How to Fix Red Vertical Lines on TV Screen in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Seeing red vertical lines on your TV screen while using Windows 11 can be frustrating and distracting. These lines often indicate a display or connection issue. Fortunately, many of these problems are fixable with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow troubleshooting methods to help you eliminate those red lines. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

Before diving into complex solutions, it’s best to start with the basics and then move to more advanced options if needed. This way, you can save time and avoid unnecessary technical work.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand what causes red vertical lines and how to resolve them on your Windows 11 PC connected to a TV.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

Check the TV and PC connection: Ensure the HDMI or other video cables are securely plugged in on both ends.
Inspect the cables: Look for any visible damage or kinks that might affect signal quality.
Confirm the TV input: Make sure the TV is set to the correct input source that corresponds to your PC connection.
Restart devices: Sometimes, simply rebooting your PC and TV can resolve display glitches.

Step 1: Restart Your PC and TV

Before making any changes, turn off both your Windows 11 PC and the TV. Unplug them from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and power them on.

This step helps reset temporary glitches in hardware or software that could cause display issues like red vertical lines.

Step 2: Check and Reconnect Video Cables

Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of screen artifacts. Follow these simple steps:

Turn off your PC and TV.
Unplug the HDMI or DisplayPort cable from both the PC and the TV.
Inspect the cable ends for any bent pins or dirt.
If the cable looks damaged, try using a different one.
Reconnect the cable firmly to both devices.
Turn on your PC and TV again.

Secure connections ensure a clean video signal, reducing the chance of lines or flickers appearing on the screen.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers sometimes cause display problems. Updating or reinstalling these drivers can fix the issue.

Here’s how you can do this on Windows 11:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers. Follow any prompts to install updates.
If updating doesn’t help, right-click the graphics card again and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

Keeping your drivers up to date ensures compatibility and smooth display performance.

Step 4: Adjust Display Settings

Sometimes incorrect display settings cause red lines or other visual glitches. Adjust these settings to see if it helps:

Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
Scroll down to Advanced display settings.
Check your display’s refresh rate and resolution. Set them to the recommended values for your TV (usually 60Hz and the TV’s native resolution).
Apply the changes and observe if the red lines disappear.

Using the right resolution and refresh rate ensures your PC and TV communicate correctly without display artifacts.

Step 5: Test with Another TV or Monitor

If you have access to another TV or monitor, connect your Windows 11 PC to it. This helps determine if the problem is with your original TV or the PC itself.

If the red lines do not appear on the second display, your TV might have a hardware issue. If the lines persist, the problem is likely with your PC or cables.

Step 6: Run Windows Display Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix display problems automatically.

To run it:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Video Playback or Display and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

This tool is helpful for resolving common display issues without manual intervention.

Alternative Method: Use Different HDMI Ports or Cables

If the red lines persist, try switching to another HDMI port on your TV or use a different HDMI cable altogether. Sometimes, specific ports or cables develop faults that cause display glitches.

Using a high-quality HDMI cable can also improve signal quality, especially for higher resolutions like 4K.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the red vertical lines, consider the following options:

Check your TV’s warranty and contact support: The issue could be an internal hardware fault in the TV’s display panel.
Consult your PC manufacturer’s support: If the problem is on the PC side, they may offer repair or replacement options.
Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 support page: For advanced troubleshooting related to software or drivers, visit https://support.microsoft.com/windows.

Sometimes, professional help is necessary to diagnose and repair hardware faults.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes red vertical lines on a TV screen connected to a PC?

Red vertical lines usually result from faulty cables, loose connections, outdated graphics drivers, incorrect display settings, or hardware issues in the TV or PC.

Can a simple restart fix red vertical lines?

Yes, restarting both the PC and the TV can clear temporary glitches causing the lines.

Is it necessary to update graphics drivers to fix this problem?

Updating drivers is highly recommended because outdated or corrupted drivers often cause display issues.

Will changing the HDMI cable help?

Yes, faulty or low-quality HDMI cables can cause signal interference, resulting in lines on the screen. Using a different or better cable may fix the problem.

Can screen resolution cause these red lines?

Incorrect resolution or refresh rates can cause display glitches. Setting the native resolution and recommended refresh rate usually helps.

What if the red lines appear on all devices connected to my PC?

If the lines appear on multiple displays, the issue is likely with your PC’s graphics card or driver rather than the TV.

Are red vertical lines always a hardware issue?

Not always. They can be caused by software or connection problems, but persistent lines often indicate hardware faults.

Conclusion

Red vertical lines on your TV screen when using Windows 11 can be caused by several simple issues, most of which are easily fixable. Starting with restarting devices and checking connections is important because it often resolves temporary glitches. Updating graphics drivers and adjusting display settings address common software-related problems.

If the problem persists, testing with different cables or displays helps pinpoint the source. Finally, professional support may be necessary for hardware faults.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can methodically troubleshoot and often resolve red vertical lines, improving your viewing experience on Windows 11 and your TV.