LAS VEGAS, January 21, 2026 – OLED monitors dominated the conversation at CES 2026, and surprisingly, not as of price hikes-they’re one of the few tech categories largely unaffected by fluctuating RAM costs. To unpack the latest in OLED technology and the persistent worry of burn-in, we spoke with Tim Schiesser of Hardware Unboxed, whom many consider an OLED expert, at the convention.
OLED Burn-In: Is It Still a Real Threat for PC Users?
The fear of permanent image retention is a valid concern, but the risk level depends heavily on how you use your monitor.
- OLED burn-in is more likely with static images common in typical computer use.
- Gaming poses a lower risk, as the constantly changing visuals are similar to how OLED TVs are used.
- New monitor technologies, like presence detection, aim to mitigate burn-in.
- warranties of 2-to-3 years against burn-in are becoming standard.
OLED burn-in remains a significant concern for PC users considering these displays, especially given the investment involved. Unlike the dynamic content of television shows or video games, a computer’s user interface frequently enough features static elements that can potentially lead to image retention.
But how worried should you be? According to schiesser, it depends. If your primary use is gaming, the risk is relatively low-OLEDs behave similarly to TVs in this scenario. However,if you spend 50 percent or more of your time on typical Windows tasks,burn-in becomes a more plausible issue.
There are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Utilizing fullscreen applications and games whenever possible is a good start. hiding the Windows taskbar-though some, including Schiesser, find it irritating-can also help. Fortunately, many OLED monitors now come with 2-to-3-year warranties specifically covering burn-in. furthermore, manufacturers are incorporating technologies like static image detection, taskbar detection, and localized dimming to combat the problem.
Despite these preventative measures, completely eliminating the risk of burn-in during prolonged productivity tasks remains challenging. One promising development is the integration of presence detection-a feature previously used for power saving-to actively preserve OLED panels. This proactive approach could prove more effective than current mitigation strategies.
The future of OLED and Burn-In Prevention
As OLED monitors gain popularity, particularly as prices decrease, innovations in burn-in prevention will become increasingly important. Before making a purchase, it may be wise to await the results of the next Monitors Unboxed OLED burn-in test, which is expected to be released soon.
The potential of presence detection is particularly exciting, offering a more bright solution than simply reacting to static images. As OLED technology continues to evolve, these advancements will be crucial in addressing consumer concerns and unlocking the full potential of these stunning displays.
