To fix horizontal lines on a laptop screen, you first need to know where the problem starts. The cause can be a damaged display, a bad graphics driver, a loose screen cable, or a Windows setting. Each one needs a different fix.
A few quick tests can save you money. Check whether the lines show up in a screenshot, on an external monitor, or before Windows starts. The results tell you whether to fix software or call a repair shop.
This guide walks you through those tests and then covers 13 steps to diagnose and repair the problem. It also explains when a technician needs to check the hardware.
Why Are There Horizontal Lines on My Laptop Screen?
Horizontal lines can look like thin marks, stripes, bands, or flickering rows across the display. Some stay in one spot, and others come and go. Here are the most common causes.
Damaged LCD Panel
The LCD panel is the part that makes the picture. A drop, a hard hit, or pressure on the lid can damage it. The panel can fail inside even when the glass looks fine, and you may see permanent lines or parts of the screen that stop showing a picture.
Loose or Damaged Display Cable
A thin cable carries the picture from the motherboard to the screen. If the cable or its connector is damaged, you may see flickering, lines, a warped picture, or a black screen. Lines that change when you move the lid point toward the cable, but a damaged panel can act the same way.
Graphics Driver Problems
A graphics driver lets Windows talk to the graphics hardware in your laptop. An old, damaged, or mismatched driver can cause display errors. Suspect the driver if the lines began after an update or show up only once Windows loads.
Graphics Hardware or Motherboard Faults
The graphics processor (GPU) builds the image you see. A fault in the GPU or motherboard can cause lines and flicker. If the same lines show on a working external monitor, the graphics system needs more testing, but that alone does not prove the GPU has failed.
Display Settings and Windows Errors
A resolution or refresh rate your screen does not support can distort the picture. A buggy update or an app that clashes with your graphics driver can do the same. If the lines show up only after you sign in, check the software before you blame the screen.
How to Diagnose Horizontal Lines on a Laptop Screen
Run these four checks before you change drivers or pay for a repair. Each one gives you a clue, not a final answer.
Test 1: Take a Screenshot
A screenshot saves the image that Windows creates. If the lines are in that image, the problem may not be only on your physical screen.
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Select the area where the lines appear.
- Save the screenshot.
- Open it on your phone or another computer.
If the lines appear in the screenshot on another device, the problem may come from Windows, an app, or the graphics system rather than the physical display panel. If the screenshot looks clean, the built-in display or its cable may need attention.
Test 2: Connect an External Monitor
Plug your laptop into a working monitor or TV with an HDMI cable or a USB-C video connection. Pick the right input on the monitor, then compare the two screens.
| What you see | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Lines on both screens | Check Windows, the graphics driver, and the graphics hardware. |
| Lines only on the laptop screen | The built-in panel or its cable may be the problem. |
| Lines only on the external screen | Check that monitor, its cable, and its port. |
Use a cable and monitor you know work, if you can. A bad cable or monitor can throw off the result.
Test 3: Check the BIOS or UEFI Screen
The BIOS (or UEFI) screen opens before Windows starts. If the lines show up there, Windows and its drivers are less likely to be the cause.
- Shut down the laptop.
- Turn it on and press the setup key for your model, such as F2, F10, F12, or Delete.
- Look for lines on the setup screen.
- Exit without changing any settings.
If you are not sure which key to press, check your laptop’s manual. Lines in BIOS point toward the display hardware. A clean BIOS screen does not rule out a hardware problem, so keep testing.
Test 4: Run Your Laptop Maker’s Screen Test
Some brands include a hardware test that runs without Windows. Dell and HP laptops are two common examples.
Dell LCD Built-in Self-Test
- Shut down the laptop, unplug extra devices, and connect the charger.
- Press and hold the D key.
- Keep holding D and press the power button.
- Hold D until the color test starts.
- Watch the screen as it shows solid colors.
Watch the screen for horizontal lines or flickering as the colors appear. Note whether the lines stay in the same place. This test checks only the LCD display, and not every Dell model has it. Dell explains the steps in its LCD Built-in Self-Test guide.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI
- Shut down the laptop.
- Turn it on and tap Esc until the Startup Menu appears.
- Press F2.
- Open the available tests and check whether your model offers a display or screen-related test. The available options vary by model. If no screen test appears, do not assume the display has passed.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Write down any failure ID you see. HP support or a repair shop can use it. Menus differ by model.
How to Fix Horizontal Lines on Laptop Screen: 13 Steps
Start with the software steps if the lines show up only after Windows loads. If they also appear in BIOS or in a screen test, more Windows changes are unlikely to help. In that case, skip to the hardware steps at the end of this list.
1. Restart Your Laptop
A restart can clear a short-term Windows or graphics glitch. Save your work, select Start, then Power, then Restart. Closing the lid is not the same thing. Check the screen once Windows loads again.
2. Reset the Graphics Driver
Windows has a shortcut that restarts the graphics driver without restarting the laptop. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. The screen may flash or go black for a second, and you may hear a short beep. This can clear a brief graphics glitch, but it cannot repair a damaged panel, cable, or chip.
3. Check Whether an App Is the Cause
If the screen flickers only when one app is open, that app may be the cause. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and watch it while the screen flickers. If Task Manager flickers along with everything else, a display driver is more likely. If only the other app flickers, try updating or reinstalling that app. This check helps most with flicker, not with lines that never move.
4. Update the Graphics Driver
Try this if the lines started after a software change or you think the driver is out of date.
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart if Windows asks you to.
For a driver made for your exact laptop, check your manufacturer’s support page. Avoid driver downloads from sites you do not know.
5. Roll Back a Recent Driver Update
If the lines began right after a driver update, the old driver may work better.
- Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics adapter and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab.
- Select Roll Back Driver and follow the prompts.
The button is grayed out if Windows has no older driver saved. Use this step only if the problem started after a driver change.
6. Reinstall the Graphics Driver
A damaged driver install can cause display errors. Before you remove anything, make sure you can get the right driver for your laptop model from Windows Update or the manufacturer.
- Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
- Right-click the graphics adapter and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart the laptop.
- Install the driver from Windows Update or your manufacturer if Windows does not do it for you.
Some laptops have two graphics adapters. Check which one is which before you uninstall, and never remove drivers at random.
7. Set the Recommended Resolution
A resolution your screen does not support can distort the picture.
- Right-click an empty spot on the desktop and select Display settings.
- Select your built-in laptop display.
- Under Display resolution, choose the option marked Recommended.
If the lines stay, leave the setting alone and move on. A resolution change cannot repair physical damage.
8. Choose a Supported Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. Your laptop’s display decides which rates are available.
- Open Settings, then System, then Display.
- Select Advanced display and choose your built-in screen.
- Pick a refresh rate from the list and see if the picture improves.
Only use a rate that Windows lists for your screen.
9. Start Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads Windows with only basic drivers and services. It helps you see whether a normal startup driver or app is involved.
Windows 11:
- Open Settings, then System, then Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
Windows 10:
- Open Settings, then Update & Security, then Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
Then, on both versions:
- Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings.
- Select Restart, then choose a Safe Mode option from the list.
If the lines disappear in Safe Mode, a regular driver, app, or setting may be involved. If they stay, hardware is still possible. Restart normally when you are done.
10. Install Windows Updates
Updates can bring display fixes and matching drivers. Open Settings, select Windows Update, then choose Check for updates. Install what Windows offers and restart if asked. If the lines began right after a driver update, roll that driver back first.
11. Get the Display Cable Inspected
If the lines change when you move the lid, the display cable or its connector may be damaged. A failing panel can cause the same symptom, so a technician needs to check both. If the cable is the problem, replacing it may be enough. Do not try to reconnect internal cables yourself unless you have repair experience.
12. Have the LCD Panel Tested
The panel may be at fault if the lines show up before Windows loads or appear during a screen test. Other warning signs include:
- Cracks after a drop or hit
- Lines that stay in the same spot every time you start the laptop
A technician should test the panel and the cable before suggesting a new screen. If the panel itself has failed, it will need to be replaced.
13. Have the Graphics Hardware Checked
If the same lines show on the laptop screen and a working external monitor, the problem may be in the graphics system. A technician can test the GPU, the motherboard, and the video ports to find the cause. Ask them to name the faulty part before you approve an expensive repair.
How to Fix Horizontal Lines on Dell, HP, and Lenovo Laptops
The Windows steps above work on any brand. What changes is where you find screen tests and drivers made for your model.
Dell
Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test from Test 4 if your model supports it. If lines show up during the test, contact Dell support or a repair shop and describe what you saw. If the test looks clean but the lines appear in Windows, go back to the driver and display setting steps.
HP
Open PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI with Esc and then F2, as shown in Test 4, and check whether your model offers a display test. If the lines show up only after Windows loads, check the graphics driver and any recent updates.
Lenovo
Open the support page for your exact Lenovo model. Look for the hardware diagnostics and graphics drivers listed there. Use only the startup keys and tools named for that model.
ASUS and Acer
Startup menus and built-in tests differ between models. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for your exact laptop. The screenshot, external monitor, and BIOS tests in this guide still work on any brand.
How to Fix Horizontal Lines on a Laptop Screen in Windows 11 and Windows 10
Most of the steps in this guide work in both versions of Windows. A few menu names and locations are different.
