Determine dead pixel count

Several programs and services help you determine how many bad pixels are on your display. We suggest Dead Pixels Test, an excellent free website with several color patterns that help locate and identify bad pixels.

Utilities suggested on this page flashes multiple colors on the screen and can trigger an epilepsy attack. Ensure you or anyone looking at the screen is aware of this before using any of the below utilities.

Also, a free software utility known as: dead pixel buddy can also be installed and used to help locate dead pixels.

Fixing dead pixels

The small free software utility dead pixel fixer can also be used to fix dead pixels by causing them to become unstuck. The utility works by cycling through each of the RGB colors on the screen, causing pixels stuck on a single color to become unstuck.

Instructions on using this utility:

  • Download the utility. The file is a single .exe file named DeadPixelFixer.exe.
  • Once download, run the utility. Use the Minutes scroll bar and move it to five minutes.
  • Click the small, medium or large button to determine the size of the window that will be flashing through the RGB colors. If you only have one dead pixel, select small.
  • Once the utility is running, move it to the location of the dead pixel.
  • After letting it run for five minutes, see if the issue is resolved. If not, let the utility run for a few hours.

Unfortunately, even after running this utility for a few hours, it may not resolve your dead pixel issue. If this does not fix your issues, continue reading for recommendations on what else can be done.

LCD or flat-panel with dead pixels

LCDs or flat-panel displays can have internal components fail that, in turn, causes dead pixels. Although most users consider this a defect in the hardware, most manufacturers will not replace the monitor unless it has multiple dead pixels. As a general rule, four or more dead pixels that are at least one-inch away from each other.

If your display has dead pixels, refer to your manual or contact the display manufacturer to determine how many dead pixels qualifies for a replacement. If the display meets the requirements for replacement, we suggest you have it replaced.

Dead pixels on CRT monitor

A dead pixel is not a common issue for CRT monitors, but may still occur. When it does, most monitors have an entire row or entire column of pixels to go out. Most monitor manufacturers do not have a policy or warranty for this issue, and when this occurs replace the monitor if in warranty.

Contact the monitor manufacturer for information on their policy and how to get the monitor repaired or serviced.

Because all manufacturers have different policies regarding dead pixels, Computer Hope cannot tell a user for certain whether or not their display meets the requirements to be replaced.

  • See our dead pixel page for further information and related links.
  • Monitor, LCD, and display help and support.