10 Reasons for the “Monitor Error: Out of Range” Issue and How to Fix It
When you connect your monitor to your computer and suddenly see the message “Monitor Error: Out of Range,” it can be frustrating. This issue typically occurs when the monitor cannot display the current settings of your computer, such as resolution or refresh rate. In this article, we’ll explore 5 reasons why your monitor displays this error and offer simple solutions to resolve it.
1. Resolution Settings Are Too High for Your Monitor
One of the most common causes of the “out of range” error is that your computer’s screen resolution is set higher than what your monitor can handle. This happens when the computer is trying to output a resolution that is not supported by the display, causing the monitor to display an error message.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Overloading the monitor with a higher-than-supported resolution, such as setting a resolution of 1920×1080 when the monitor only supports 1366×768.
- Incompatibility between the display’s native resolution and the computer’s settings.
Solution:
To fix this, you need to adjust your screen resolution to a level that your monitor supports. To do this on a Windows PC, right-click on the desktop, select Display settings, and adjust the resolution to a supported value for your monitor. If you’re unsure about the correct resolution, refer to your monitor’s user manual or check the manufacturer’s website.
2. Refresh Rate Settings Exceed Monitor’s Capabilities
Another cause of the “out of range” error is when the refresh rate set on your computer is too high for your monitor to handle. The refresh rate determines how many times per second the image on your screen is refreshed, and if it’s set too high, your monitor may not be able to process the signal, resulting in an error.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- The refresh rate is typically set to 60Hz by default, but it can be changed to 120Hz, 144Hz, or higher. If your monitor cannot handle that rate, it will display an “out of range” error.
- Overclocking the monitor’s refresh rate beyond its rated specifications can cause display problems and lead to this error.
Solution:
To correct this, lower the refresh rate to a setting that is compatible with your monitor. You can do this by navigating to Display Settings on your computer, selecting Advanced Display Settings, and adjusting the refresh rate. Set it to 60Hz (if that’s the supported rate) to avoid errors.
3. Incorrect Input Signal or Cable Connection
An issue with the input signal or the cable connection could be causing the monitor to display the out of range error. If there is a loose connection or a faulty cable, the monitor might not be receiving the correct signal, which can trigger this error message.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Loose or damaged HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cables can prevent the monitor from receiving a proper video signal.
- Incompatible cables may also be the culprit if they do not support the resolution or refresh rate you are trying to display.
Solution:
Make sure that your monitor’s video cable is securely connected to both the computer and the monitor. If the cable appears damaged, replace it with a new one. Use cables that are appropriate for your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate capabilities. Try switching between HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cables to see if the issue persists.
4. Booting in Safe Mode with Default Display Settings
If your computer was recently set to a high resolution or refresh rate that your monitor cannot handle, it might fail to display the image correctly on startup. When booting into safe mode, your computer automatically sets the resolution to a lower, default value that is compatible with most monitors.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Safe mode disables higher resolution or refresh rate settings and allows you to adjust settings to be more compatible with your monitor.
- Out of range errors often appear when the computer is booting with inappropriate settings before the system loads the correct display drivers.
Solution:
Boot your computer into safe mode. To do this, restart your computer and press F8 (or another key, depending on your system) during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, select Safe Mode. Once in safe mode, you can adjust your resolution and refresh rate settings.
5. Monitor Settings Out of Sync with PC Configuration
If the monitor itself has specific input settings or a custom resolution that is set incorrectly, it could be out of sync with your computer’s output. Each monitor has an OSD (On-Screen Display) menu that allows you to customize display settings, including resolution, contrast, brightness, and more.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- The monitor settings may conflict with the settings on your computer, causing the error message to appear.
- Factory reset settings on the monitor may need to be adjusted to match the connected device’s output.
Solution:
Access your monitor’s OSD menu (usually by pressing buttons on the front or side of the monitor) and look for a reset option. You may need to perform a factory reset to restore default settings. Additionally, ensure that your monitor is set to the correct input source (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort) and matches your PC’s configuration.
