Fix the Black Screen of Death: Quick Solutions to Get Windows Running Again
Black screens usually happen due to system errors. These errors cause your PC to shut down for being unable to function. To fix these errors, restart, roll back to an earlier restore point, or reinstall the OS.
Start your computer in Safe Mode to stop other programs from interfering. This can help identify the cause of a black screen. Alternatively, do a clean boot to disable services temporarily and find the cause.
If the problem started after an update, roll back the display adapter driver. In Device Manager, find Display Adapters. Right-click your video card and select the previous version.
Following is the step-by-step guide to fixing the Windows black screen:
1. Check your connections
A sudden blank screen on your computer may mean a failed monitor power supply or a loose cable. Try switching the cables or unplugging and reconnecting them. This may fix the problem.
Connect your laptop to an external screen in order to test its display on another device. If an image appears on an external monitor, but not on your laptop, its graphics card is likely faulty.
2. Perform a power reset
Restarting your computer should help fix problems. They may be due to corrupt system files or bad drivers. To reset the power, hold the power button until it shuts off. Then, hold it again for several seconds until your screen turns back on.
After doing this, remove any removable batteries, if applicable. Wait several seconds. Reconnect your power cable, if applicable. Then, turn your computer back on. Check if the black screen image has returned before using any further steps, if necessary.
3. Open the Advanced Boot Options menu
Image by: PureInfoTech
A black screen on Windows may be due to an OS error. It could be caused by malware or a faulty device. If that doesn’t allow for a manual shutdown, use the Advanced Boot Options menu to restart in Safe Mode.
In this mode, your OS loads only a minimal set of services, drivers, and apps. This can help you find and fix performance problems, like black screens.
To reach the Advanced Boot Options Menu, press the power button as soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears. Then, press and hold F8, F12, or Esc until it shows up on the screen.
In the Advanced Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot. Then, choose Advanced Options and Start-up Repair. Windows may diagnose and resolve the issue automatically.
4. Disconnect unnecessary devices
Even after performing the above options, if it still doesn’t work, try disconnecting any external devices. Sometimes conflict of external devices also leads to problems.
5. Check the PSU for faults
If your PC fails to start up after seeing the black screen prompt, it may be due to hardware problems. These may include a malfunctioning power supply unit (PSU). Especially if your system doesn’t have power at all. There you should ask for the services of professionals.
What is the Black Screen of Death?
The Black Screen of Death is when your computer screen goes dark. You can’t use the system. Unlike the better-known Blue Screen of Death, the black screen offers no error codes. This makes it harder to find the problem. It’s a frustrating issue that can make you feel stuck without knowing the cause.
This problem can be caused either by a hardware issue or a software issue. A black screen can be caused by a loose cable, a bad monitor, or a failing graphics card. The software side could also be to blame — maybe you’ve got corrupted drivers or a bad system update. The good news is that most of the time the correct troubleshooting steps will fix the problem.
Reasons for the Windows Black Screen
Several common factors could lead to a black screen on Windows. A common cause is a hardware issue. It may be a loose or disconnected cable between your monitor and computer. Your graphics card or power supply might be failing. This could prevent your display from functioning correctly.
Another potential hardware-related cause is insufficient or faulty RAM. If you’re considering upgrading your system or troubleshooting performance issues, you might want to explore the differences between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. Learn more about the shocking differences in RAM here.
Display problems can happen on the software side from outdated or corrupt drivers. The Windows update might fail to be installed. This can result in compatibility problems that cause a black screen. A system overload could also be the reason. A lot of startup programs are running in the background. It can help you identify these reasons to guide you toward the right solution.
How to Fix a Black Screen After Logging into Windows
A black screen after you’ve logged into Windows is probably a software-related issue. Restarting the Windows Explorer process can often fix issues. It controls your desktop and taskbar. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Find Windows Explorer and restart it. It might revive your desktop.
You can also boot your computer in Safe mode, in which Windows boots with only essential drivers. The problem may be caused by recent updates or drivers, but you can uninstall them in Safe Mode. Updating your graphics driver also helps with a black screen after login resolution.
How to Fix a Black Screen Before Logging into Windows
It’s usually a hardware or boot problem If you see a black screen before the login screen. The first thing to check is your monitor connection. Ensure all cables are securely plugged in. Then, try a different cable or monitor to rule out a bad connection.
If the connections are good, you can try to go to the BIOS or the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, you can try to do a system repair, or a system restore to return to a point in time when your computer was working fine. Often boot related black screen issues can be fixed by this.
What to Do If None of the Fixes Work
If the common fixes don’t work, then it’s time to get drastic. The one recommended is to do a system restore, which will restore your computer back to a time when it worked fine. This can often undo changes that may have caused the black screen.
If things have gotten to that extreme, you will likely have to reinstall Windows. This is a last resort, but it’s an effective way to address issues that other things can’t. If reinstalling Windows doesn’t help, consult a technician. They can troubleshoot the problem.
How to Prevent Future Black Screen Issues
The first step to prevent future blackscreen issues is to keep your system updated. Update your graphics drivers and Windows. They must have the latest patches. Sometimes these updates would fix bugs that could cause a display problem.
Limit the number of programs that start automatically when you power on your PC. A black screen occurs when your system is overloaded with too many background processes. Finally, run regular scans to protect your computer from viruses and malware. Following these simple steps will help you avoid the black screen of death in the future.
