Reference number: CH000316

Dead or black pixels.

Issue:

Dead or black pixels 

Cause:

Hardware issue with the display device.

Solution:

Determine dead pixel count

There are several programs and services that can help you determine how many bad pixels are on your display. We suggest this page, an excellent free website with several color patterns that can be used to help locate and identify bad pixels.

In addition to the above recommendation a free software utility known as: dead pixel buddy can also be installed and used to help locate dead pixels.

Fixing dead pixels

The small free software utility dead pixel fixer can also be used to fix dead pixels by causing them to become unstuck. The utility works by cycling through each of the RGB colors flashing them quickly on the screen or portion of the screen causing pixels that may be stuck on a single color to become unstuck.

Warning: This utility flashes multiple colors on the screen and can trigger an epilepsy attack. Make sure you or anyone who may be looking at the screen is aware of this before using this utility.

Instructions on using this utility:

1. Download the utility. The file is a single .exe file called: DeadPixelFixer.exe.

2. Once download, run the utility and use the Minutes scroll bar and move to five minutes.

3. Click the Small, Medium or Large button. This will determine the size of the window that will be flashing through the RGB colors. If you only have one dead pixel select small.

4. Once the utility is running  move it to the location of the dead pixel after running for five minutes see if this resolves the issue. If not let the utility run for a few hours.

Unfortunately even after running this utility for a few hours it may not resolve your dead pixel issue. If this does not fix your issues continue reading for recommendations on what else can be done.

LCD or flat panel with dead pixels

LCDs or flat panel displays can have components fail within the display that cause dead pixels. Although some users may consider this a defect with the computer hardware, most manufacturers will not replace the LCD or flat panel unless it has multiple dead pixels, generally four or more that are at least one-inch away from each other.

If your LCD or Flat Panel is experiencing dead pixels it is recommended you refer to your product documentation or contact the manufacturer of that display to determine how many dead pixels qualifies for a replacement. If the display meets the requirements for replacement we suggest you have it replaced.

Monitor (CRT) dead pixels

A dead pixel is not a common issue for CRT monitors, however this issue can still occur. When this does occur, it is common on many monitors that an entire row or entire column of pixels to go out. Most monitor manufacturers do not have a policy or warranty for this issue and when this occurs will generally replace the monitor if in warranty. 

Contact your manufacturer for information on their policy and how to get the monitor repaired or serviced.

Note: Because all manufacturers have different policies regarding dead pixels Computer Hope cannot tell a user for certain whether or not their display meets the requirements to be replaced. 

Additional information:

• Additional information about this term can also be found on our dead pixel definition.