6. Why does my monitor show “out of range” only after a Windows update?
Sometimes, a Windows update may automatically change your screen resolution or refresh rate settings, especially if your graphics drivers are updated. After an update, your computer might try to output settings that your monitor can’t support, causing the “out of range” error to appear.
Solution:
To fix this, go to Display Settings and adjust your resolution or refresh rate back to a compatible setting. If your monitor still shows the error, try booting into Safe Mode to restore the correct settings, or use rollback drivers to revert to the previous graphics driver version.
7. Can an old monitor cause the “out of range” error?
Yes, older monitors may not support modern high resolutions or high refresh rates. If you’re using an old monitor with a newer graphics card or a computer with updated settings, the monitor may struggle to display the proper signal, leading to the “out of range” error.
Solution:
Check your monitor’s specifications to see the supported resolution and refresh rate. You can adjust the settings on your computer to match the monitor’s capabilities. If the monitor is too old, it might be time to consider upgrading to one that supports modern resolutions and refresh rates.
8. How can I check the supported resolution and refresh rate for my monitor?
You can check your monitor’s supported resolution and refresh rate by referring to its user manual or the manufacturer’s website. These details are often listed in the product specifications. Alternatively, you can use a tool like Display Settings in Windows to check the capabilities of your display.
Solution:
Go to Display Settings, click on Advanced Display Settings, and you’ll see the maximum resolution and refresh rate supported by your monitor. Match your computer’s settings with these values to avoid the “out of range” error.
9. How do I fix the “out of range” error if my monitor is blank after changing display settings?
If you’ve changed the resolution or refresh rate and now your monitor is blank with the “out of range” error, you can fix it by accessing safe mode and resetting the display settings. Sometimes, the settings can be set too high for your monitor, causing it to display a blank screen or the error message.
Solution:
Restart your computer and boot into Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows will load with basic settings, allowing you to adjust your screen resolution and refresh rate to appropriate values. To access Safe Mode, restart the computer and press the F8 key before Windows starts loading.
10. What should I do if my monitor is still showing the “out of range” error after troubleshooting?
If all of the above troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the “out of range” error, it might be an indication of a hardware failure. This could be caused by a faulty graphics card, a damaged cable, or a broken monitor.
Solution:
Try connecting your computer to a different monitor or a TV to check if the issue is specific to the monitor. If the problem persists on other displays, the issue might lie with the computer’s graphics card. In this case, consider replacing the hardware or seeking professional repair services.
Title: 5 Reasons for the “Monitor Error: Out of Range” Issue and How to Fix It
When you connect your monitor to your computer and suddenly see the message “Monitor Error: Out of Range,” it can be frustrating. This issue typically occurs when the monitor cannot display the current settings of your computer, such as resolution or refresh rate. In this article, we’ll explore 5 reasons why your monitor displays this error and offer simple solutions to resolve it.
1. Resolution Settings Are Too High for Your Monitor
One of the most common causes of the “out of range” error is that your computer’s screen resolution is set higher than what your monitor can handle. This happens when the computer is trying to output a resolution that is not supported by the display, causing the monitor to display an error message.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Overloading the monitor with a higher-than-supported resolution, such as setting a resolution of 1920×1080 when the monitor only supports 1366×768.
- Incompatibility between the display’s native resolution and the computer’s settings.
Solution:
To fix this, you need to adjust your screen resolution to a level that your monitor supports. To do this on a Windows PC, right-click on the desktop, select Display settings, and adjust the resolution to a supported value for your monitor. If you’re unsure about the correct resolution, refer to your monitor’s user manual or check the manufacturer’s website.
2. Refresh Rate Settings Exceed Monitor’s Capabilities
Another cause of the “out of range” error is when the refresh rate set on your computer is too high for your monitor to handle. The refresh rate determines how many times per second the image on your screen is refreshed, and if it’s set too high, your monitor may not be able to process the signal, resulting in an error.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- The refresh rate is typically set to 60Hz by default, but it can be changed to 120Hz, 144Hz, or higher. If your monitor cannot handle that rate, it will display an “out of range” error.
