Fixed dot on screen: overlay or stuck pixel?

A small dot that stays in one place on your screen can look like a stuck pixel. But it might be drawn by an app, added by an accessibility or gaming feature, or shown by the monitor itself as a crosshair. Trying to fix the panel before checking these possibilities can waste your time.

Use the checks below to find out whether the dot follows software or stays on the physical display. If it does look like a stuck pixel, the Stuck Pixel Fixer can flash the screen in an attempt to free it. It cannot remove an on-screen overlay or repair a dead pixel.

Check where the dot comes from

1. Close the app where you first noticed the dot, then look at the desktop and open a different window. If the dot vanishes with the app, it is probably part of that app's interface or an overlay it uses.
2. Move a window beneath the dot, then move the window to another part of the screen. A dot that stays above windows in the same screen position may be a system or gaming overlay. A dot that moves with a window may be drawn by that app.
3. Take a screenshot and open the saved image on another screen or device. If the dot appears in the image, software probably drew it. If it is missing, a physical display issue or a monitor overlay is possible. Some capture methods leave out certain overlays, so a missing dot is a clue, not proof.
4. Check whether the dot stays in the same spot when you change what is shown on the display. The Display Test includes colors you can use to see whether the mark stays visible against different backgrounds.
5. If the dot appears to be a pixel on the panel, open the Stuck Pixel Fixer and try its flashing for a short period. Stop if the flashing makes you uncomfortable. People sensitive to flashing light should skip this step.

What the result means

The dot moves with an app or appears in the screenshot

The dot is likely part of the image your computer is drawing, rather than a damaged pixel. Common sources include an app's cursor or guide, a gaming crosshair, a screen annotation, or a recording and meeting overlay. Close apps one at a time to identify which one adds it.

The dot stays above windows but is included in a screenshot

This points to a software overlay that sits above other windows. Look for gaming utilities, screen capture tools, accessibility features, or apps that draw a cursor indicator. An overlay may remain in the same screen position even while the windows beneath it move.

The dot is absent from the screenshot but visible on the screen

The screenshot may not include the source. A monitor's built-in crosshair or another display setting can appear on the panel without being part of the computer's captured image. A physical pixel defect is also possible. Check the monitor's on-screen menu and compare the built-in display with another monitor or device before deciding.

The dot changes color or brightness on different backgrounds

A pixel or subpixel may be stuck on one color. A subpixel is one of the tiny red, green, or blue parts that combine to make a pixel. A stuck pixel may show as a bright colored point or remain brighter than its surroundings. A dead pixel is often black and usually cannot be restored by flashing.

How to remove an overlay or confirm the display

1. Close overlay apps. Quit game launchers, screen annotation tools, recording software, and utilities that show crosshairs or pointer marks. Check the notification area on Windows and the menu bar on macOS, since an app can keep running after its window closes.
2. Check accessibility features. On Windows 11, open Settings › Accessibility › Magnifier and turn Magnifier off if it is running. On macOS, open System Settings › Accessibility › Zoom and check whether Zoom features are enabled. Also check any pointer or cursor utilities you installed.
3. Check the monitor menu. Use the monitor's physical buttons or joystick to open its on-screen display. Look for a gaming crosshair, aim point, or reticle feature and turn it off. The menu wording varies by monitor.
4. Restart the affected app. If the dot appears only in one program, close and reopen it. Check that program's settings for a cursor highlight, guide, annotation, or overlay option.
5. Restart the computer and display. Turn the monitor off and back on, then restart the computer. This can clear a temporary overlay that remained after an app stopped responding.
6. Clean the screen gently. If the mark changes when you view it from an angle or it looks like dust, turn off the display and wipe it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Do not press hard or apply liquid directly to the screen.

When it is likely a hardware problem

If the dot stays fixed on the same physical display area across different apps, screenshots, and connected devices, and the monitor menu does not remove it, a pixel defect becomes more likely. For a laptop, connect an external monitor: a dot only on the laptop panel points toward its built-in display. For a desktop, test the monitor with another computer or device.

A short run of the Stuck Pixel Fixer may help if a pixel is stuck on, but it is not a guaranteed repair. It cannot revive a dead pixel or fix a damaged panel. If the mark remains, check the display's warranty and return options. Avoid pressing or rubbing the spot, which can damage the panel further.

Why flashing is only an attempt

The Stuck Pixel Fixer rapidly changes the screen to try to make a stuck pixel respond again. That can sometimes help a pixel that is stuck on, but it does not diagnose whether the dot is software, a monitor overlay, or panel damage. First identify where the dot comes from, then use flashing only if the evidence points to a stuck pixel.