{"id":73639,"date":"2023-09-12T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/?p=73639"},"modified":"2024-10-22T16:06:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T20:06:03","slug":"how-to-fix-monitor-discoloration-on-your-computer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/how-to-fix-monitor-discoloration-on-your-computer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Monitor Discoloration on Your Computer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Does your computer screen look washed ou<\/a>t? Are the colors fading? Perhaps it has a green, red, or blue hue, or the screen brightness is off. There are many reasons this could happen, but it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you need to replace your monitor. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitor discoloration is frustrating, not only because it can mess up your creative work, but it also causes immense eye strain. This article will help you troubleshoot the cause of your monitor discoloration, and give several possible solutions that can fix the issue. And speaking of eye strain, a blue light filter<\/a> might help you with that.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What Causes Monitor Discoloration?\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to computer monitor discoloration, it could be a software or hardware issue. It doesn\u2019t matter if your monitor is an LCD monitor that gets illuminated by a backlight or an OLED with illumination for each pixel, it can happen to all types of displays. It can also happen to a laptop screen.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardware failure is more common with older monitors, but some users reported experiencing discoloration only after a Windows 10\/11 update. That points out that the display settings for Windows are incorrect. Before you go troubleshooting the possible software causes of monitor discoloration, you should connect it to another computer (if possible), and see if your monitor is working fine. You can also test your computer by plugging in a different monitor to see if it will experience any discoloration.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re experiencing monitor discoloration and distortion you could try the following steps.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Restart Your PC and Monitor\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re experiencing monitor discoloration for the first time, it could be just a temporary glitch. To verify, simply restart your PC, and turn your monitor off by pressing the power button. Keep it off for at least 15 seconds before turning it back on. If this solved the issue you were lucky!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Operating System issues are often fixed by a simple computer restart. A fresh start removes possible temporary glitches and bugs and it may fix your issue.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Check the Cable Connection\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another hardware failure that causes monitor screen discoloration is the issue with the cable that connects your PC and monitor. Make sure that the cable is physically okay and secure. Check for damages on both ends and along the cable.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible your cable came loose. If you\u2019re using the older VGA or DVI cables, they are secured by screws, but even they can get loose. Make sure they are screwed back in. If you\u2019re using newer HDMI cables, make sure they are pushed in all the way. Even gravity can make them come loose.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Also, sometimes the issue can be caused by dust and grime gathering in the HDMI cable ports. Make sure they\u2019re clean. Check out our more detailed guide on how to clean a monitor screen<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Degauss the Monitor\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using an old CRT screen for retro gaming, and you experience discoloration concentrated along the edges of the screen, it means you\u2019ll need to degauss it. Degaussing is reducing the magnetic field. Remember that CRT displays are very sensitive to magnets.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most CRT monitors degauss automatically when you power them off and back on. But if this doesn\u2019t fix the issue, you\u2019ll have to locate the degauss button on your monitor model. Most often it\u2019s represented by a horseshoe-shaped magnet icon. Simply press it to degauss your CRT monitor.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t find the degauss button, you\u2019ll have to search for the degauss option in the screen menu. This will be the case with the latest CRT monitor models.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Return Monitor Presets to the Factory Settings\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can use your monitor\u2019s adjustment buttons to access on screen settings and find the preset default level. Check your monitor\u2019s manual to find the exact steps for your display model. Enabling it should return all monitor settings to the factory level. This should correct any color issues you might experience with your monitor.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know what settings are causing the monitor discoloration, you can try manually adjusting brightness, saturation, temperature, tint, or color balance.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Update Display Driver\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Corrupted display drivers are among the most common causes of discolored, faded, or glitchy PC monitors. This should be a step you take if you are trying to fix it on your own. There are several ways to update monitor drivers and it\u2019s your choice how you\u2019ll do it. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows Update Center is one way to do it. Here\u2019s how:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Type Windows Update<\/span> in the Windows search bar.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Select the Check for updates<\/span> button.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. If you find display updates available, simply install them.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        6. Roll Back the Display Driver\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        If you\u2019re experiencing monitor issues after a Windows update, you can try fixing them by rolling back your display drivers to the previous settings. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Follow these steps to do it:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Open the Windows search box and type Device Manager<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Launch the Device Manager<\/span> by pressing Enter<\/span> key on your keyboard.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Find the Display Adapters<\/span> section and expand it.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
            \n
            \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Right-click on your display driver and select Properties<\/span> from the menu.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Select the Driver tab<\/span> on the pop-up window.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. If you can click the Roll Back Driver<\/span> button, do it. If it\u2019s grayed out it means there\u2019s nothing to roll back to. Press the OK<\/span> button.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                  \n
