Blank screen

Why this might happen

• Display output is set to an external monitor, or brightness is at 0%.

• Graphics driver crash or Windows stuck in sleep/hibernate.

• Loose/damaged LCD cable, panel/backlight failure, or GPU fault.

• External dock/adapter forcing video to an external display.

• Recent BIOS/Windows update causing a display/driver conflict.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Confirm it’s really “on”
   Look for power/charging LEDs or keyboard backlight. Tap the Power button once (don’t hold) to wake from sleep. Press Brightness Up several times.

2. Reset the graphics driver (Windows hotkey)
   Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B once. You should hear a brief beep and the screen may refresh.

3. Cycle display outputs
   Press Win + P → tap Arrow Up/Right and Enter a few times to try PC screen only / Duplicate / Extend.
   (On some VAIO models, Fn + Display key also cycles outputs.)

4. External monitor test
   Connect HDMI or USB-C (DP) to a monitor/TV. Select the correct input on the monitor.

   • If external shows an image: likely an internal panel/backlight/cable issue.

   • If external is also black: more likely OS/driver or board/GPU.

5. Force restart → EC reset

   • Hold Power for 10–15 seconds until all LEDs go off.

   • Unplug AC for 10 seconds; disconnect peripherals/docks.

   • If your model has a pin-reset hole, press it with a paperclip for 5–10 seconds.

   • Reconnect AC only, then press Power once.

6. Try Safe Mode
   Power on and interrupt boot 2–3 times (hold Power when the VAIO logo appears) to reach Windows Recovery → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → Safe Mode.

   • If video works in Safe Mode: update or roll back the display/GPU driver, then reboot normally.

7. BIOS screen check
   Power on and tap F2 repeatedly to try entering BIOS.

   • If BIOS is visible: panel works; issue is likely Windows/driver.

   • If BIOS is not visible anywhere (internal or external): likely hardware.

8. Backlight check
   In a dark room, shine a flashlight at an angle on the screen. If you can faintly see the desktop, the backlight may have failed.

Still not fixed.

Submit a warranty request here: Submit a warranty request