Vertical Lines on Your Laptop Screen? Here's What They Mean

Vertical lines usually mean either a graphics driver problem or a fault in the LCD panel or its cable. An external monitor tells you which: if it shows the lines too, look at the graphics driver or card; if it doesn't, the laptop screen is the likely problem.

Check it now with the left-to-right fade screen test

Which one do you have?

Lines also appear on an external monitor: The graphics driver or graphics card is the likely cause. See fixes
Lines only on the built-in screen: The laptop screen may have a hardware problem. See fixes

Fixes to try (easiest first)

Check with an external monitor
Connect a monitor and press Windows + P > Duplicate. If it looks fine, the laptop screen may have a hardware problem; if it has lines too, troubleshoot the graphics side. [1]
Reset the graphics driver
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B and check whether the lines disappear. [2]
Run the Video Playback troubleshooter
Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Video Playback. [2]
Update the graphics driver and BIOS, then restart
Corrupted graphics drivers can cause lines on the screen. [1]
Run the built-in LCD test
On Dell laptops hold D and press power. If the lines show on the solid colors, the LCD may be faulty. [1]

Is it worth fixing?

Option	Price
PartsReplacement screen. Part only on iFixit, labor extra. Price depends on your model.	$34.99–$1,385.99 [3]
PartsReplacement screen cable. Part only on iFixit, labor extra. Price depends on your model.	$24.99–$37.99 [4]

If the lines also show on an external monitor, the fix is usually on the software or graphics side. If they're only on the screen and show in the built-in test, the panel or cable needs replacing. Check your warranty, then weigh a repair quote against the laptop's age and value.

Repair or replace? Try the calculator · Not sure this is your problem? Take the quiz

Sources

Last checked: October 21, 2026