How to Handle a Cracked Laptop Screen

There are a few things no one wants to deal with when it comes to laptop use, and one of these is a cracked screen. At the same time, with the right approach and lack of panic, it's easy enough to remedy most cracked laptop screen issues relatively quickly, and without breaking the bank.

At PC Laptops, we're here to help. We offer a wide range of laptop repair services, plus laptop screen replacements that are quick, easy and affordable to carry out. Whether on your own or with the help of our laptop repair specialists, here are some of the basic tips we offer on how to handle a cracked laptop screen after it happens.

Don't Panic

First and foremost, take a few deep breaths and realize that this isn't the end of the world. Even if the crack is severe, chances are it can be fixed without having to purchase a brand new laptop or break the bank with repair costs. If you just keep calm and follow the steps below, you'll be able to have your laptop working like new in no time.

Immediate Plug-In Options

In some cases, you might have a few options that allow you to temporarily plug in a secondary monitor or laptop to your computer. This will help you access all of your files until you can get the cracked screen fixed.

For instance, if you accidentally dropped your laptop and cracked the screen while performing important work or a deadline school project, you can connect a monitor or another laptop to your computer via an HDMI or VGA cable. Once connected, you'll be able to access everything on your laptop until it's repaired. This is a great option if you're in a pinch and need access to important files right away.

Backing Up Data

If you have one of these options available, or if there's an alternative like an external USB drive to work from, this is also a great time to back up all of your data. If there's been serious damage, you don't want to risk losing important files in the event that the laptop can't be repaired or has to go back for warranty repairs.

Even if you're fairly confident the screen is the only element of the laptop that was damaged, we still recommend backing up all of your data to a secure location, just in case. This can prevent any losses or complications down the road.

Assess the Damage

Once you've gotten past the initial panic, you'll need to assess the damage. Is the crack superficial or is it a major issue? If it's minor and just looks like there are scratches on the screen, then you might be able to find some quick fixes online. For instance, if you can still see images on your screen, but they've just become faint or blurred, it's possible you're dealing with a backlight issue that won't be a huge hassle.

If you're looking at purely solid white screen, on the other hand, this could signal a problem between the screen and the board that requires professional repair. If this is the case, then it's best to take your laptop in for a consultation as soon as possible.

Try Rebooting

Especially if you think the issue is minor or temporary, and if you have the capability to safely do so, you should always try rebooting the laptop to see if it solves the issue. This is a good way of checking to see if it's just a temporary glitch that can be solved without additional help or repair costs.

If you do decide to reboot your computer, make sure to back up any important files beforehand and wait until the laptop has cooled down before you do anything else. This can help prevent any further damage from occurring.

Take it to a Professional

If none of the steps above have been able to fix the issue, then it's time to bring your laptop in for professional repair services. At PC Laptops, we specialize in laptop and computer repairs that can get your laptop back up and running in no time.

We can assess the damage, provide an estimate on repair costs, and have your laptop ready for you before you know it — all without breaking the bank. Some of the potential solutions we might offer include:

Screen fix: In some cases, we'll be able to use screwdrivers and other tools to remove your screen, then repair or replace the issue.
LCD replacement: We'll safely remove the LCD screen, then either repair it or replace it with a new one that performs like new.
Component replacement: If any of the essential components such as RAM or battery are damaged due to the cracked screen, we can also work on replacing these parts and restoring your laptop to its original condition.
Screen replacement: If the damage is too severe or if a full replacement is necessary, we can replace your whole screen with one that looks and functions exactly as it should.
Device replacement: While this is less common, there are some severe cases of damage where the laptop may require complete replacement.

No matter what your laptop needs, PC Laptops has the expertise to bring it back to life and keep it running for years to come. Contact us today for a free consultation about cracked screen repairs or any other computer repair services you might need. We'll be happy to help you!