HDMI Connection Causes Computer Screen to Display in Black and White

Key Notes

  • Reinstall display drivers to fix color issues.
  • Calibrate display settings for better color accuracy.
  • Check HDMI cable and ports for damage or defects.

How to Fix a Black and White Screen When HDMI Is Connected

Encountering a black and white screen when connecting an HDMI cable can be frustrating. This guide highlights effective solutions to restore color to your display.

Steps to Resolve Black and White Screen Issues

Step 1: Reinstall the Display Driver

Begin by reinstalling the display drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause color display issues. Here’s how:

  1. Click on Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your display adapter, select Uninstall, and confirm any prompts.
  4. Restart your PC; this will automatically reinstall the latest driver version.
  5. Reconnect your HDMI and check if the issue persists.

Pro Tip: If the problem continues, uninstall any external display adapters if present.

Step 2: Calibrate Your Display

Next, perform a display calibration to adjust color settings for optimal accuracy. Here’s the process:

Click on Start, then search for Color Management and press Enter.

Now navigate to Advanced, and select Calibrate Display.

The Display Color Calibration Wizard will start. Press Next to continue through the steps, adjusting gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance as prompted.

Pro Tip: Take your time adjusting the gamma. Aim to minimize dot visibility in the calibration test.

Step 3: Reset Display Control Panel Settings

If your display settings are misconfigured, resetting them may solve the issue. Here’s how to reset for different adapters:

Resetting on Intel Graphics Command Center

  1. Open the Intel Graphics Command Center and select Display.
  2. Go to the Color tab and click Restore to original defaults.

Resetting on Nvidia Control Panel

  1. Open the Nvidia Control Panel and expand Display.
  2. Click Adjust desktop color settings and hit Restore defaults.

Step 4: Inspect the HDMI Port and Cable

Lastly, check your HDMI cable and port for damages. A faulty cable can result in a black and white display. Consider using a different HDMI cable to verify if the issue persists.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure your display drivers are up to date regularly.
  • Verify the resolution and refresh rates settings in your display settings.
  • Consider replacing old HDMI cables with high-quality alternatives.

Summary

Experiencing a black and white screen when using HDMI is a common issue that can often be resolved by reinstalling drivers, calibrating display settings, resetting control panel configurations, or checking cables. Follow these steps carefully to restore color to your display.

Conclusion

Restoring color to your display when connecting HDMI cables doesn’t have to be a hassle. By systematically addressing display driver issues, calibrating correctly, resetting settings, and checking hardware, you can ensure a vibrant viewing experience once again.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is my HDMI port showing black and white?

If your HDMI connection displays in black and white, check the cable and port for issues. Updating your display drivers and adjusting resolution settings may also resolve this problem.

Can a bad HDMI cable cause no picture?

Yes, a damaged HDMI cable can lead to no picture or display. Over time, cables can deteriorate, which may affect device connectivity. Ensure compatibility when connecting devices.