How to Degauss a Traditional CRT Computer Monitor
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This article explains how to remove the color issues around the edges of an old computer monitor. The problem, caused by magnetic interference, is easily solved by degaussing the monitor. Emilija Manevska / Getty Images
Most people no longer have those old "tube" monitors and so this isn't a common task these days. The large, high resolution, inexpensive flat LCD screens of today work completely differently, do not suffer from magnetic interference, and so never require degaussing. There are lots of reasons why a computer screen might have some kind of color problem, but if you have an old CRT-style monitor, especially if the discoloration is mostly near the edges, degaussing will probably fix it and should be your first troubleshooting step. Follow the easy steps below to degauss a computer screen: Power off, and then power back on, your monitor. Most CRT monitors will degauss automatically when turned on, so try this first. If the discoloration doesn't improve, continue to the next step. Degaussing makes a sometimes loud twang sound and is often followed by a short click sound. You might even be able to "feel" it if your hand is on the monitor. If you don't hear these sounds, the monitor probably doesn't automatically degauss when powered on. Locate the degauss button on the front of the monitor and push it. In the rare case the monitor doesn't automatically degauss, you can try this manual step instead. The degauss button will most likely be accompanied by a picture similar to a horseshoe, representing that classic "horseshoe magnet" shape. Some degauss buttons actually are a horseshoe icon (versus a standard, round button). No, degauss button? Let's keep trying... Press the brightness and contrast buttons at the same time. Some monitor makers decided to forego the dedicated button for this simultaneous button press method instead. Still no luck? Some monitors hide the feature even deeper. Sometimes, especially with the "newest" CRT monitors (we know, funny to use those words together), the degauss option will be buried inside the on-screen menu options. Scroll through these options and locate the degauss option, which you'll select with whatever selection button you've been using to "enter" other commands/options in the monitor's on-screen menu. If you have trouble finding the degauss option, consult the monitor's manual for more information. See How to Find Tech Support Information if you can't find your manual and you're not sure where to go next.
How to Degauss a Computer Monitor
Degauss your PC to correct color issues
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 4, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Monitors The Ultimate Guide to Monitors The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry PiWhat to Know
First option: Power off and power back on your monitor. Most CRT monitors will degauss automatically when turned on.Second option: On the front of the monitor, press the degauss button (horse icon)Third option: Press brightness and contrast buttons simultaneously.This article explains how to remove the color issues around the edges of an old computer monitor. The problem, caused by magnetic interference, is easily solved by degaussing the monitor. Emilija Manevska / Getty Images
How to Degauss a Computer Monitor
To degauss something means to remove, or at least drastically reduce, a magnetic field. Magnetic interference was so common with CRT displays that degaussing coils were built into these types of screens to occasionally remove this interference.Most people no longer have those old "tube" monitors and so this isn't a common task these days. The large, high resolution, inexpensive flat LCD screens of today work completely differently, do not suffer from magnetic interference, and so never require degaussing. There are lots of reasons why a computer screen might have some kind of color problem, but if you have an old CRT-style monitor, especially if the discoloration is mostly near the edges, degaussing will probably fix it and should be your first troubleshooting step. Follow the easy steps below to degauss a computer screen: Power off, and then power back on, your monitor. Most CRT monitors will degauss automatically when turned on, so try this first. If the discoloration doesn't improve, continue to the next step. Degaussing makes a sometimes loud twang sound and is often followed by a short click sound. You might even be able to "feel" it if your hand is on the monitor. If you don't hear these sounds, the monitor probably doesn't automatically degauss when powered on. Locate the degauss button on the front of the monitor and push it. In the rare case the monitor doesn't automatically degauss, you can try this manual step instead. The degauss button will most likely be accompanied by a picture similar to a horseshoe, representing that classic "horseshoe magnet" shape. Some degauss buttons actually are a horseshoe icon (versus a standard, round button). No, degauss button? Let's keep trying... Press the brightness and contrast buttons at the same time. Some monitor makers decided to forego the dedicated button for this simultaneous button press method instead. Still no luck? Some monitors hide the feature even deeper. Sometimes, especially with the "newest" CRT monitors (we know, funny to use those words together), the degauss option will be buried inside the on-screen menu options. Scroll through these options and locate the degauss option, which you'll select with whatever selection button you've been using to "enter" other commands/options in the monitor's on-screen menu. If you have trouble finding the degauss option, consult the monitor's manual for more information. See How to Find Tech Support Information if you can't find your manual and you're not sure where to go next.