How to fix black screen in Windows 10/11

These solutions span from simple reboots to more complex troubleshooting steps, each designed to address the underlying set of causes that may be responsible for the black screen. This problem is not uncommon and is often caused by a combination of factors including, but not limited to, software glitches, driver conflicts, and hardware malfunctions. Despite the range of possible causes, the majority of black screen cases can be rectified by applying one or more straightforward, easy-to-use solutions.

This comprehensive guide will guide you through a series of systematic steps designed to help return your computer to an optimal performance state. The solutions offered in this article are not just temporary fixes or workarounds, but rather well-established strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of the black screen issue. By following these procedures, you should be able to bring your screen back to life and resume normal computing activities in no time.

1. Hard reset

A factory reset can be the simplest solution. Heres how to do it:

• Disconnect all peripherals (USB drives, printer cables, etc.)
• Remove the power cable from the back of the computer.
• Press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cable and boot the computer.

If your screen remains black, continue with the next steps.

2. Boot into safe mode

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to troubleshoot problems within your operating system. It only loads basic files and drivers.

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer. As soon as the Windows logo appears, hold down the Power button to force the computer to shutdown.
2. Repeat this process two more times. On the third restart, Windows 10 will enter automatic repair mode.
3. Click “Advanced” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart.”
4. After restarting your computer, select option 4 or F4 to start your computer in safe mode.

Windows 11:

1. Hold down the Shift key while clicking the Restart option in the Start menu or the Power menu on the login screen.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. After your computer restarts, select option 4 or F4 to start your computer in safe mode.

If you can boot into safe mode, then the black screen issue is most likely due to a software issue. If the black screen still appears then this could be caused by a hardware issue.

3. Update the display drivers

In safe mode, you can update your display drivers.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update Driver Software.
4. Select “Search automatically for drivers”.

Windows will then search your computer and the Internet for the latest driver for your hardware.

4. Uninstall recent updates

Sometimes, a recent Windows update can cause a black screen issue. To uninstall updates:

1. Open Settings’.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on “Windows Update”.
4. Click View update history.
5. Click Uninstall Updates.
6. Select the latest update and click Uninstall.

5. Run the System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that allows users to scan for and restore corruption in system files.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Administrator).
2. Type ‘sfc /scannow’ and hit Enter.

SFC will scan all protected system files, and replace the damaged ones with a cached copy.

6. Check for hardware problems

If the black screen still appears, there may be a problem with the display device.

1. Try connecting your computer to an external monitor. If the external screen works, your computer screen may need to be replaced.
2. If the external monitor also does not work, then the problem may be with the computer’s graphics card.

7. Consult a professional

If all else fails, it is best to consult a professional. Take your computer to a reputable repair service or contact the hardware manufacturer for further assistance. They will have access to more sophisticated diagnostic tools and will be able to help identify and fix the problem.

8. Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, if you are still experiencing the black screen, you may need to reinstall Windows. This process will erase everything on your computer, so be sure to backup everything before you begin.

Windows 10:

1. Restart your computer. When the login screen appears, hold down the Shift key while selecting Power > Restart.
2. After your computer restarts, select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC” > “Remove everything”. This will reinstall Windows 10.

Windows 11:

1. Open Settings’.
2. Click “System” > “Recovery”.
3. Under Reset PC, click Reset.

Remember that this option will wipe all data, so only use it as a last resort.

Conclusion

Black screen issue on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer can be a tricky thing to troubleshoot due to its many possible causes. These can range from minor software glitches to major hardware problems. Always start with the simplest solutions like hard reset and gradually move to more complex solutions like updating drivers and finally to drastic steps like system reset. Always make sure to back up your data to prevent loss. If these methods fail, it is recommended to consult a professional technician to avoid causing further damage to your computer. We hope you find this guide on how to fix black screen on Windows 10/11 helpful, if you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below.

Image credit: Dale

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