If your laptop powers on, fans spin, lights come on but the screen stays completely black, you’re not alone.
Many people search:
“laptop turns on but screen stays black”
“laptop black screen but power light on”
“laptop no display but running”
At Tech & Games Hartlepool, this is one of the most common laptop faults we diagnose — and in many cases, it can be fixed the same day.
Important: This issue is different from a full boot loop.
Your laptop is powering on the problem is with display output, not startup.
Let’s break down what’s really happening.
What Does “Laptop Turns On but Screen Is Black” Actually Mean?
Your laptop is receiving power, but the display is not showing an image due to one of these internal faults:
- GPU or display signal failure
- Backlight not powering on
- Display rail (power line) issue
- Internal screen or cable fault
The motherboard may still be working which is good news.
Step 1: Check If the Screen Has a Faint Image (Backlight Test)
Sometimes the screen is displaying an image, but the backlight has failed.
Try this:
- Turn the laptop on in a dark room
- Shine a torch closely at the screen
- Look for a faint image or cursor
If you see anything faint, the issue is likely:
Backlight circuit
LCD backlight fuse
Display power rail
These can often be repaired without replacing the entire screen.
Step 2: Test with an External Monitor (GPU vs Screen Fault)
Connecting your laptop to an external display helps isolate the issue.
Possible outcomes:
- External display works → Internal screen or display cable issue
- No display on either screen → GPU or motherboard display circuit fault
We perform this test free in-store at Tech & Games Hartlepool.
Step 3: Display Cable or Screen Connector Issues
If the screen flickers, stays black, or works only at certain angles, the problem could be:
- Loose display cable
- Damaged hinge-area connector
- Worn LVDS / eDP cable
This is common in laptops used daily or opened frequently.
Cable repairs are quick and far cheaper than motherboard replacement.
Step 4: GPU or Display Rail Failure (Advanced Fault)
If there is no display output at all, the issue may be deeper:
- GPU not sending signal
- Display voltage rail failure
- Shorted or damaged motherboard component
Many repair shops wrongly say “motherboard dead” at this stage.
At Tech & Games Hartlepool, we use board-level diagnostics to:
Identify failed display rails
Test GPU output
Repair where possible not replace unnecessarily
When Should You Visit Tech & Games Hartlepool?
If your laptop:
Turns on but shows a black screen
Has power lights but no display
Shows no logo or BIOS screen
Works on external screen only
Then it needs professional testing — not guesswork.
What we offer:
Free diagnosis
Screen & cable testing
Backlight & display rail repair
GPU fault assessment
Honest advice — no unnecessary replacements
119 York Rd, Hartlepool, TS26 9DL
+44 1429 233870
FAQs – Laptop Black Screen Issue
Q1. Why does my laptop turn on but the screen stays black?
This usually happens due to a backlight failure, display cable issue, GPU fault, or display power rail problem.
Q2. Is this the same as a laptop boot loop?
No. In this case, the laptop powers on normally — the issue is only with the display output.
Q3. Can a black screen laptop be fixed without replacing the motherboard?
Yes. Many black screen issues are repairable through cable, screen, backlight, or rail repairs.
Q4. How long does it take to fix a laptop black screen issue?
Most diagnostics are done the same day, and many fixes are completed within a few hours.
Q5. How much does it cost to fix a laptop black screen in Hartlepool?
Repairs typically range from £40–£120, depending on whether it’s a screen, cable, or board-level issue. Diagnosis is free.