How to fix black screen error when starting Windows

Here's how to fix black screen error when starting on Windows!

1. Check if Windows is responding

First, it is important to check whether the computer and Windows are starting. To do this, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B . This will restart the graphics driver and make a beep sound.

If you hear a beep, Windows will respond. However, if you don't hear anything, the computer cannot start. In that case, you may need to repair a PC that won't boot or fix the black screen of death error.

2. Check the display and cables

This may seem simple, but it's important to check the display connection if it hasn't already been done. Start by removing all display cables, then reconnect them firmly to ensure they are connected properly. Also, make sure the screen is actually turned on.

If possible, use a different display connection. For example, switch from HDMI to DisplayPort. Alternatively, use a new cable. This will help you determine whether the problem is with the display port or the cable. You can also try connecting your monitor to another computer, if available, to check if the monitor is at fault.

3. Unplug the external device

Turn off the computer and disconnect all external devices, including mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, and any other devices. Restart your computer and see if you still see the black screen. If this solves the problem, plug each device in one at a time until you find the cause of the problem.

When you find a problematic device, try updating that device's driver (you may have to find and replace a specific driver if necessary).

4. Adjust Projection settings

It's possible that the system's Projection settings are misconfigured. For example, if your screen is set to project to a second screen that doesn't exist, it may display a black screen.

Press Win + P to display the Projection menu. From top to bottom, the options are PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend and Second screen only . Although the first option is the default, your situation may be different.

Press P to highlight the next option and Enter to select it. Repeating this 4 times will return it to its original settings. Hopefully one of the settings along the way will restore your display.

5. Reinstall the display drivers

To reinstall display drivers, boot into Safe Mode. The method you need depends on many different factors, so follow the appropriate steps below and then continue reading to discover how to reinstall display drivers.

A. You can see the login screen

1. Restart the computer.
2. At the login screen, hold down the Shift key , click the Power icon and select Restart .
3. After restarting, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start-up settings > Restart . Once again, the system will reboot and display different options.
4. Press F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking . If that doesn't work, follow the previous steps but select F3 .

B. You can't see anything and have a recovery drive

It's good if you created a recovery drive before this problem happened!

1. Shut down the system and then connect the recovery drive.
2. On the Choose an option screen , select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start-up Settings > Restart .
3. After rebooting, press F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking . If that doesn't work, follow the previous steps but select F3 .

C. You cannot see anything and there is no recovery drive

You need access to a working computer to create Windows 10/11 installation media. Download Windows 10 or Windows 11 from Microsoft and then use it to create installation media. Then you need to set the boot order in the BIOS to read the installation media first.

Then on the settings screen:

1. Select Repair your computer .
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start-up Settings > Restart .
3. After rebooting, press F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking . If that doesn't work, follow the previous steps but select F3 .

How to reinstall display drivers

While in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + X and click Device Manager
2. Double-click the Display Adapters category .
3. Right click on the graphics card and select Properties . Go to the Driver tab .

If so, click Roll Back Driver , select a reason, and click Yes . This will return you to the previously installed driver.

If this doesn't work or is not an option, select Uninstall to completely remove the driver.

Then, go to the manufacturer's website (be it AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel) and install the older driver or contact them for support.

6. Clean the inside of the computer case and evaluate the hardware inside

Turn off the computer, unplug everything, and open the case. Look over all components for signs of damage. Remove each part and reinstall it, making sure it is firmly fixed.

If you have recently upgraded one of the components inside your computer, such as the graphics card or RAM, make sure it is installed properly. You may have to contact the manufacturer if this part is defective.

The black screen issue can also occur if the power supply unit (PSU) is not providing enough power to support the new components. Use online tools to verify if your PSU is adequate for your current setup.

Another thing to do is make sure the computer doesn't get too hot. Keeping your PC cool will prolong the life of components and help prevent black screen issues.

Take a microfiber cloth and air blower and use it to clean all the dust and dirt inside the computer, especially from the fan. It's best to do this outside if possible, as it will create a lot of dust. Try not to let dust fly back inside the computer.

7. Use Startup Repair or perform a system restore

As the name suggests, running the Startup Repair tool can help fix problems that Windows PCs may encounter when starting up. This tool will scan the system for any problems that may cause a black screen on startup and try to fix them.

If the problem persists even after running this program, perform a system restore as a last resort. This will allow Windows to revert any recent changes made to the system that may have caused the black screen issue during startup.

Kareem Winters

Update 27 May 2024