How to Check a Laptop Screen for Dead Pixels
Use full-screen colour tests to spot dead, stuck or damaged pixels and know what the result means.
Clean the screen first
Dust can look surprisingly similar to a dark pixel. Turn the display off, clean it using the manufacturer’s recommended method and then inspect it under normal lighting before starting a pixel test.
Use solid full-screen colours
Open the Dead Pixel Test. Cycle through black, white, red, green and blue. A pixel that remains dark on bright colours may be dead; a pixel that stays one colour may be stuck.
Inspect from more than one distance
Look closely enough to see individual defects, but also sit at your normal viewing distance. Some subpixel behaviour is only visible close up while physical scratches or pressure marks appear differently.
Confirm the screen setup
The Screen Resolution Checker shows the dimensions reported by your browser and the device pixel ratio. It is useful context when documenting a display issue.
What to do if you find one
Do not press hard on the panel. Check the manufacturer or retailer’s pixel-defect policy, especially on a new device. Warranty thresholds vary, so a photo plus the model and purchase date can be useful when contacting support.
Dead pixel, stuck pixel or something on the screen?
A dead pixel usually stays dark because it is no longer emitting light correctly. A stuck pixel may remain red, green, blue or another fixed colour. Dust, a screen protector or a tiny surface mark can look similar, so gently clean the display with an appropriate screen-safe cloth before deciding the panel itself is damaged.
Do not press hard on the screen or use aggressive “pixel repair” techniques. Modern panels are delicate, and physical pressure can create a larger problem than the original dot.
When a pixel defect matters
One tiny defect near the edge may be easy to ignore, while a bright stuck pixel in the middle of the screen can be distracting during everyday work. If the laptop is new, record the defect with a photo and check the manufacturer or retailer’s pixel-defect policy before attempting any remedy.
Related guides
Useful MyLaptopTools checks
Use these free browser tools to test the relevant part of your setup: