To restore a laptop screen while an external monitor still works, press Windows + P and select Duplicate or Extend on Windows 11. Then check brightness, restart the graphics driver, and test the built-in display outside Windows if simpler fixes fail. The Windows steps below use Windows 11 menus, with separate steps for Mac, Chromebook, and Ubuntu laptops.
The short version
- Enable both screens: Select Duplicate or Extend to keep the external monitor available while enabling the laptop display.
- Check brightness: Raise the built-in screen’s brightness before changing drivers or recovery settings.
- Follow the symptoms: A screen that shows a cursor needs different troubleshooting from a panel that stays unlit.
- Test the hardware: Use your model’s display diagnostic before considering a factory reset.
| Check | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Windows projection mode | Only the external monitor is enabled |
| Windows display detection | The internal display is missing from settings |
| Windows brightness controls | The laptop exposes an internal brightness control |
| Dell brightness key | The screen may be dimmed |
| Dell magnetic interference | Magnetic objects are near a Hall-effect lid sensor |
| Windows graphics reset | Windows is running and responsive |
| Disconnect accessories and restart | The failure followed docking or connecting an accessory |
| Restart Windows Explorer | The affected screen shows a cursor |
| Windows resolution | The failure followed a resolution change |
| Windows refresh rate | The detected panel needs a supported fixed rate |
| Windows and driver updates | A graphics software fault is suspected |
| Graphics driver rollback | The failure followed a driver change |
| Graphics device reinstallation | Updates or rollback have not helped |
| Windows Safe Mode | You need to isolate drivers or startup software |
| Low-resolution video | An unsuitable display mode is suspected |
| Mac brightness | The built-in display may be dimmed |
| Apple-silicon restart | You need to restart and reset SMC state |
| macOS update | A compatible software update is available |
| Mac Safe Mode | Startup software may be involved |
| Chromebook brightness key | Brightness may have disabled the built-in screen |
| Chromebook display settings | You need to inspect the panel or enable mirroring |
| ChromeOS update | The Chromebook still receives updates |
| Ubuntu display switch | The internal monitor is disabled in GNOME |
| Ubuntu resolution and refresh rate | The internal display needs a supported mode |
| Dell LCD self-test | Your laptop supports LCD BIST |
| Lenovo LCD self-test | Your model’s manual confirms support |
| ASUS BIOS display check | You need to check the screen outside Windows |
| Apple Diagnostics | You need hardware results and reference codes |
| Windows reset | Hardware tests pass and simpler software fixes fail |
| Hardware service | Preboot checks or display diagnostics indicate a fault |
Enable the laptop display in Windows
Press Windows + P, then select Duplicate or Extend. Both options can enable the built-in screen while keeping the external monitor available, provided the hardware detects the internal display. Second screen only intentionally disables the laptop screen.
Next, open Start > Settings > System > Display. Select Identify to distinguish the displays, then expand Multiple displays and select Detect. This checks for a missing connected display; it does not repair a disconnected internal panel.
Raise brightness and check for magnetic objects
On a Windows 11 laptop with an internal-display brightness control, open Settings > System > Display and increase Brightness. Alternatively, select the Network icon on the taskbar and raise the Brightness slider. If the control is missing, check your model’s instructions for its brightness keys.
On a Dell laptop, press the Increase screen brightness key, identified by its brightness symbol. Hold Fn while pressing it if your model requires that combination. Check the model manual for the assignment rather than assuming a particular function key applies to every laptop.
For Dell G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, and mobile workstations with Hall-effect lid sensors, move magnetic objects away from the screen edges and palm rest. Phones, magnetic watchbands, jewelry, styluses, tablets, and nearby laptops can trigger the sensor. Keep the lid open and check the display again.
Restart graphics and disconnect accessories
With Windows running and responding on the external monitor, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. A beep or brief flicker can indicate that Windows responded. Check the laptop screen before moving on.
If the problem began after docking or connecting an accessory, save your work using the external monitor. Shut down, disconnect the external display, dock, and other peripherals, then restart your computer and check the built-in screen. Reconnect the external monitor if you need it for the remaining checks.
If the laptop screen shows a cursor or other Windows interface, check for a stalled desktop. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart. This addresses a missing desktop or stalled Windows shell, rather than an unlit panel.
Correct resolution and refresh rate
When the internal display is detected and the problem followed a resolution change, open Start > Settings > System > Display. Select the laptop display, then choose the entry marked (Recommended) under Display resolution. Make sure you are changing the internal panel’s settings.
For refresh rate, open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select the internal display. Under Choose a refresh rate, choose a supported fixed rate. If available, turn off Dynamic refresh rate for testing; the available rates depend on the panel.
Update or roll back the graphics driver
Use the working external monitor to find and update your graphics driver. Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. For optional driver packages, open Advanced options > Optional updates, select the applicable packages, and select Download and install, then restart. If your organization controls update availability, ask your administrator for help.
If the screen stopped working immediately after a graphics driver change, rolling back replaces that driver with the available previous version. Right-click Start, select Device Manager, and expand Display adapters. Right-click the affected graphics adapter and open Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, choose the applicable reason, and select Yes. Restart if requested; this requires administrator permissions and an available previous driver.
When rollback is unavailable or updates do not help, reinstalling the graphics device is another option. Removing it can temporarily interrupt the working external display, so save your work first. In Device Manager > Display adapters, right-click the affected adapter, select Uninstall device, then select Uninstall. Restart so Windows can attempt to reinstall the driver.
