Windows 10: How to get completely blank screen when display is shut off.

Windows 10 - 1909 Using Control Panel > All CP Items > Power Option > Edit Power plan settings. I can set the timeout for the screen - it's an external monitor connected to a notebook computer. For experimenting, I set the value to 1 minute under "When plugged in", and the screen goes blank as expected.

However, the monitor backlight is still activated so the screen is dark gray instead of pure black. It's noticeably different than the notebook screen which is completely black. When I move the mouse to reactivate, the external monitor backlight goes out for a few seconds, and screen goes completely black before it "comes alive" with the actual program content. I've tried every combination of power options and screensavers I can find to try to make it go completely black. I **think** it used to go completely black until perhaps six months ago, but I can't be certain. Recently purchased a new external monitor, and it behaves the same as previous monitor. I've begun turning off the monitor so it doesn't light up the room in the middle of the night, which is a minor annoyance.

How can I make the screen go completely blank when the computer is not being used, other than using the monitor power switch?

:)

 

Blank Screen

Hi Virginia,

Conflicts with third-party software and outdated graphic drivers are common contributors to the black screen issue that you're having. To isolate the said issue, we'd like to ask a few questions:

• Are you getting any error messages before getting a blank screen?
• Are you experiencing this when using a particular app?
• Were there any changes made on your computer settings prior to this issue?

Meanwhile, we suggest that you refer to this
article which talks about the steps you can take to resolve blank screen errors.

We'll wait for your response and assist you accordingly.

 

Windows 10 is unable to complete shut down

We suggest doing these troubleshooting steps below:

Method 1. Hard Reset

• Shut down your computer.
• Remove the cable and wires connected to your computer.
• Press the Power button for 10 seconds to completely drain your device.
• Check if there's any changes.

Method 2. Shutdown trick.

• Press Windows key.
  
• Press and hold Shift.
• Click the Power icon.
• Select and click Shutdown.

Let us know the outcome.

 

FIX SCREEN SO IT DOESN'T GO BLANK

Hi Charlotte,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that the computer screen goes blank after sometime, I’ll certainly assist you with this.



However, please let us know:

• Do you see any error message on the screen when the computer screen goes blank?
  
• When you say “I need to fix it so that doesn't happen” how are you fixing the screen?
  
• What is the make and model of the computer?
  

Meanwhile, you may want to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:



If you are using a Desktop, then the first thing I would suggest you to do is check if the cables are connected properly.



Method 1: Refresh Graphics driver



I suggest you to try refreshing the graphics driver by using the key sequence
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B and see if that helps.



Method 2: Update graphics driver



I suggest you to try updating the graphics card driver and see if that helps. To do this, refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Display adapters.
   
3. Right click on the display driver and select
   Update Driver.
   
4. Restart the computer.
   

Article for reference: Update drivers in Windows 10.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator