The Windows Black Screen of Death may not be fatal – here’s how to fix it. Experiencing a black screen on your Windows computer or one of your best laptops can be scary, but don’t worry!
This common problem is often easier to fix than you might think. Whether your screen is completely black or you just see a cursor but nothing else, this step-by-step guide will help you get your computer back to normal.
Steps to Fix Windows Black Screen
- Check Your Connection
- Perform a Power Reset
- Open the Advanced Boot Options Menu
- Run Startup
- Repair
- Uninstall Recent Updates
- Restore Your System to a Previous State
- Update Display Drivers
- Disconnect Unnecessary Peripherals
- Check Your Computer for Overheating Issues
- Check for Power Supply Failures
Step-by-step guide to fixing a black screen on Windows
The screenshots in this article were taken on an Asus ZenBook running Windows 11, but the steps should work on other Windows devices.
Check your connections
First, make sure the problem isn’t as simple as a loose connection. If you’re using a desktop, check the cable connecting the monitor to your computer.
Make sure it’s securely plugged in at both ends. If you are using a laptop, try adjusting the screen brightness.
Sometimes the screen may turn on but be set to a very low brightness.
Check your keyboard to see which function key increases the screen brightness, as this may vary depending on your device but will usually display a large sun icon.
Perform a power reset
A power reset can clear up temporary issues that may be causing a black screen.
For desktop computers: Turn off your computer by holding the power button for about 10 seconds.
Then unplug the power cable, wait a few seconds, plug it back in, and turn your computer back on.
For laptops: Do the same, but also remove the battery if it is removable.
After turning off your laptop and unplugging it, hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge any remaining charge.
Then turn your device on to see if the problem is resolved.
Open the Advanced Boot Options menu
Even if your screen is completely blank, you can still access Windows Advanced Boot Options.
Restart your computer. During the boot process, press the F8 key repeatedly until the blue Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
From here you can try some of the options we’ll cover in the following steps. If that doesn’t work and you can’t access the menu, skip to step 9.
Run Startup Repair
In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and select Startup Repair.
Windows will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix startup problems, which may resolve the issue.
Uninstall update
If a recent update is causing problems, you can uninstall it through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates.
You can choose to uninstall the latest quality update or the latest feature update. Uninstalling updates can reverse any conflicts that may have arisen.
Restore your system to a previous state
System Restore is a Windows feature that allows you to restore the state of your computer (including system files, installed applications, Windows registry, and settings) to a previous point in time.
To restore your system to an earlier version, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore from the Advanced Startup menu.
This will open a new window. Follow the wizard to select the version you want to roll back to and select Confirm.
Once the process is complete, Windows will start normally and display a message confirming that System Restore was successful.
Start in Safe Mode
In the Advanced Startup Options menu, you can also choose to start Windows in Safe Mode by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
Safe Mode starts Windows with limited functionality and can help you troubleshoot the black screen issue.
You’ll know if it was successful because the screen displays the words “Safe Mode” in each corner.
Update Display Driver
In Safe Mode, update your display driver by opening Device Manager, expanding Graphics Cards, right-clicking your graphics card, and selecting “Update driver updates”.
Select to search automatically for updated driver software.
Disconnect unnecessary peripherals
If the boot menu and safe mode options don’t work, try disconnecting all peripherals, such as headphones or additional monitors, and then restarting your PC.
Sometimes external devices can cause conflicts.
Check for overheating issues
Make sure your computer isn’t shutting down due to overheating. Check your cooling system, clean any dust from the vents or fans, and make sure your PC is in a well-ventilated area.
Check for power supply failures
As a last resort, your power supply unit (PSU) may be faulty, especially if your system is completely without power. When diagnosing and replacing a power supply, you may want to seek the services of a professional.
However, it is possible to do it yourself. This process requires a multimeter, a tool used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
It is important to proceed with caution and ensure your safety at all times. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain at any time, consider seeking professional help to avoid damaging your computer or causing injury to yourself.
To test the power supply with a multimeter, turn off the computer completely and open the case. Check your computer’s manual for instructions on how to safely open the case if you are unsure.
The power supply is usually located at the back of the computer case, where the power cord connects. Carefully disconnect the power connectors from the motherboard and other components.
It’s a good idea to take a photo first to remind you where each connector is. Plug the black (negative) probe of the multimeter into the black (ground) wire connector, then plug the red (positive) probe into one of the colored wire connectors.
Note the voltage reading for each wire and compare it to the expected voltage. A variation of +/- 5% is generally acceptable.
If the results are significantly outside the acceptable range, your power supply may be faulty and need to be replaced. If you need to replace the power supply, make sure the new one is compatible with your computer’s specifications.
Remove the old power supply and place the new one in the same location as the old one and secure it with the screws. Reconnect all the power cables according to the photo you took earlier or according to your computer’s manual.
Once everything is connected, close the computer case, plug in the power cable, and turn on your computer. Monitor your system for stability and make sure all components are getting power.
It can be frustrating to encounter a black screen on your Windows computer, but by following these steps you have a good chance of resolving the issue. Hopefully your computer is now working properly, but if you have tried all of these steps and are still having trouble, you may want to consult a professional.