Compare the screen in Safe Mode
Safe Mode helps isolate a driver or startup software problem. Have your BitLocker recovery key available if encryption is enabled. Using the external monitor, open Settings > System > Recovery, then select Restart now under Advanced startup.
In Windows Recovery Environment, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press 4 or F4 for Enable Safe Mode, then compare the internal display’s behavior. If it works there, continue investigating drivers or startup software.
If an unsuitable display mode is the suspected cause, use the same Startup Settings route and press 3 or F3 for Enable low-resolution video instead. Then correct the display settings. If the internal screen remains blank, continue to the model-specific hardware checks.
Check Mac Chromebook and Ubuntu settings
On a Mac using System Settings, open the Apple menu > System Settings > Displays and raise Brightness for the built-in display. You can also press Increase Brightness or use the Control Strip on a Touch Bar model. On an Apple-silicon Mac, connect power and choose the Apple menu > Restart; its SMC resets automatically.
For software updates, open the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Install the compatible update offered and supply the administrator password when requested. Keep the Mac powered with its lid open.
To compare Mac Safe Mode behavior, shut down an Apple-silicon Mac and hold Power until startup options appear. Select the startup disk, hold Shift, and click Continue in Safe Mode. On an Intel Mac, start while holding Shift until the login window appears. Log in and check the display, then restart normally to leave Safe Mode.
On a Chromebook with standard brightness keys, press Increase screen brightness repeatedly. Holding Decrease brightness can intentionally leave only the external monitor displaying an image. Select the time, open Settings > Device > Displays, and select Built-in Display to inspect its settings. With the external monitor connected, select Mirror Built-in Display to change the layout.
To update a Chromebook still receiving updates, connect to the internet and select the time. Open Settings > About ChromeOS and select Check for updates. Select Restart in the notification when the update is ready. On a managed device, ask your administrator for help if updates are restricted.
On Ubuntu using the GNOME display interface, open Activities, search for Displays, and open it. Select the internal monitor and enable its switch if disabled, then choose Join Displays or Mirror. Click Apply, followed by Keep Changes if the result works.
To correct Ubuntu’s display mode, open Activities > Displays and select the internal display in the preview. Choose an appropriate Resolution and refresh rate, then click Apply. Click Keep Changes only if the display works; otherwise, the settings revert after 20 seconds.
Test the screen outside the operating system
On a Dell laptop supporting LCD BIST, shut down, hold D, and press Power. Release D when color screens appear, then inspect them for missing areas or other defects. A failed test warrants repair; a successful test directs further investigation toward graphics, settings, or the display signal path.
For Lenovo, check your model’s Hardware Maintenance Manual for LCD self-test support first. On a supported model, shut down, connect AC power, and press Fn + Left Ctrl + Power together. Look for at least five full-screen colors during the roughly 20-second test; press Power to exit. This applies to most ThinkPads released after 2022, specified earlier ThinkPads, and selected Lenovo Notebook and ThinkBook models.
On an ASUS notebook, start with the laptop off, hold F2, and press Power. Keep holding F2 until BIOS appears. If the internal screen also fails there, ASUS recommends authorized hardware testing.
For Apple Diagnostics, shut down your Mac and disconnect unnecessary peripherals, keeping power and the external display you need. On Apple silicon, hold Power until Options appears, release it, then hold Command + D. On Intel, hold D at startup, or use Option + D if necessary.
Select Run Offline when offered if a technician has not initiated an online session. On macOS Tahoe 26 and later, choose the built-in display diagnostic when offered; earlier releases run tests automatically. Record any reference codes for service.
Choose recovery or hardware repair
Consider a Windows reset only after hardware tests pass and simpler software fixes fail. A factory reset of your laptop addresses software faults and cannot repair a broken panel.
If you choose Keep my files, the reset retains personal files but removes installed apps and settings, so back up your files and obtain your BitLocker recovery key first. Open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC, then select Keep my files. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall. Follow the remaining on-screen confirmations.
When a Mac or ASUS internal display remains faulty outside the operating system, record the diagnostic results and exact laptop model, then back up using the external monitor. Use the manufacturer’s repair channel for diagnosis of the panel, cable, connector, backlight, or related hardware. A failed Dell LCD self-test likewise warrants repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NVIDIA Control Panel enable the laptop screen?
Yes, on NVIDIA configurations that expose the internal panel there. Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Display > Set up multiple displays, enable the checkbox for the internal panel, and click Apply. Not every hybrid laptop exposes its internal display on that page, so use Windows display settings when it is not listed.
Should an ASUS laptop with two graphics adapters update both?
Yes, on ASUS Windows laptops with integrated and dedicated graphics, check Device Manager for both adapters and obtain model-specific drivers for both from ASUS support. ASUS recommends its validated packages rather than assuming a newer GPU-vendor package is compatible.
What if the laptop screen works but keeps dimming?
On a Windows 11 laptop supporting content-adaptive brightness, open Settings > System > Display > Brightness and set Change brightness based on content to Off. This addresses unwanted dimming rather than a panel that never displays an image.
Can you replace a MacBook display yourself?
You can use Apple Self Service Repair for eligible Mac models and regions if you are experienced in electronics repair. Choose your exact model’s repair manual and review the display-replacement procedure and required tools. Obtain compatible parts through the official channels linked by Apple and follow that model’s manual.