Computers, like any other machine, can sometimes get faulty and malfunction. This phenomenon is usually called a “death screen” when a blank screen is displayed, in several colors, or goes out completely blank without any error messages. Let us know “Why Is My Computer Screen Pink?”
Computer screens will display a pink color which usually indicates a fault. There could be several elements that cause it, but the most common reasons are issues with the hardware and its connection with the software of the computer. When the monitor is not properly connected to the cables, or motherboard, a pink screen may appear. Another reason for a pink screen is the temperature rise in the graphics processor of the computer, due to dusty fans and their buildup. The connection between the software and hardware is ruined if the drivers in the computer are faulty, which can cause a pink screen.
Reasons for a pink screen
Cables not properly connected
At times, the pink screen is displayed because the cables are not connected properly, which may result in the computer messing up the RGB color mixer technology installed inside the monitor. Thus, the color configuration falters, turning the screen pink.
Problem with the monitor
A pink screen may be displayed if you purchase a computer, or have an old one, and the monitor has an underlying fault with its hardware inside, like the graphics, etc. Using an outdated version of a monitor with the latest CPU may also cause a pink screen.
The temperature of the GPU (graphics processing unit)
As the name suggests, the GPU relates to the performance and the overall display. If there is any fault in the GPU, it will cause a pink screen.
Problems with the GPU are usually due to the following:
The temperature increases in the graphics processor (the temperature should be between 65 to 85 degrees Celsius)
- If the GPU conducts its operations faster within a second than the regular speed, which is called overclocking
- If the GPU has been physically damaged
The most common cause is the raised temperature, which you can check by:
- Open the task manager on your computer
- Open the tab for performance
- When that tab is open, you will be able to see several options like GPU, memory etc.
- Locate the GPU
- You will be able to see its performance and temperature right next to it
Fault in the drivers of the computer
This problem is related to software, which connects the hardware to itself. If there is a fault in the drivers, especially for monitor and graphics card drivers, then your computer may display a pink screen due to the bugs in the drivers or their outdated versions.
Updates for the windows
At times, though not that often, one reason for a pink display could be that the new updates for the PC’s windows brought more bugs, affecting both the hardware and the software performances.
Settings for screen display
If by accident, your settings for the display (which includes its color) are tampered with, it may cause a pink screen. If the display settings are not set to RGB, then the pink tone may be exaggerated for your display.
Faults induced from games or programs
Your computer may show a pink screen after you have downloaded certain applications, or games. When you download them, corrupt files may be downloaded that can induce a fault in the display.
Virus in the computer
You may have accidentally downloaded an App that can result in a virus on the computer. This is usually the result of clicking on unknown links you get through online advertisements, email, etc.
How to resolve a pink screen?
Getting a pink screen can be a hassle, it could cut out precious time from using the computer which has become a need in the contemporary world.
To fix this error, there are several ways:
Conventional approach
The most common approach to resolving this issue is:
Push the power button and turn off your computer
- Take out all the plus from the socket
- Wait for a few minutes and plug them back
- Turn your computer on, the problem should be resolved
Cable connections
Check if there are any loose cables connecting your monitor to your CPU.
Wiggle them up a little and see if the pink screen disappears.
- If not, change the cable and try with a new one, and plug it into the ports for display.
- The best option is to get an HDMI wire.
- When trying this, take out all the wires from your computer and only connect the one connected to the monitor
- In a laptop, the pink screen would require technical expertise to be fixed
- This is because their wire cannot be physically accessed
Graphics card
If you have a separate graphics card for higher resolution, check the cables connecting to it.
Turn off your computer
- Disconnect the cable connecting to your graphics card
- Reconnect it
- Turn your computer back on
Monitor
Pink screen due to a faulty monitor can be fixed by:
Inspect the monitor after turning your computer off
- Connect the monitor to another computer and check if the pink screen stays or goes away
- If it persists, contact a technician
GPU’s risen temperature
As discussed above, the temperature of the GPU can cause a pink screen. Once you have diagnosed this problem, the fix is:
Make sure you are not using heavy programs that run your GPU to over-perform
- Use applications to help you track your GPU temperatures
- Open your computer and clean out the dirt with a soft cloth, as it is also one of the causes of a pink screen
- Ensure that the fans for GPU are working properly
Drivers
The most common cause of a pink screen is out-of-date drivers. You can resolve this by doing the following:
Open the device manager of your computer
- Go to the display adapter option
- You will see several options, click on the graphics card
- Go to the update driver option
- Choose the search automatically option for new versions of drivers
- Install them
If the pink screen appeared after the new drivers that you already installed, you can undo this action by:
- Access the device manager
- Go to the display adapter option
- You will see several options, click on the graphics card
- Go to the update driver option
- Select the uninstall driver option
Updates
If the new updates are proving to be full of bugs, thus making the screen go pink, you can resolve this by:
Access the settings of your computer
- Go to Security and Privacy option
- Access the Windows Updates
- You will see an option that shows you the updates’ history
- Select the uninstall updates
Display
As mentioned earlier, display settings at fault can also cause a pink screen. To fix it:
Reset the display settings for your monitor
- This is a simple task, and the option is located on the main menu and can locate it using the positive and negative keys
Virus
To deal with any virus that may be causing a pink screen, follow these steps:
Type “MSConfig” into the search tab
- Open the configuration panel
- Go to “boots”
- Choose the safe boot option
- Go to storage and delete all temporary files
- Then run the scan for a virus from whatever program you use
- If it does detect something, you can use the same program to remove that virus by choosing the cleanup option
Games and other programs
If your pink screen appeared after downloading a particular game or a program, you can simply resolve the problem by uninstalling it and then reinstalling it.
If, after re-install, the pink screen appears again, run a system scan/clean boot to assess the problem
- After the process pinpoints the file causing the issue, permanently delete it
- Make sure to use an uninstaller app to get rid of all the associated files that are causing the pink screen
Conclusion
Computers can run old, attain damage, or falter which can cause all these problems. Dealing with a pink screen of death sometimes prohibits you to try any of the fixes above because one is simply not able to make any part function. Even if it can be fixed, it is always a good idea to take the computer to a technician who can expertly resolve all errors without causing damage to any other functionalities.
FAQs
- How much is the price to get my computer fixed by a technician?
To fix screen issues, like a pink screen or replacing it entirely, usually costs USD 45 to even USD 200. It depends on the model. However, if you want to consult with a technician from a similar company to your computer, like Lenovo, etc., it will cost about USD 300.
What are other the screens of death?
Other screens are blue, orange, black, white, red, yellow, and purple. The most commonly occurring screen of death is blue. All these point to different errors in the computer.
