Garmin blanks screen

[#1]

I've been using a Garmin watch when running for nearly 6 years. I had a problem 2 or 3 years ago, when an upgrade stopped me because Garmin stopped supporting Win 7. However, someone at Garmin kindly supplied me with the version of their software that was the last one which would work with Win 7, and, as long as I don't try updating it, I have had no problems since.

However a couple of weeks ago, when I try to see the view where the details and the map is supposed to be visible, it starts the process (I can see the details such as distance, time, etc, and the frame that the map should go in) but before the map appears, the part of the screen where the details are go blank.

Garmin haven't come up with an answer. I had two long chats with the help people, but after a time I got cut off. The third attempt I got cut off quickly.

I have tried re-installing the Garmin software, but no change. I have tried accessing my Garmin account on a pc with Win 11, and that works fine. The financial effect of getting a pc with Win 11 is quite significant - new pc plus software plus printer, etc.

Can anyone suggest a possible solution while staying with my present pc, software, etc?

My thanks

[#2]

Have you tried using the updater in the "Garmin Connect" app on the smartphone that the watch is paired with ?

This would avoid any issues with Windows, or out of date "Garmin Express" programs.

YouTube : How To Update Software On ANY Garmin Watch ? 

[#3]

Suggestions from Google -

Specific Garmin models like the Vivoactive 5 and Forerunner 165 have experienced widespread reports of recurring black screen bugs where the display goes completely blank or unresponsive while background functions keep running. Localized blank patches or missing pixels/spots are instead commonly tied to hardware failures or screen delamination.

Software and Firmware Glitches

• Whole-screen blackouts: Models like the Vivoactive and Forerunner series suffer from firmware crashes that turn the display black while heart rate and activity tracking continue.
  

• Partial rendering bugs: Certain activity tracking widgets or metric updates (like distance alerts or split notifications) have occasionally triggered localized visual dropouts or freezing on specific data fields.

Hardware and Physical Display Issues

• Dead pixels and splotches: Specific lines like the fēnix series can develop dead pixel clusters or blank spots that remain visible even when the watch is powered off.
  

• Edge delamination: Users note that blank or unresponsive strips around the outer perimeter of the display can indicate screen separation or hardware failure.
  

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

• Force a restart: Press and hold the power/light button (upper-left) for a full 15 to 30 seconds until the screen shuts off completely, then turn it back on.

• Update firmware: Connect your device to a computer and run Garmin Express to reinstall or update the system software.
  

• Contact support: If a hard reset or firmware update does not restore missing areas, reach out directly to Garmin Support to check for a hardware replacement.

[#4]

Hello @ExForce9 

Sorry for the delay in replying. I was spending some time away from home so had no access to a pc.

The pc I have the problem on is running Windows 7. The most recent versions of Garmin will not work with Windows 7. Some kind soul at Garmin supplied me with the most recent version of Garmin software that will work with Windows 7. It was working until a few weeks back when this problem started. I have tried an Uninstall then re-install of this software on my pc. That has not fixed the problem.

There isn't a hardware fault in the pc that is causing this problem because it would affect other programs (it doesn't), nor in the monitor because that fault would be visible on other programs (it isn't).

The Garmin device I have is a Forerunner 735XT watch. There isn't a fault in the data from it because I can log onto another pc, one with Windows 11, and I dont have this fault.

The fault is not a black screen, it is a partial "all white" screen in a section of the screen that Garmin uses for pictures of the data (course map, elevation, heart rate, pace, etc). The white area reaches the boundary of that area but doesn't go any further, and the "Contents" section of the screen is unaffected

Thankyou though for the suggestions.

[#5]

Hello @ExForce9 .

I forgot to mention that I started with using the Garmin Support, but it takes a long time to tell them about this problem. They make a suggestion or two (neither work) and then I get cut off. This has happened twice. The third attempt to contact them I got cut off before they started.

I did get a suggestion from the second support person that as I keep getting cut off, we should go to using email and they would pass the problem to their research people. I emailed them weeks ago - nothing in return.

I just feel they have abandoned me because the problem is too difficult for the normal support people to solve

Cheers

Penneck

[#6]

@penneck 

Have you asked at the Garmin Forums ?