Vertical lines appearing on the screen

Symptoms

• One or more thin vertical lines from top to bottom of the screen
• Lines are a solid color like black, white, red, or green
• Lines shift position or disappear when the cable is moved
• Lines are present on every input, including the monitor's own menu

Likely causes

• CommonLoose or damaged video cableCable-related lines often move, flicker, or disappear when the cable is wiggled.
• PossibleDamaged panel or internal ribbon connectorLines present even in the monitor's own built-in menu (which needs no PC signal) point to internal hardware damage.
• PossibleGraphics card faultA failing GPU can occasionally cause consistent line artifacts across different monitors.
• PossiblePhysical damage or pressure point on the screenAn impact or applied pressure can crack an internal layer, producing a fixed line.

What to do

1. Wiggle the video cable at both ends while watching whether the line moves, flickers, or disappears.
2. Try a different cable and a different port on the computer.
3. Open the monitor's own on-screen menu (accessible via its physical buttons, no PC needed) to check if the line appears there too.
4. Test the monitor with a different device, and test your computer with a different monitor, to isolate the source.
5. Inspect the monitor's housing for any signs of pressure, impact, or recent bumps near where the line appears.
6. If the line is present in the monitor's own menu on every input, this indicates internal panel damage rather than a cable issue.

Tools and parts

• None

When to call a pro

Lines visible in the monitor's own built-in menu screen mean internal damage that needs a repair technician; for lines only appearing over a specific cable, simply replacing that cable may fully resolve it.

Safety