Before you begin
This guide is for a PC that appears to switch on but has no usable picture. A monitor showing “No signal” is powered on, but is not receiving a usable video signal on its selected input. A completely unlit monitor may have its own power problem.
- If the PC has no lights or fan movement, start with PC will not start.
- Have one monitor, its power lead and one HDMI or DisplayPort cable ready. Note whether you ever see a manufacturer logo or Windows sign-in screen.
- Change one thing at a time. Record which port and cable you tested so you do not repeat the same check.
For a new delivery: follow the supplied unpacking instructions before switching on. If you can see damage, loose parts or liquid, stop and use the damaged delivery guide.
Step-by-step checks
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Check the monitor itself
Make sure its power lead is connected and open the monitor’s own on-screen menu. If that menu does not appear, check its power button and socket first. Manually choose the input that matches the cable: for example, HDMI 1 rather than HDMI 2. Auto-detect does not always choose the connection you expect.
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Use the graphics card’s display ports
If your PC has a dedicated graphics card, connect the display cable to that card. Its connectors are usually in the expansion-slot area, separate from the motherboard’s USB and network connectors. Case layouts vary, so ask support for help identifying the right ports if you are unsure. Motherboard display sockets only work when the processor and configuration support integrated graphics.
Hardware reference: ASUS display and startup checks.
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Reseat the cable and try a known working alternative
Switch the PC and monitor off before reconnecting the display lead. Check both ends, then push them fully into place without forcing them. Some DisplayPort plugs have a release latch: press it before removal. If there is still no signal, test another suitable cable or another output on the graphics card. Change only one item between attempts.
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Simplify the display setup
Use one monitor directly connected to the PC. Temporarily remove docking stations, splitters, capture devices and video adapters. If available, try the monitor with another device, or try the PC with a known working monitor or TV. Note which combination works; this helps separate a display or cable problem from a PC problem.
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Restart once and watch the startup sequence
If Windows is responding, use its normal Restart command. If the PC is unresponsive and no update is in progress, hold the case power button until it switches off, then start it once more. A forced shutdown can lose unsaved work. Watch for a logo, a brief picture, diagnostic lights or a repeated restart. A first boot can take longer on some systems; avoid repeatedly interrupting it.
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If the picture disappears when Windows loads
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B once to restart the graphics driver. A beep or brief flicker may occur. If Ctrl + Alt + Delete shows a screen, Windows is still responding. Tell support if this started immediately after a driver update; they can guide a suitable rollback or recovery step.
Windows reference: Microsoft blank-screen troubleshooting.
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Record any diagnostic indicators
If a light remains on beside a label such as CPU, DRAM, VGA or BOOT, photograph the label and note whether it stays on or changes. Meanings depend on the motherboard model. A light is a useful clue, not proof that a particular part is faulty. Contact support before removing the graphics card or memory, clearing the BIOS settings or updating firmware.
What the symptoms mean
The monitor menu works, but it says “No signal”
Focus on the selected input, cable, graphics-card connection and whether the PC completes startup.
A startup logo appears, then the display goes black
The display can receive a picture. The Windows display mode or driver becomes a more useful next check; it does not rule out every hardware issue.
A different cable or screen works
Keep that working combination connected and report both test results. Do not replace PC components based only on the original screen failing.
The PC repeatedly starts and stops
Move to the startup guide and report the restart pattern.
Common questions
Do spinning fans mean the PC has started successfully?
No. Fans and lighting can receive power even when startup has not completed. A picture, Windows startup sound or diagnostic information gives support more useful evidence.
Should I plug into the motherboard HDMI socket?
Use the dedicated graphics card when one is fitted. Some processors have no integrated graphics, so the motherboard socket cannot produce a picture. Ask support before changing to it as a test.
Should I reinstall Windows?
That is not an initial fix for no signal. It cannot fix a disconnected display cable and may remove apps or data. Complete the external checks and ask support before recovery or reinstalling.
Can I open the case to reseat parts?
Contact us first so we can identify the system and guide an appropriate check. Never work inside a powered PC or open the power supply.
Still no picture?
Contact ElitePCS support after the external checks, or immediately if you notice damage, a burning smell or repeated shutdowns. Send:
- Your order number and PC model.
- A photo of the back of the PC showing exactly where the display cable is connected.
- The monitor model, cable type and input selected.
- Whether you see a logo, cursor, message or diagnostic light, and which alternative cables or screens you tried.
A short video from pressing the power button to the point where the problem appears can be especially useful.