Updated November 3, 2026 · The Computer Hospital, Midtown Houston
A dropped laptop, a pen left on the keyboard when the lid closed, a bump in a backpack — a cracked screen is the most common screen repair we do, on every brand. The good news: it's usually a straightforward repair. Here's how to tell whether your screen is actually broken, what the repair costs, and what to do in the meantime.
Is the screen broken, or is it something else?
Not every bad picture is a broken screen. Look at what you see:
- Visible cracks, spider-web lines, black or colored blotches that spread → the screen (LCD panel) is broken and needs replacing.
- Colored vertical or horizontal lines, no visible crack → often the panel, sometimes the display cable.
- Screen flickers or goes black when you move the lid → usually the display cable or hinge area, not the screen itself.
- Completely black, but you can faintly see the picture with a flashlight → the backlight has failed.
- Completely black, no lights, no sounds → the laptop may not be starting at all. See computer won't start.
A quick test: plug the laptop into a TV or external monitor. If the picture looks normal there, the laptop works and the problem is the screen or its cable — good news for the repair, and it lets you keep working in the meantime.
What does a laptop screen replacement cost?
Most of the cost is the replacement screen itself, which varies a lot by model. In our shop, typical totals for parts and labor are:
- Windows laptops: about $300 and up, parts and labor.
- MacBooks: about $400 and up, parts and labor. On most MacBooks the screen comes as a complete display assembly rather than just the glass panel, which is why they cost more.
Touchscreens, high-resolution and OLED displays, and gaming laptops with fast refresh rates sit at the higher end. We look up the exact replacement for your model and quote it before any work begins — no surprises.
Is it worth fixing?
Usually, yes, if the rest of the laptop is in good shape. A screen is one of the most common repairs and the laptop comes back like new. It may not make sense if the laptop is old and slow anyway, or if the drop also damaged the motherboard, hinges or case. We'll check for that during the diagnosis and tell you honestly — see repair or replace? for how we think about it.
What happens when you bring it in
- Free limited diagnostic. We confirm whether it's the screen, the cable or something else, and check for other drop damage.
- Exact quote. We find the right screen for your exact model number — they're not interchangeable between models — and give you the total before ordering.
- Replacement and testing. We install the new screen and test brightness, colors, the webcam, Wi-Fi antennas and the hinges, since they all run through the lid.
Repair labor is backed by our 90-day labor warranty; parts carry their own warranty. Turnaround depends on whether the screen is in stock or needs to be ordered — we'll tell you when you check in.
How to avoid the next cracked screen
- Check the keyboard for pens, earbuds and USB drives before closing the lid.
- Carry the laptop in a padded sleeve, not loose in a bag with heavy items.
- Pick it up by the base, not by the screen.
- Don't stack books or other things on a closed laptop.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a cracked laptop screen?
At The Computer Hospital, Windows laptop screens typically run about $300 and up and MacBook screens about $400 and up, parts and labor. We quote your exact model before work begins.
Can I keep using a laptop with a cracked screen?
You can plug it into an external monitor in the meantime. Using the cracked screen itself tends to make the damage spread, and shattered glass can cut you.
Why are MacBook screens more expensive?
On most MacBooks the screen is replaced as a complete display assembly, not just the glass panel, so the part costs more.
Do you replace touchscreen laptop screens?
Yes. Touchscreens usually cost more because the glass and touch layer are part of the replacement.
Will I lose my files?
No. A screen replacement doesn't touch your files. If the laptop was also badly dropped, tell us and we'll check the drive too.
Cracked laptop screen in Houston? Bring it to 3512 Travis Street in Midtown — no appointment needed for in-shop visits — or call (713) 472-4357. Pickup, diagnosis and return delivery inside Beltway 8 is $99.
Related: laptop screen repair · Mac repair · laptop liquid spill
Computer Hospital · Houston since 1986
Need help with this issue?
Bring us the symptoms and the steps already tried. We can discuss an appropriate evaluation and explain your service options before any paid work begins.