How to Fix Black Screen at Boot on Windows ?

1. Check If Windows Is Responsive

It is important to verify that your computer and Windows are actually starting. To do this, press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This command will actually restart your graphics driver, which can fix the black screen on its own, but it will also beep.

If you hear a beep, Windows is responding. However, if you don’t hear anything, it could indicate that your computer won’t boot. If so, check out our guides on how to fix a PC that won’t boot and how to fix a black screen of death.

2. Check Your Monitor and Cables

If you have a black screen while booting, an important step is to check your screen connection. It may seem simple, but there are a lot of black screen problems here.

Remove and reconnect all monitor cables to make sure they are properly connected. Next, make sure your monitor is actually on.

If possible, use a different monitor connection. For example, change from HDMI to DisplayPort. Alternatively, use a new cable. This will help you determine if the problem is with the monitor port or with the cable.

If possible, try connecting your monitor to another computer. If a black screen also appears, it is a sign that the monitor is faulty, so you should contact the manufacturer. You can also try using a different monitor on your computer.

3. Unplug Your External Devices

Turn off your computer and disconnect all your external devices. This includes your mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, etc. Restart your computer and see if you can still see the black screen. If it doesn’t, try connecting each device one at a time until you find the source of the problem.

When the problem device is identified, try updating its drivers. Check out our guide to finding and replacing drivers if you need help with that. Unlucky? Check the device manufacturer’s support site and contact them for further assistance.

4. Adjust Projection Settings

Your system’s projection settings may be configured incorrectly. For example, your screen could be configured to project onto a second screen that does not exist, causing your monitor to display a black screen.

Press Windows key + P to open the projection menu. From top to bottom, the options are: PC screen only, Duplicate, Expand, and Second screen only. While the former is the default, it may not be configured for it.

Press P to highlight the next option and Enter to select it. Repeat this four times to return to the original settings. Hopefully one of the settings along the way will get your screen back.

5. Reinstall Display Drivers

To reinstall the display drivers, you will need to boot into Safe Mode. The method you need depends on several factors. So, follow the appropriate steps below and then read on to learn how to reinstall your display drivers.

A. You Can See the Login Screen

1. Restart your computer.
2. At the login screen, hold Shift, select the Power icon, and click Restart.
3. Once restarted, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start-up settings > Restart. Again, your system will restart and present you with different options.
4. Once restarted, press F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking. If that doesn’t work, follow the prior steps but select F3.

B. You Can’t See Anything and Have a Recovery Drive

If you already created a recovery drive before this problem occurred, good job!

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

C. You Can’t See Anything and Don’t Have a Recovery Drive

You need access to a working computer to create Windows 10 installation media.  Download Windows 10 from Microsoft and then use it to create installation media.

Next, you need to configure the boot sequence in the BIOS to read the installation media first.

Then, in the installation screen:

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

How to Reinstall Your Display Drivers

Now you’re in Safe Mode and signed in to your computer:

1. Press Windows key + X and click Device Manager.
2. Double-click the Display adapters category.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Properties. Go to the Driver tab.

If available, click Revert Driver, select a reason, and click Yes. This will take you back to the previously installed driver.

If that doesn’t work or isn’t an option, select Uninstall to completely remove the driver. Then go to the manufacturer’s website (probably AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel) and install an older driver or contact them for assistance.

6. Clean Inside Your Computer Case

Your computer can overheat, which can result in a black screen. Keeping your PC cool is very important as this will prolong the life of its components.

Turn off the computer, unplug everything and open it. As a first step, take a microfiber cloth and an air blower and use them to remove dust and dirt from inside your computer, especially from the fans.

Best to do this outside if you can as it raises a lot of dust. Try not to restart it on the computer.

7. Assess Your Internal Hardware

Turn off your computer, unplug everything and open it. Check all of your components for signs of damage. Remove and reinsert each component to make sure it is firmly in place.

Have you recently updated something on your computer? B. the graphics card or the RAM? If so, it is the main culprit for the black screen. When you have verified that the component is installed correctly, contact the manufacturer, as the part may be defective.

Alternatively, your power supply unit (PSU) may not be providing enough power to support the new parts, causing the computer to display a black screen and shut down. Use an online power supply calculator to make sure your power supply is adequate.

Return From the Dark Side

Hopefully following these steps solved your black screen issues. While it may be scary, it doesn’t mean your data is gone, so stay calm.

If you don’t have a black screen but one that keeps flashing, there are still a few steps to try, as this is usually caused by the same issue.