If you’ve ever dropped your laptop, you know how quickly panic sets in, especially if the screen turns black afterward. A black screen is one of the most common and frustrating issues that can happen after an accidental fall.
If your laptop screen goes black after a drop, check the power connection, perform a hard reset, and inspect the screen for damage. If the issue persists, seek professional help.
But don’t worry! Many times, it’s not as bad as it seems. This guide will walk you through what you can do when you drop your laptop and the screen goes black. Whether it’s a minor issue that you can fix at home or a more severe problem that requires professional help, we’ll help you troubleshoot the situation step by step.
1. Is the Laptop Getting Power?
Before you assume the worst, let’s make sure your laptop is actually turning on. Often, after a drop, the issue could simply be related to the power connection. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the power adapter: First, make sure the charging cable is still securely plugged into both the laptop and the outlet. Sometimes, a drop can cause a loose connection, and the laptop might not be receiving power.
- Try a different outlet: It’s worth checking if the power outlet is working by plugging in another device. If the laptop still won’t turn on, try using a different charger to rule out any issues with the power cable or adapter.
- Battery status: If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out and reinsert it. In some cases, the impact of the fall may cause the battery to shift, and a quick reset might get things working again.
If the laptop is showing signs of power but the screen is still black, you can try the next step.
2. Perform a Hard Reset

If your laptop is receiving power but still showing a black screen, performing a hard reset might help. A hard reset essentially forces the laptop to restart, clearing out any temporary glitches that could have been caused by the fall.
To perform a hard reset:
- Unplug all external devices connected to the laptop, such as USB drives, external keyboards, or a mouse.
- Remove the power cable from the laptop and, if possible, remove the battery (some newer models have non-removable batteries).
- Press and hold the power button for about 15-30 seconds to drain any residual power from the system.
- Once you’ve released the power button, reinsert the battery, plug in the power cable, and try turning the laptop on again.
This simple method can resolve many temporary issues caused by power surges or internal software problems that could have resulted from the impact of the fall.
Read: Does a Portable Monitor Charge Like a Laptop? – Everything You Need to Know!
3. Check for Display or Screen Issues
If your laptop seems to be powered on (you can hear sounds, see lights, or feel it warming up), but the screen remains black, Laptop Dropped and Screen is Black the issue is most likely related to the display. A drop might have caused the display cable to disconnect or damaged the screen itself.
Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Brightness setting: It’s possible that the screen is on but simply too dim to see. Increase the brightness using the brightness keys on your keyboard or by adjusting through the settings if you can access them via an external monitor.
- External display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor or TV using an HDMI cable. This will help you determine whether the laptop’s internal display is the problem. If the external monitor shows the laptop’s screen, then the issue is with the laptop’s built-in display, such as the screen or the connection cable.
- Screen damage: Visually inspect the laptop screen closely. Even a small crack, which might not be easily noticeable, can lead to the screen failing. If you see any visible cracks or damage, your screen may need replacement.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Try pressing Fn + F8 or another function key (depending on your laptop model) to toggle between different display modes. This might help if the display has been set to an external monitor and hasn’t automatically reverted to the laptop screen.
4. Internal Damage – What to Check Inside

If the external display works, but you still see a black screen on your laptop, it could be that the internal components have been affected by the drop. This is where things can get more technical. If you feel comfortable doing so, here’s what you can check inside your laptop:
- Loose connections: The fall might have caused the display cable (also called the LVDS cable) to become loose. This cable connects the motherboard to the screen, and if it comes undone, your laptop may still power up, but you won’t see anything on the display. If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, check if the cable is properly connected.
- Damaged internal components: If your laptop has suffered significant impact, some internal components like the motherboard or graphics card may have been damaged. In this case, it’s best to leave the repairs to a professional.
- RAM issues: While unlikely to be directly caused by the drop, a sudden jolt can sometimes cause the RAM (Random Access Memory) to shift or dislodge. Try reseating the RAM sticks if you’re comfortable doing so.
Read: Can I Use a 250V Charger for My Laptop? – Understanding Voltage Compatibility!
5. Check for Software or BIOS Issues
If the laptop is turning on but you’re still seeing a black screen, it’s possible that the drop caused a software or BIOS issue. Sometimes, laptops may fail to boot into the operating system due to corrupted files or incorrect system settings.
Here are a few things to try:
- Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your laptop and press the F8 key (or the designated key for your brand) during startup. This will take you to the boot options menu. From there, select “Safe Mode” to boot into a minimal version of Windows. If the screen works in Safe Mode, it’s likely a driver issue or software conflict causing the problem.
- Reset BIOS settings: If your laptop is still unresponsive after a drop, you might want to reset the BIOS to its default settings. This can sometimes help fix problems with hardware initialization. To do this, you’ll need to access the BIOS during startup (usually by pressing F2 or Delete). From there, find the “Restore Defaults” or “Reset BIOS” option.
6. Seek Professional Help
If none of these troubleshooting steps solve the problem, it might be time to take your laptop to a professional technician. A qualified repair technician can diagnose hardware issues such as screen damage, motherboard failure, or other internal issues that may not be immediately apparent.
If the screen or internal components are damaged beyond repair, they can help you with screen replacement or advise you on the most cost-effective solution.
7. Prevent Future Damage

While accidents happen, there are steps Laptop Dropped and Screen is Black you can take to minimize the risk of damage from future drops:
- Laptop case: Invest in a good-quality, shock-absorbing laptop case to protect your device from drops.
- Screen protector: Consider using a screen protector to prevent cracks and scratches from minor falls.
- Careful handling: Try to avoid carrying your laptop around loosely in bags or places where it could easily fall.
Read: Can I Use a Lenovo Laptop Charger with Both 220V and 110V? A Complete Guide!
FAQs:
1. What should I do if my laptop screen turns black after a fall?
First, check if the laptop is receiving power, perform a hard reset, and inspect the screen or try an external monitor to check for display issues.
2. How can I fix a black screen if my laptop is on?
You can try increasing the screen brightness, connecting to an external monitor, or resetting the BIOS to resolve potential software or display issues.
3. Why does my laptop still make sounds but show a black screen?
This could indicate a problem with the display or internal connections, such as a loose cable or damaged screen.
4. Can a laptop be repaired if the screen is cracked after a fall?
Yes, the screen can often be replaced by a professional repair technician if it’s cracked or damaged beyond functionality.
5. How can I prevent future laptop screen damage?
Use a protective case, screen protector, and handle the laptop carefully to avoid accidental drops.
Conclusion
A black screen after dropping your laptop can be a stressful experience, but it’s not always the end of the road. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often fix the issue without needing a professional repair. If the problem persists, though, don’t hesitate to seek expert help. The sooner you address the issue, the better your chances of saving your laptop from further damage.
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