I’m here to share my experience with a laptop issue I recently encountered. I own a laptop and recently I began to notice green lines appearing on my screen. I was frustrated and wanted to find out what was causing it. So, I did some research, investigated some tips and tricks, and now I’m here to share with you how I solved the problem and some other solutions I discovered.
Green lines on a laptop screen can indicate either a software or hardware problem. Usually, they appear when the graphics driver is outdated or corrupted, which can be fixed by simply updating or rolling out the display driver.
| Reason for Green Lines on Laptop Screen | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hardware Issues | Connect laptop to a secondary display to check if the issue is with the LCD or computer hardware. If the issue persists, seek professional help. |
| Outdated or Corrupted Graphic Card Drivers | Update display driver to the newest version available using driver update software, such as DriverFix. |
| Incompatible Graphic Card Driver | Roll back the driver to reinstall the previous one. |
| Stuck Pixels | Use pixel checker apps, like JScreenfix, to detect and repair the issue. Alternatively, fix it manually by applying pressure on the area with stuck pixels using a damp cloth while the laptop is shut down. |
| Outdated BIOS | Update the BIOS by following these steps: 1. Hold on “Windows + R” simultaneously 2. Type “cmd” and tap on “Run as Administrator” 3. Type “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion” 4. Click “Enter” to execute 5. Note down the BIOS version 6. Go to your OEM’s website 7. Fill in the BIOS version and other details about your laptop 8. Download available updates 9. Extract and follow the instructions in the readme.txt file for updating the BIOS. |
5 Reasons Why Green Lines Appear on a Laptop Screen
Let’s dive into the common culprits that could be behind the green lines and the solution for each one!
- Hardware Issues
Hardware issues arise due to various reasons, including defects, heat, power failure, or human error. To confirm if it’s really the cause, you can connect the laptop to a secondary display.
Seeing clear visuals on the external display means that the graphics driver is fine, and the problem lies in the LCD or computer hardware. Now, you’ll have to seek professional help to solve this problem. So, let’s hope your laptop’s warranty is still valid!
However, if you get the same lines on the second display, it could suggest that the problem is with the graphics driver. In that case, you can jump to the next steps to see which will work out for you.
- Outdated or Corrupted Graphic Card Drivers
An outdated graphic driver is usually the reason behind display-related issues, such as green lines on laptop screens. To fix this, you’ll have to update your display driver to the newest version available.
One of the most convenient and effective methods of updating the driver is by using special driver update software, like DriverFix. It’ll help you locate problematic drivers on your laptop and the ones that need updating.
To do this, follow the steps below:
- Download the DriverFix program.
- Launch the software and let it run until it shows you a list of the findings.
- Select the driver for the “Display Adapter” and other updates you’d like to work on.
- Confirm the download and install changes to your laptop.
- Finally, restart your computer to check if the green lines are gone.
- Incompatible Graphic Card Driver
Sometimes, green lines occur after installing a new driver update. If it’s the case, you can roll back the driver to reinstall the previous one.
Here’s how:
- Right-click on the “Start” icon.
- Choose “Device Manager.”
- Look for the “Display adapter” and double-click it.
- Right-click on your current driver and tap on “Properties.”
- Hover over the “Driver” tab.
- Hit the “Roll Back Driver” button to restore the original driver.
- Once the rollback is complete, restart your PC and see if the green lines have disappeared.
- Stuck Pixels
Stuck pixels are hardware problems caused by technical errors, compatibility issues, or manufacturing defects. A stuck pixel causes green, red, or blue colors to appear on your laptop’s screen.
You can use pixel checker apps, like JScreenfix, to detect and repair this issue.
Alternatively, you can fix it manually by using a damp cloth to apply pressure on the area where the stuck pixels create a green line. Just remember to do this while the laptop is shut down.
- Outdated BIOS
Updating the BIOS will allow your computer to identify the hardware components and resolve errors brought by bugs in the system. So, it might just help resolve the display issue.
Before doing this, boot into your BIOS to see if a hardware issue or software glitch is causing the green lines on your laptop.
Visible green lines in the BIOS can imply a display hardware issue, and you’ll have to replace the LCD screen. If the lines don’t appear on the BIOS, then the issue might be with the software, and you can proceed with the steps below.
Here’s how to update BIOS:
- Hold on “Windows + R” simultaneously.
- Type “cmd” and tap on “Run as Administrator.”
- Once you’re inside the command prompt, type “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion.”
- Click “Enter” to execute.
- Jot down or copy the BIOS version that will pop up.
- Next, go to your original equipment manager’s (OEM) website.
- Go to the download center and fill in the BIOS version and other details about your laptop.
- Check if there are updates available, then download them.
- Extract the ZIP or downloaded file.
- Open the file and follow the instructions in the readme.txt file for updating the BIOS.
Conclusion
Corrupted display drivers, incompatible software, and outdated BIOS are usually the reasons behind green lines on laptop screens.
You can tackle them with some simple troubleshooting steps. However, if none of these get rid of the nagging green lines, you might have to contact the laptop manufacturer for further assistance.
