How to Fix White Spots on Your Computer Screen

Patrick_Yu · July 26

What is a white spot on my computer screen?

A white spot on a computer screen is a visible imperfection where a pixel remains constantly illuminated, creating a bright point against the otherwise uniform display. This results in a small, conspicuous white mark that stands out, especially against darker backgrounds. Such spots are often a distraction and can detract from the visual quality of the screen, making them a noticeable flaw in the display. This issue can affect the overall viewing experience by drawing attention to the persistent bright spot.

What causes the white spots to appear?

Dealing with white spots on your PC screen can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily tasks. Understanding the underlying causes can help you address the issue effectively. Below, we explore the most common reasons behind these annoying white spots.

Causes of white spots

Dead or Stuck Pixels: These are pixels that no longer function correctly. Dead pixels remain unlit, appearing as black dots, while stuck pixels are always on and can appear white or in another color. They can sometimes be fixed using pixel repair software, but in many cases, they require professional repair or screen replacement.
Pressure Damage: Excessive pressure on the screen, such as from pressing too hard with a finger or an object, can cause white spots. This type of damage can also lead to permanent marks on the screen if not addressed promptly.
Backlight Issues: Problems with the backlight, such as uneven lighting or light bleeding, can create white spots. These issues are often more noticeable in dark environments or when viewing dark images on the screen.
Dirt or Dust: Sometimes, white spots might simply be due to dirt or dust particles on the screen. Cleaning the screen gently with a microfiber cloth can resolve this. Regular cleaning can prevent these spots from reappearing and maintain the screen's clarity.
Screen Damage: Physical damage to the screen, such as cracks or damage to the internal components, can result in white spots. This type of damage may also spread, causing more spots or affecting the overall display quality over time.
Manufacturing Defects: Occasionally, white spots can be due to defects in the screen's manufacturing process. If the device is new and still under warranty, the manufacturer may offer a replacement or repair free of charge.

How do I fix white spots?

1. Clean your PC screen to remove white spots

Why: Dirt and dust particles on the screen can create the appearance of white spots. Cleaning the screen removes these particles and restores clarity.

How to Fix: Turn off your screen to prevent any damage or interference. Use a soft microfiber cloth, which is less likely to scratch the surface, and gently clean the screen in circular motions. Avoid using harsh chemicals; instead, use a small amount of water or a screen cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics. For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth slightly but never apply liquid directly to the screen. Regular cleaning can help maintain the screen's clarity and prevent white spots caused by dust buildup.

2. Adjust display settings to fix white spots on monitor

Why: Incorrect display settings can sometimes cause visual artifacts, including white spots. Adjusting these settings can help correct the display output.

How to Fix: Access your display settings through the control panel or system settings on your computer. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color settings to see if it improves the appearance of the screen. Sometimes, reducing the brightness can help minimize the visibility of white spots caused by backlight issues. Additionally, try changing the screen resolution and refresh rate. Higher resolutions can sometimes reduce the prominence of white spots, while different refresh rates can affect how the display appears. Experiment with different settings until you find the optimal configuration for your screen.

3. Update or reinstall display driver to fix white spots on screen

Why: Corrupt or outdated display drivers can cause screen issues, including white spots. Reinstalling the driver ensures that the display is functioning with the latest software.

How to Fix: Uninstall the current display driver and allow Windows to reinstall it automatically upon reboot. Alternatively, download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. To guide you through the process, here are detailed steps for both uninstalling and updating your display driver:

How to uninstall display driver:

Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager."
Expand Display Adapters: Click the arrow next to "Display adapters."
Uninstall Device: Right-click your display adapter and select "Uninstall device."
Check the Box: Enable the option "Delete the driver software for this device."
Update or Uninstall: Click "Uninstall" and restart your computer.

How to update display driver:

Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager."
Expand Display Adapters: Click the arrow next to "Display adapters."
Update Driver: Right-click your display adapter and select "Update driver."
Search for Updates: Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will search and install the latest driver if available.
Restart Your Computer: After the update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Use pixel fixing software to repair white spots on monitor

Why: Stuck pixels are a common cause of white spots, and pixel-fixing software can often reset these pixels to their proper state.

How to Fix: There are several free and paid pixel-fixing tools available online. These tools rapidly change colors on the screen to try and reset the stuck pixel. Download a reputable tool, such as JScreenFix, PixelHealer, or Dead Pixel Tester (DPT), and follow the instructions to run it on the affected area. Let the software run for at least 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the stuck pixel. In some cases, gently massaging the area around the stuck pixel with a soft cloth can also help, but be careful not to apply too much pressure.

5. When to change your monitor or seek professional help for white spots

Why: Persistent white spots may indicate a hardware issue, such as backlight problems or screen damage, that requires professional repair or replacement.

How to Fix: If the white spots persist after trying the above methods, it may be due to hardware issues like backlight problems or screen damage. First, check if your monitor is still under warranty. If so, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or repair. If the monitor is out of warranty, consider taking it to a professional repair service. They can diagnose the issue and provide an estimate for the repair costs. In some cases, replacing the monitor may be more cost-effective, especially if the repair costs are high. When purchasing a new monitor, consider models with better build quality and reviews to avoid similar issues in the future.

Conclusion

White spots on your computer screen can be a significant distraction and hinder your overall viewing experience. By understanding the potential causes—such as dead or stuck pixels, pressure damage, backlight issues, dirt or dust, screen damage, and manufacturing defects—you can take the appropriate steps to address and fix these issues. Cleaning your screen, adjusting display settings, reinstalling display drivers, using pixel-fixing software, or seeking professional assistance are all viable solutions to restore your screen's quality.

For persistent issues that require professional help or if you're considering a replacement, it's important to have reliable support. Acer offers Care Extended Service Plans that provide coverage and assistance for your Acer products. These plans can help ensure that you get the necessary repairs and services when needed. Learn more about these options at the Acer Care Extended Service Plans page.

Taking these steps can help maintain the quality and performance of your computer screen, ensuring a better and more enjoyable viewing experience.