January 31, 2023, 6:23 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Pixel defects on monitors are quite rare. And they often go unnoticed. Unless several of them accumulate in the field of view. That can be quite annoying. What to do?
When buying a new monitor, the first thing to do is to closely inspect the image and report any noticeable pixel defects. Even in the weeks and months afterward, there are still many options from warranty to guarantee to goodwill if defects become apparent.
Fixing Pixel Defects on Monitors with Software
But especially with older screens, self-help is the way to go. There’s hope whenever a pixel is just “stuck” or displaying the wrong color. In such cases, programs like the free “PixelHealer” can help with LCD and TFT displays. The application doesn’t need to be installed after downloading the portable version; it just needs to be unpacked and can be started with a double-click.
Then, using the mouse, you move the colored square to the monitor area with the pixel defect or defects and click on “Start Flashing.” The square then rapidly cycles through the selected RGB colors. This colorful flashing can cause stuck pixels to “recover” and function properly again. However, there is no guarantee of success.
Testing the Monitor’s RGB Color Space
If pixels are truly “dead” and unresponsive, “PixelHealer” and similar tools won’t help. That’s why, as mentioned earlier, it’s worth taking a close look at the display of a new monitor. For example, with the pixel defect test by developer Thiemo Kreuz.
Simply open the test page, (usually) enable full-screen mode with F11, and ensure there is no dust or lint on the display. Then search the entire image for pixel defects. Do this sequentially with the screen entirely in white (all checkboxes checked), black (no checkboxes checked), and red, green, and blue (only the checkbox behind the corresponding color checked).
Don’t forget, to ensure no blind spot remains during the check: The box with the control elements can be moved by holding the left mouse button.