- Overclocking the monitor’s refresh rate beyond its rated specifications can cause display problems and lead to this error.
Solution:
To correct this, lower the refresh rate to a setting that is compatible with your monitor. You can do this by navigating to Display Settings on your computer, selecting Advanced Display Settings, and adjusting the refresh rate. Set it to 60Hz (if that’s the supported rate) to avoid errors.
3. Incorrect Input Signal or Cable Connection
An issue with the input signal or the cable connection could be causing the monitor to display the out of range error. If there is a loose connection or a faulty cable, the monitor might not be receiving the correct signal, which can trigger this error message.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Loose or damaged HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cables can prevent the monitor from receiving a proper video signal.
- Incompatible cables may also be the culprit if they do not support the resolution or refresh rate you are trying to display.
Solution:
Make sure that your monitor’s video cable is securely connected to both the computer and the monitor. If the cable appears damaged, replace it with a new one. Use cables that are appropriate for your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate capabilities. Try switching between HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cables to see if the issue persists.
4. Booting in Safe Mode with Default Display Settings
If your computer was recently set to a high resolution or refresh rate that your monitor cannot handle, it might fail to display the image correctly on startup. When booting into safe mode, your computer automatically sets the resolution to a lower, default value that is compatible with most monitors.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- Safe mode disables higher resolution or refresh rate settings and allows you to adjust settings to be more compatible with your monitor.
- Out of range errors often appear when the computer is booting with inappropriate settings before the system loads the correct display drivers.
Solution:
Boot your computer into safe mode. To do this, restart your computer and press F8 (or another key, depending on your system) during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, select Safe Mode. Once in safe mode, you can adjust your resolution and refresh rate settings.
5. Monitor Settings Out of Sync with PC Configuration
If the monitor itself has specific input settings or a custom resolution that is set incorrectly, it could be out of sync with your computer’s output. Each monitor has an OSD (On-Screen Display) menu that allows you to customize display settings, including resolution, contrast, brightness, and more.
How This Affects Your Monitor:
- The monitor settings may conflict with the settings on your computer, causing the error message to appear.
- Factory reset settings on the monitor may need to be adjusted to match the connected device’s output.
Solution:
Access your monitor’s OSD menu (usually by pressing buttons on the front or side of the monitor) and look for a reset option. You may need to perform a factory reset to restore default settings. Additionally, ensure that your monitor is set to the correct input source (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort) and matches your PC’s configuration.
Conclusion
The “monitor out of range” error is typically caused by incorrect resolution or refresh rate settings, faulty cables, or incorrect configurations on your computer or monitor. By following the solutions provided in this article, you can easily troubleshoot and fix the issue. Remember to always match the settings between your monitor and computer for optimal performance and to avoid any display problems.
FAQs
1. How do I fix the “out of range” error on my monitor?
To fix this error, reduce the screen resolution or refresh rate on your computer to a level that is supported by your monitor. Ensure the cables are securely connected and replace any damaged cables.
2. Why does my monitor show “out of range” during startup?
This usually happens when your computer is trying to output a resolution or refresh rate that the monitor cannot handle. Booting into safe mode can help reset these settings to default values.
3. Can a faulty cable cause a monitor to show an “out of range” error?
Yes, a damaged or incompatible cable can cause the signal to be disrupted, triggering the “out of range” error on your monitor. Try using a different cable to resolve the issue.
4. How do I know which resolution and refresh rate are supported by my monitor?
You can check your monitor’s manual or look for the manufacturer’s specifications on their website. Most monitors support resolutions like 1920×1080 (Full HD) at 60Hz or higher refresh rates for gaming monitors.
5. Is it safe to use a higher refresh rate than my monitor supports?
No, using a higher refresh rate than your monitor’s maximum supported rate can cause the monitor to show an “out of range” error and may damage the display. Always stick to the recommended refresh rate for your monitor.