dell ultrasharp u2722d monitor making a weird clicking noise when dell display manager changes presets or brightness, is that normal?

Diagnosis

The clicking noise is not a normal function of the Dell U2722D monitor. The Dell Display Manager (DDM) communicates with the monitor via a digital DDC/CI protocol to change presets or brightness; this electronic signal should not cause any physical relay or component inside the monitor to produce an audible click. The sound is almost certainly being generated by your computer's operating system or audio hardware, misinterpreted as coming from the monitor.

How to Fix It

First, isolate the source. With your PC audio muted or speakers off, trigger a preset change in DDM. If the click persists, it's likely a system sound. Proceed with these steps:

1. Open Windows Sound Settings (System Sounds).
2. Navigate to the "Sounds" tab in the Sound Control Panel.
3. In the "Program Events" list, locate sounds for "Device Connect" and "Device Disconnect".
4. Set these events to "(None)" and apply the changes.
5. Test again with DDM. Also, try closing DDM entirely to see if the click stops, confirming it's software-related.

If That Didn't Work

If the click is definitively coming from the monitor's internal hardware (e.g., from the rear near the inputs), this indicates an electrical fault, such as a failing component or power board issue. In this case:

1. Update the monitor's firmware via the Dell website, as a rare firmware glitch could cause improper power management.
2. Perform a monitor factory reset from the on-screen display (OSD) menu.
3. If the noise continues, contact Dell Technical Support. Describe the symptom—a physical click coinciding with DDM commands—as this is a hardware malfunction requiring potential repair or replacement under warranty.

Heads Up

Do not attempt to open the monitor casing yourself, as this voids the warranty and exposes you to hazardous voltages. For hardware issues, Dell's support is the proper channel.