Windows 11
The steps above use Windows 11 menus. You can reset the graphics driver with Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B, manage drivers in Device Manager, and find resolution and refresh rate under Settings > System > Display. Safe Mode options are under Settings > System > Recovery.
Windows 10
Device Manager works the same way in Windows 10. For the refresh rate, open Advanced display settings, select Display adapter properties, and open the Monitor tab. For Safe Mode, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Then follow Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and Startup Settings.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Eligible personal devices enrolled in Microsoft’s Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can receive security updates through October 13, 2026, with the program’s coverage and enrollment options depending on the device and region.
Official Microsoft page: Windows 10 support and ESU details.
For more Windows steps, see Microsoft’s guide to troubleshooting screen flickering in Windows.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Horizontal Lines on a Laptop Screen?
The price depends on which part failed, your laptop model, and the cost of parts and labor. Replacing a cable is a different job from replacing a panel or repairing a motherboard. A shop cannot give a reliable quote until it has tested the laptop.
These factors can change the quote:
- Display cable: The price of the cable and how hard it is to reach the connectors.
- LCD panel: Screen size, resolution, panel type, and whether the part is in stock.
- Touchscreen models: Some laptops use a full screen assembly instead of a plain panel.
- Graphics or motherboard repair: These jobs usually need more testing first.
- Warranty: Some faults may be covered, depending on the terms and the cause of damage.
Ask the shop to name the faulty part and put the quote for parts and labor in writing. If your laptop is old or has other problems, compare the quote with the price of a replacement.
When Should You Replace Your Laptop Screen?
Replace the screen when a technician confirms the LCD panel is cracked or has failed. Permanent lines and damage after a drop are common signs of a panel problem. You may not need a new screen if the cause turns out to be a driver, a Windows setting, or the display cable.
Use your test results to decide what to do next.
| Test result | Next step |
|---|---|
| Lines disappear after a driver rollback | Keep the working driver and watch the screen. |
| Lines show only on the laptop screen | Have the panel and cable inspected. |
| Lines show during a built-in LCD test | Book a display hardware inspection. |
| Lines show on both screens | Have the driver and graphics hardware checked. |
| The screen is cracked or hit | Ask for a screen replacement quote. |
Do not approve a screen or motherboard replacement until the technician has found which part is faulty.
What Not to Do When Your Laptop Screen Has Horizontal Lines
Some quick fixes can turn a small problem into a bigger one. Avoid these:
- Pressing, rubbing, or massaging the screen
- Using a hair dryer or heat gun on the display
- Twisting the screen or moving the lid again and again to test the cable
- Opening the laptop or handling internal cables without repair experience
- Downloading graphics drivers from sites you do not know
- Turning on a laptop that got wet
If liquid got into the laptop, shut it down and get professional help. Turning it on again can cause more damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Laptop Screen Showing Horizontal Lines?
A damaged panel, a cable problem, a graphics driver, a Windows issue, or faulty graphics hardware can all cause them. A screenshot, an external monitor, and the BIOS screen can help you narrow down the cause.
Can I Fix Horizontal Lines on a Laptop Screen Without Replacing It?
Sometimes. A driver or setting fix can solve it, and a bad cable may be replaced without a new screen. A cracked or failed panel usually needs a repair or replacement.
Can a Graphics Driver Cause Horizontal Lines?
Yes. A faulty or mismatched graphics driver can cause display errors. Roll back a recent update first, and reinstall the driver if the install looks damaged.
Why Do Horizontal Lines Appear When I Move My Laptop Screen?
Lines that change as the lid moves usually point to a cable, a connector, or the panel. Stop moving the lid and have a technician look at the display assembly.
Are Horizontal Lines a Sign of a Damaged GPU?
Not always. A bad panel, a loose cable, or a driver can cause the same lines. If they show on both the laptop and a working external monitor, ask for graphics testing before you assume the GPU has failed.
Can I Keep Using a Laptop With Horizontal Lines?
It depends on the cause. If nothing else seems wrong, you may be able to keep using it, but back up your files first. Stop using the laptop if it was dropped, got wet, runs very hot, or shows other damage.
Final Thoughts
Horizontal lines do not always mean you need a new screen. A driver or a Windows setting may be the cause, while lines that show up before Windows starts point toward the hardware.
Begin with the screenshot and external monitor tests, then check BIOS and your laptop maker’s screen test. Try the software steps if the results point to Windows or the graphics driver. If the panel, cable, or graphics hardware may be damaged, get a clear diagnosis before you pay for a repair.
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I’m Emma Rose, the founder of Punstation. I cover technology, digital trends, business, and online tools, creating practical guides and thoughtful reviews to help readers understand their options and make informed decisions. For more on how I approach my content, see our Editorial Standards.