When your laptop monitor doesn’t turn on after sleep, it can disrupt productivity and create frustration. This issue can stem from a variety of factors such as incorrect power settings, outdated drivers, or hardware issues.

1. Power Settings Configuration

One of the most frequent causes of this issue is improper power settings. Sometimes, your laptop might enter a deeper sleep mode or hibernation, which prevents the monitor from waking up.

For Windows

  • Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose when to turn off the display.
  • Adjust the settings for “Turn off the display” and “Put the computer to sleep.”
  • Go to Advanced Power Settings and disable Allow hybrid sleep under the Sleep tab.

For macOS

  • Go to System Preferences > Battery.
  • Adjust the display sleep and system sleep times to more appropriate values to avoid deep sleep.

This ensures that the laptop doesn’t enter a state from which the display can’t wake up properly.

2. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can interfere with the laptop’s ability to wake the display after sleep. Graphics drivers manage the connection between your hardware and operating system, and issues here can prevent the monitor from turning on.

For Windows

  • Right-click the Start button > Device Manager > Display adapters.
  • Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver. If necessary, uninstall and reinstall the latest driver.

For macOS

Keep your system updated by checking System Preferences > Software Update.

Updating or reinstalling the graphics drivers ensures smoother operation of your display after sleep.

3. Fast Startup (Windows Only)

Windows Fast Startup feature may cause issues when waking your laptop from sleep, as it can leave the system in a semi-hibernated state, causing the display to not turn on.

  • Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast startup.
  • Save the changes.

Disabling Fast Startup ensures that your laptop can wake up from sleep properly without display issues.

4. Display Connection Issues (For External Monitors)

For laptops connected to external monitors, display connection issues can prevent the screen from turning on after sleep. This can happen due to loose cables or incorrect display detection.

  • Check that all display cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) are securely connected.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the external monitor.
  • Go to Display Settings and ensure the external monitor is detected. If not, click Detect manually.

Testing with another monitor or cable can rule out any faulty connections.

5. BIOS Settings or Outdated BIOS

Incompatible or outdated BIOS settings may affect the sleep and wake functions of your laptop, preventing the display from turning on.

  • Check your laptop manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates and follow the instructions for updating.
  • If an update isn’t necessary, consider resetting the BIOS to default settings by entering the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC during startup) and selecting the restore defaults option.

Updating or resetting the BIOS can resolve sleep-related display issues by ensuring proper communication between hardware and software.

6. Hardware Malfunction

In some cases, hardware problems such as faulty RAM or a failing graphics card may cause the laptop monitor to remain off after sleep.

  • Run hardware diagnostics to check for issues.
  • For Windows: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for faulty RAM and run diagnostics provided by your laptop’s manufacturer.
  • For macOS: Restart the laptop and hold D to enter the Apple Hardware Test mode.

If hardware issues are detected, it may be necessary to repair or replace the faulty component.

7. Perform a Hard Reset

A software glitch or temporary issue with your system can cause the monitor to stay black after sleep.

  • Completely shut down the laptop.
  • Disconnect all external devices.
  • Hold down the power button for 15-30 seconds to drain any residual power.
  • Reconnect the power and start the laptop.

A hard reset can refresh the system and potentially resolve the issue.

Conclusion

If your laptop monitor won’t turn on after sleep, it can be due to various factors such as misconfigured power settings, outdated drivers, or even hardware malfunctions. By following the solutions above, you can troubleshoot the issue and restore your display to normal functionality. Regularly maintaining your laptop by updating software and hardware components can prevent this issue from reoccurring in the future.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.