PC screen

How to repair dead pixels on a PC screen?

, white or colored dots that spoil your visual experience? These may be dead or stuck pixels , defects that can affect the quality and lifespan of your screen. Fortunately, there are solutions to repair or prevent them.

In this article, we will explain to you what dead or stuck pixels are, how to detect them and how to fix them.

What is a dead or stuck pixel on a PC screen?

A pixel is an element that makes up the image displayed on your PC screen . Each pixel is made up of three sub-pixels colored red, green and blue, which turn on or off to produce a particular shade . A PC screen can contain millions of pixels , which are controlled by an electronic card .

A dead or stuck pixel is a pixel that is not functioning properly. He can be :

Dead : it does not light up at all, regardless of the signal sent by the electronic card. It appears as a black dot on the screen.
Blocked : it remains on permanently , regardless of the signal sent by the electronic card. It appears as a white or colored dot on the screen.
Hot : it remains permanently lit with a fixed color , regardless of the signal sent by the electronic card. It appears as a red, green or blue dot on the screen.

Dead or stuck pixels are usually caused by manufacturing defects or damage caused by impacts , scratches , electrical surges , or prolonged use of the screen .

What are the causes and consequences of defective pixels?

Possible factors include:

Screen quality : some screens are more prone to defective pixels than others, depending on the technology used (LCD, LED, OLED, etc.), the manufacturing process and the manufacturer's quality control.
Transport and storage : the screen may be subject to shocks, vibrations, variations in temperature or humidity which may damage the pixels or connectors.
Installation and connection : The display may be improperly installed, improperly secured, or improperly connected, which may cause short circuits or electromagnetic interference that may affect the pixels.
Use and maintenance : the screen may be exposed to sources of heat, light or dust which may alter the pixels. It can also be cleaned with unsuitable or overly aggressive products which can scratch or corrode the pixels.

The consequences of dead or stuck pixels depend on the number, size and position of the defective pixels. They can be :

Negligible : If the defective pixels are few in number, small and located in the corners or edges of the screen, they may go unnoticed or not obstruct vision.
Annoying : If the defective pixels are more numerous, larger or located in the center of the screen, they can disrupt reading, viewing or gaming.
Unacceptable : If defective pixels are too numerous, too large or too visible, they can make the screen unusable or unsightly.

How to detect dead or blocked pixels on your screen?

To detect dead or blocked pixels on your PC screen, there are several methods:

The visual method : it consists of carefully observing your screen by displaying different colors (black, white, red, green, blue) to identify pixels which do not change color or which remain off. You can use websites or software that offer pixel tests, such as Dead Pixel Test or Dead Pixel Locator.
The tactile method : it consists of passing your finger over the screen , pressing lightly to feel the pixels which are pressed or which resist. This method is not recommended as it may damage the screen or leave fingerprints.
The photographic method : it consists of taking a photo of your screen with a digital camera or a smartphone in macro mode and in high resolution, then zooming in on the photo to identify defective pixels. This method is not very reliable because it can be affected by camera quality, brightness setting, or light reflection.

This article might interest you : PC screen that turns off and on: how to solve this problem?

How to fix dead or stuck pixels on a PC screen?

If you have detected dead or stuck pixels on your PC screen, don't panic. There are solutions to repair or mitigate them. However, you should know that these solutions are not 100% guaranteed and that they may involve risks for your screen. It is therefore advisable to use them with caution and at your own risk.

The manual method: apply pressure to the defective pixel

This method involves trying to reactivate the defective pixel by applying pressure on it with a pointed but not sharp object, such as a pen, eraser or cotton swab. Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off your PC monitor and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Place a piece of paper or cloth over the faulty pixel to avoid scratching the screen.
Take the sharp object and gently but firmly press the faulty pixel for a few seconds.
Release the pressure and turn your PC screen back on .
Check if the faulty pixel has disappeared or changed color. If not, repeat the operation several times, increasing the pressure and duration.

This method can work for stuck or hot pixels, but not for dead pixels. It can also damage the screen if the pressure is too strong or too long.

The Software Method: Using a Pixel Repair Tool

This method involves using a pixel repair tool , which is a website or software that displays bright and changing colors on the PC screen, with the aim of stimulating the faulty pixel and making it return to normal. Here are some examples of pixel repair tools:

JScreenFix : an effective and free online tool , which displays a flashing area that you can move over the defective pixel. Just let the tool run for about 10 minutes to try to repair the pixel.
Pixel Réa : a portable software for Windows , which displays a colored window that you can resize and position on the defective pixel. Simply click the “ Repair ” button and let the software run for about 15 minutes to try to repair the pixel.
Filehorse Pixel Repair : software for Windows , which detects and repairs stuck pixels. Detect ” or “ Repair mode , and follow the on-screen instructions.
Aurelitec PixelHealer : software for Windows , which fixes dead, stuck or hot pixels. Simply launch the software, select the size and color of the area to be treated, and place it on the defective pixel. You must then click on the “ Start Flashing ” button and let the software run for about an hour to try to repair the pixel.
Dead Pixel Buddy : software for Windows , which locates and eliminates dead pixels. Simply launch the software, choose a background color, and hover the mouse over the screen to spot dead pixels. You must then click on the “ Fix ” button and let the software run for a few minutes to try to repair the pixels.

This method can work for stuck or hot pixels, but not for dead pixels. It can also cause headaches or seizures in some people who are sensitive to flashing lights.

The hardware method: change the screen or call a professional

This method involves replacing the PC screen or taking it to a professional who can repair or change it. It is the safest and most effective method, but also the most expensive and complex.

You can also check the warranty of your PC screen since some manufacturers offer a warranty against defective pixels. Contact the manufacturer's customer service to request a free replacement or repair of your screen.

Change or repair your PC screen :

If you change your PC screen yourself , you will need to purchase a new screen compatible with your computer and mount it correctly.
If you entrust your screen to a professional , they will repair or change it depending on the diagnosis they have carried out. In any case, request an invoice and warranty for your new screen.

FAQs

How to prevent the appearance of dead or blocked pixels on your PC screen?

To avoid having to repair dead or stuck pixels on your PC screen, it is best to prevent their appearance by adopting some good practices.

Here are some tips for taking care of your PC screen:

Choose a quality screen and check the manufacturer's warranty : before purchasing a PC screen, find out about the quality and reliability of the screen, by consulting user reviews or expert tests. Also check the warranty offered by the manufacturer against defective pixels, which can vary between brands and models.
Protect your screen from shocks and scratches : during transport, storage or use of your PC screen, avoid subjecting it to shocks, vibrations, pressure or friction which can damage the pixels or connectors. Use a cover or protective film to protect your screen from scratches or dust.
Avoid leaving your screen on for too long or displaying still images : when you are not using your PC screen, turn it off or put it to sleep to avoid overheating or tiring it. Also avoid displaying still images for too long, this can cause ghosting or burning on your screen.
Use a screen saver or activate sleep : If you must leave your PC screen on for an extended period of time, use a screen saver or activate sleep on your computer to regularly change the image displayed on your screen and avoid blocked pixels.
Clean your screen regularly with a soft, damp cloth : to remove dust, fingerprints or stains that may accumulate on your PC screen, clean it regularly with a soft, damp cloth, without using chemicals or abrasives that can scratch or corrode pixels.

Also read : Should you opt for a VA panel for a PC screen?

What is the zero dead pixel guarantee?

The zero dead pixel guarantee is a guarantee offered by certain PC screen manufacturers, which undertakes to replace or repair the screen free of charge if it has at least one dead pixel on delivery. This guarantee may be limited in time or subject to special conditions.