Dead pixel or stuck pixel?
- Dead pixel
- Always black. Easiest to see on the white screen. Usually permanent.
- Stuck pixel
- Always red, green, blue or white. Easiest to see on black. Sometimes fixable.
- Backlight bleed
- Glowing patches at the edges on the black screen, in a dark room. Common on LCD screens.
Check a new monitor or laptop as soon as it arrives. Many stores and manufacturers accept returns for pixel faults only within the first days or weeks.
Screen test questions
How do I check for dead pixels?
Press Start full-screen test, then step through the colors. Look for any dot that stays black on white, or bright on black. Clean the screen first so dust isn't mistaken for a pixel.
Can a stuck pixel be fixed?
Sometimes. Gently massaging the spot with a soft cloth while the screen is on, or running fast-flashing colors over it for a while, can free a stuck pixel. Dead (black) pixels usually can't be fixed.
How do I check my monitor's refresh rate?
This page measures it by counting frames for one second. For 120 Hz or more, make sure the higher rate is selected in your display settings.
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