Software or hardware issue? 2015 15" MBP

[puggles]

I use my MBP connected to external display while shut at work. Every time I open it when I get home the screen looks like this and doesn't correct itself until I restart.

 

[pshufd]

Hard to say. I have 2014 and 2015 MBP 15s and a 2015 MBP 13 and I've hooked them up to external monitors, sometimes with the lid closed and have never seen this problem. What happens if you open the lid before detaching the external display? What's the operating system?

 

[chabig]

You should not have to restart. Try unplugging the display and plugging it in again.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Do you have a dGPU/iGPU model or iGPU only?

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't believe this is "a hardware failure".

It's probably some kind of software "glitch" that results from unplugging the external monitor at work while still in "clamshell mode".

What I would try:
(and no, this doesn't "resolve" the problem, but merely "works around" it):
1. When done at work, open the lid.
2. NOW disconnect the external display.
3. Does the display go "back to normal"?
4. If so, close the lid and take it home.

What works..... works.