When connecting your external display to your Windows PC, you may encounter the "input signal out-of-range" error. This error is often triggered if you have a high-refresh monitor connected to a lower-end graphics device. Additionally, lack of support for higher display resolution on the monitor or graphics card is another common cause of this error.

To fix this error, you can change the display resolution to match your video card resolution. Additionally, lowering the display refresh rate to the standard 60Hz mark can help you fix the error. Here’s how to do it.

windows 11 display resolution

One way to fix the "input signal out-of-range" error is to set the monitor resolution recommended by Windows. Often the error message shows the recommended display resolution making it easier to identify and configure the display settings. If not, Windows can auto-detect and recommend it in the Settings app.

On a single monitor setup with no video signal, you’ll need to boot into Safe Mode to view your display settings. So, explore our guide on how to boot into safe mode on Windows and then proceed with the steps below.

To change your display resolution:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. In the System tab, scroll down and click on Display.
  3. Next, scroll down to the Scale & layout section.
  4. Click the drop-down for Display resolution and select the Recommended option.
  5. On Windows 10, go to System > Display and set the Display resolution.
  6. Once you set the correct display resolution, your external monitor will start receiving the signal and fix the error.

2. Lower the Refresh Rate on Your Monitor

High-refresh monitors are excellent for work and gaming. However, if you have an older video card, the high refresh rate of modern monitors may trigger the "input signal out-of-range" error.

To fix this error, try lowering your monitor refresh rate to the standard 60Hz. Once the error is resolved, you can fiddle with the refresh rate numbers to find a higher refresh rate configuration without the error.

Again, perform these steps in safe mode if you have a single monitor setup.

To change your monitor refresh rate on Windows:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. In the System tab, scroll down and click on Display.
  3. Scroll down to the Related settings section and click on Advanced display.
    windows 11 advanced display
  4. Click the Select a display to view or changes its settings drop-down and select your display. For a single monitor setup, simply proceed to the next step.
    windows 11 select display to view its settings
  5. Next, under Display information, click on Display adapter properties for Display X.
    windows 11 dispaly adapter properties
  6. Open the Monitor tab in the Properties dialog.
    windows 11 dispaly adapter properties monitor settings
  7. Click the Screen refresh rate drop-down and select 60 Hertz.
  8. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
    Windows 11 choose refresh rate
  9. Alternatively, click the Choose a refresh rate drop-down under Display information and select 60Hz.
  10. Click on Keep changes to confirm the action.

You may need to perform a restart to retain the changes and also exit safe mode. After the restart, your display will start to receive a signal.

Now that the error is resolved, open the Display adapter properties and slowly increase the refresh rate. Do this until you find a good balance between a higher monitor refresh rate and display adapter compatibility.

3. Update Your Graphics Driver

Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers may cause the connected display to malfunction. To fix the issue, install the latest drivers available for your graphics card. Explore our guide on how to update the graphics drivers on your Windows computer.

Make sure to use the "Safe mode with networking" option when you boot into safe mode, as this will enable your internet connection and allow you to download the new drivers.

Fix the "Input Signal Out of Range" Error on Windows

This error is a common occurrence on older systems with an outdated video card or older monitors with a lower refresh rate support. To fix the error, set the display resolution to the recommended and the refresh rate to the standard 60Hz. If the issue persists, install pending display driver updates to resolve the problem.