                  \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Restart your computer to implement the changes.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Once the system is up, check if your monitor is still displaying discoloration.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    7. Disable HDR\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Your monitor might have discoloration issues if you somehow enabled the HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature in the past, but the monitor is not compatible with it. If this is the case, you can turn the HDR option off, and see if this fixes your monitor.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Follow these instructions to turn the HDR feature off on Windows 11:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Press the Windows key<\/span> + I<\/span> on your keyboard to open the System Settings app. \n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Go to the Display <\/span>page.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                      \n
                      \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. If you have more than one monitor connected to your PC select the HDR-capable display.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Turn off the Use HDR<\/span> button.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                        \n
                        \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Restart your PC and check if this solved the issue.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          For Windows 10 users the steps are similar:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          1. Open the Settings app with the Win<\/span> + I<\/span> shortcut.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. Select the System<\/span> category.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Go to the Display <\/span>page.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          4. Click the Windows HD Color Settings<\/span> link you\u2019ll find on the right side.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                            \n
                            \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                              \n
                            1. Select the HDR-capable monitor from the drop-down menu in the Choose Display<\/span> section.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Turn the HDR and WCG<\/span> off.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              8. Reinstall the Monitor Drivers\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Monitor driver files can get corrupted with time. Many users reported they fixed the discoloration issues by simply reinstalling them. But you\u2019ll first need to uninstall them completely. Here\u2019s how:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              1. Open the Device Manager<\/span>. \n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              2. Select the Monitors<\/span> section and expand it.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                \n
                                \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Right-click your monitor driver.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. Select the Uninstall device<\/span> from the menu.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                  \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  1. A small dialog box will pop up. Select the Uninstall<\/span> button.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Restart your computer.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                      After the restart, Windows 11 will automatically detect that monitor drivers are missing, and it\u2019ll reinstall them automatically.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      9. Remove the Color Profile\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Removing the Color Profile for the monitor that is experiencing discoloration might help. Although this is rarely what causes the problem, it\u2019s still worth a try. Here\u2019s how to do it:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      1. Open up the Control Panel<\/span>. You can type it in the Windows Search box.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      2. Switch the View by<\/span> mode to either Large icons<\/span> or Small icons<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                        \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        1. Select Color Management<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                          \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Go to the Devices<\/span> tab.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                            \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                            1. From the drop-down menu, select the problematic display if you have more than one plugged into your PC.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                              \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                              1. Select the Color Profile<\/span> for the selected display.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              2. Select the Remove<\/span> button and then click OK <\/span>(if prompted) and close the Color Management window.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                                \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                                  \n
                                                1. Use the same steps to remove other profiles if they exist.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                2. Restart your computer.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  10. Turn Off Color Filters\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you have turned on the Color Filters, you should consider turning them off. It\u2019s this setting that can cause your monitor to display fading colors or red, blue, and green tints. Here\u2019s how you can disable the Color Filters:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. Use the Win <\/span>+ I <\/span>keyboard shortcut to access the Settings<\/span> app.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  2. Select the Accessibility<\/span> category from the left-side menu.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                                    \n
                                                    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                                      \n
                                                    1. Go to the Color Filters<\/span> page from the right panel.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                                      \n
                                                      \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                                        \n
                                                      1. Turn off the Color Filters<\/span> button.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                                        \n
                                                        \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                                                        Restart your PC and see if this fixed the discoloration issue.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Do you still have monitor discoloration problems or related color or lighting issues? Check out our guide on how to calibrate your monitor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                        Does your computer screen look washed out? Are the colors fading? Perhaps it has a green, red, or blue hue, or the screen brightness is off. There are many reasons […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":73614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-73639","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-how-to"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/wp-content\/pictures\/2023\/09\/preview-media-how-to-fix-monitor-discoloration-on-your-computer-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Nicolae Bochis","author_link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/author\/nbochis\/"},"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t