Using a Windows computer can be a smooth experience, but encountering a black screen—often referred to as the "Black Screen of Death"—can be frustrating. This issue may arise at startup or after logging in, sometimes with a visible cursor and sometimes without.
Various factors can trigger a black screen on Windows, including connectivity issues, graphics driver malfunctions, or a problematic system update. Since this problem limits normal interaction with the system, troubleshooting can be challenging. However, solutions range from simple fixes, such as refreshing the graphics driver, to more complex steps like performing a system restore. Below are the recommended troubleshooting steps.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
If the black screen occurs while the system is running, a temporary graphics driver error may be the cause. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to refresh the graphics driver. The screen will briefly flicker, which may resolve the problem.
Check the monitor connection to ensure it is properly attached to the PC. If possible, try a different cable or connect the monitor to another computer to rule out hardware issues. Disconnect unnecessary peripherals, as external devices can sometimes interfere with the system.
Another potential issue is the display projection settings. Press Windows + P, then repeatedly press P and hit Enter to toggle between display modes. Since the screen is blank, trying multiple times may be necessary to select the correct setting.
Restart Windows Explorer
A malfunctioning Windows Explorer process can lead to a black screen by preventing essential interface elements, like the taskbar and Start menu, from appearing. To restart Windows Explorer:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Locate Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.
If that does not work, open Task Manager, click File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.
If accessing Task Manager is not possible, perform a force shutdown by holding the power button until the system turns off. Wait a few seconds before restarting the computer.
Boot Into Safe Mode
If a corrupted graphics driver is causing the black screen, booting into Safe Mode can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps:
- Hold the power button until the PC turns off.
- Turn it back on and hold the power button again to force shutdown.
- Repeat this twice; on the third restart, the Automatic Repair screen should appear.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings, then click Restart.
- Press 5 or F5 to enter Safe Mode with networking.
Once in Safe Mode, update or roll back the display driver:
- Press Win + S, type Device Manager, and press Enter.
- Expand Display Adapters.
- Right-click the graphics driver and select Properties.
- Under the Driver tab, choose Roll Back Driver if the issue started after an update or select Uninstall Device to remove a faulty driver.
- Restart the PC—Windows will automatically reinstall the missing driver.
Undo Faulty Updates or Perform a System Restore
If the black screen appeared after a system update, uninstalling the latest update might resolve the issue. Here’s how:
- Boot into Safe Mode by following the previous steps.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10).
- Click Update history > Uninstall updates.
- Select the faulty update and click Uninstall.
If uninstalling updates does not help, consider restoring the system to a previous state:
- Access the Automatic Repair screen by interrupting the boot process twice.
- Select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
- Click Next and choose the most recent restore point.
- Review the details and click Finish to start the process.
After the system completes the restoration, the black screen issue should be resolved.