Awful washed out colors in Windows 10. Happens intermittently

The next time it happens,reset the graphics driver using ---win+ctrl+shift+b--- to see if that might help.
If you can,then remove the graphic card and blow away any dust and inspect the contacts for cleanliness and/or damage,especially the pins and sockets.If the card has active cooling,an attached fan,see if the fan is unobstructed,balls of dust in particular.
Whilst the card is out,operate the system and see if the generic driver causes the same problem.
When unistalling/re-installing display adapter drivers,it is advisable to do so in safe mode,using Display Driver Uninstaller[DDU].
In the search box,type in---dxdiag---and check each page,note the driver version on page 1 and download it,or later,only from the maker's site.
also check Reliability History for any relevant entries.

Kari said:

I wonder why nobody has suggested the OP to make a screenshot of display showing these "washed out colors"? Everything I have read in this thread suggests that the issue is not in Windows, but instead in display / monitor.

My suggestion: next time you'll see these washed out colors, make a screenshot and post it here. If the screenshot shows us that colors are OK, then the issue is your monitor failing.

Tutorials you might need:

• Take Screenshot in Windows 10
• How to Upload and Post Screenshots and Files at Ten Forums

Kari

Because...

HazyVortex said:

I've tried taking a screenshot to show someone, but the screenshot was the correct colors

NMI said:

Tried a different cable or monitor?

I think you could waste a lot (more) time trying to fix this on the computer.

Yes, I should have mentioned that. I have tried another cable. Doesn't correct the issue. As for another monitor, I have not. Looks like I will have to buy a cheap one. I don't think it would be the monitor, most of the the time the colors are displayed correctly, until they are not

Kari said:

And that proofs that I am right. The issue is not Windows, it is a broken display. If the screenshot shows the correct colors, that's how Windows is seeing and showing them, correctly. Culprit is failing monitor.

So, to put it short: OP's display is broken, and after being on for some time, shows a disturb image.

Case closed.

Kari

Looks like I will have to find someone who will let me borrow their monitor to confirm it is going out. Do you think it is the monitor even if the colors are being displayed correctly most of the time?

- - - Updated - - -

Kari said:

You can be absolutely, completely, 100% profoundly sure, that if the screenshots show the colors correctly, it is the monitor.

Kari

Good point. I will report back once I have tried out another monitor

RE post 11.dxdiag will tell you whether the monitor is working.
If your T.V. is not ancient,then it's menu should allow you to connect your computer,normally via HDMI.No need to beg,borrow,buy or steal another monitor.

I have the same exact problem! Did you find a solution?

I also have had this issue for quite some time. I will add that I don't believe it's my monitor, because I use the same monitor for my personal and work laptops, and it only does it with one of the laptops. I have also changed out cables multiple times. The suggestion to use win+ctrl+shift+b to reset the graphics driver is very helpful, so thank you for that! I was having to unplug and replug the cable to get the color back before learning that shortcut. I know this is an old post, but I am still looking for an actual cause and solution to this issue.