated memory module can prevent the computer from starting correctly and may result in a blank screen.
Run the HP Memory Fast Test
Turn off the computer by holding the Power button for at least 5 seconds.
Turn it on and immediately press Esc repeatedly.
When the Startup Menu appears, press F2.
Select Component Tests.
Select Memory.
Select Fast Test.
Select Run once.
Review the test results.
If the Fast Test passes but the problem remains, run the Quick Test, followed by the Extensive Test if necessary.
If a memory test fails:
Select Troubleshoot and follow the on-screen instructions.
Record the 24-digit Failure ID and Product ID.
5. Reseat or Isolate the Memory Modules
If the computer has accessible removable RAM:
Turn off the computer and disconnect the AC adapter.
Follow the Maintenance and Service Guide for the specific model.
Remove and reseat the memory modules.
If two memory modules are installed, test each module individually.
If necessary, test each memory slot individually.
Reinstall the memory and attempt to start the computer.
6. Test the Hard Drive or SSD
A storage-device problem can also prevent the computer from starting.
Run the Hard Drive Self-Test
Connect the AC adapter.
Turn off the computer and wait 5 seconds.
Turn it on and repeatedly press F10 to enter BIOS Setup.
Locate Primary Hard Drive Self Test under Diagnostics or Tools.
Start the test.
Allow the Quick and Comprehensive tests to complete.
Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
Turn off the computer.
Turn it on and immediately press Esc repeatedly.
Press F2 when the Startup Menu appears.
Select Component Tests.
Select Storage > Quick Test.
Select the drive to test.
Select Run once.
If the Quick Test passes but the problem continues, run the Extensive Test.
If the test fails, record the 24-digit Failure ID and Product ID for HP Support.
When to Contact HP Support
Contact HP Customer Support if:
The display remains blank after performing the hard reset.
The external monitor also does not display an image.
BIOS recovery does not resolve the problem.
Memory or storage diagnostics report a failure.
The computer requires internal hardware service.
You are unable or uncomfortable performing memory or other internal hardware procedures.
Have the computer's serial number, product number, and any diagnostic Failure ID available when contacting HP Support.
