How to fix black screen after boot in Windows 11

Windows 11, while having a lot of nifty features, also comes with a slew of issues that make using the OS a bit of a chore. Some of these, like those related to Windows Updates or slow internet, are accompanied by error codes that help you identify the cause allowing you to take proper action for resolving them.

However, there are certain issues that crop up without any error codes, and one of the most common ones is the black screen issue which shows up right after you boot your PC. Since there are no error codes, users are often stumped as to how they should try to fix it. Fortunately, it is still possible to resolve the problem and get your computer working again, and we've shared some solutions that can help you out.

Check that your device has power

While this may sound odd, devices not getting power is quite a common issue that can result in a black screen. You should check that your PC's cables are connected properly and it is powered on. The problem can occur due to loose connections or even if the connected wires and cables are damaged, preventing power from reaching the CPU, and from there to the monitor.

This is especially true if you use external displays with your computer or connect your laptop to an external display using a docking station. In addition, make sure the power cable you connect to the external monitor is plugged into a properly functioning power outlet.

It is a good idea to disconnect the display cables and check for damage. Dirt and dust can also block them from working properly, so use a can of compressed air to clean the display port and cable input. Then, plug the cables back again and see if the black screen issue is resolved. Also, try changing the cable and the port you use. If these steps do not solve the problem, you may have to try other solutions.

Restart your PC

Sometimes rebooting your PC is all it needs to fix problems like a black screen on Windows 11. When you turn on your PC, all components may not receive power and turn on properly, even if all your cables and connections are working fine. A hard restart can help fix that issue.

To perform a hard reboot, press and hold the power button on your PC for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down completely. Then, wait for around 30-45 seconds and press the power button again to turn it on. Check if the black screen appears again or whether you can log in to your account.

If you cannot restart your PC normally, use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Delete which will show you a list of options along with the power button at the bottom. Click on it and you will get the Shutdown option.

Make sure your primary display is set correctly

If you use a multi-monitor setup with a monitor connected to your laptop, check that your primary display is set correctly.

1. First, disconnect all externally connected devices, including the monitor from your laptop.
2. Restart your PC as explained above.
3. If you do not get a black screen, check your display projection settings and ensure your laptop screen is set as the primary display.
4. To do so, first, reconnect your monitor to your laptop and open the Settings app.
5. Next, click on the 'System' option on the left and then on the 'Display' option on the right.

6. On the Display page, scroll down to the 'Scale and Layout' section and click on the downward pointing arrow on the right of the 'Multiple Displays' option. Here you will see all connected displays.

7. Click on the 'Detect' button on the right of the 'Detect Other Display' to let Windows detect any external displays.

When Windows shows you all the available displays, select the one you want to use as your primary display.

Disconnect external peripheral devices

Sometimes connecting external devices can lead to problems with your display settings, resulting in a black screen when you boot up your PC. So, try disconnecting and removing all external peripherals like printers, cameras, etc. after turning off your PC.

Once you remove all peripheral devices, turn your computer back on and see whether the black screen issue is still present. If the machine turns on normally, plug each device back one at a time to identify which one is causing the problem.

Reset Windows Explorer

If you get a black screen on Windows 11 on boot but can see and move the mouse cursor, the problem may lie with the File Explorer. Resetting it might help you fix the issue.

1. Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut to open the Task Manager.
2. When the Task Manager opens, the 'Processes' tab will be selected by default. Look for Windows Explorer in the list of running processes on the right. When you find it, right-click on it and click on the 'Restart' option.

When you restart the Windows Explorer, your screen will flicker for a moment and the black screen issue should be resolved.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a feature built into Windows that allows you to boot into the OS with only the essential components enabled. This means any third-party applications and software that may be responsible for the black screen will not be active.

1. With your PC on, press and hold the 'Shift' key and restart your PC.
2. When your computer restarts, you will see the 'Advanced Options' page. Click on the 'Startup Settings' option.

3. The 'Startup Settings' page will show you several startup options, including one to enable Safe Mode. Click on the 'Restart' button.

4. When your PC restarts, the Safe Mode option will appear as the fourth option on the list, so press '4' on your keyboard.

Once your computer boots into Safe Mode, you can try out various troubleshooting methods, like disabling startup applications to determine what is causing the black screen issue. Consider uninstalling problematic graphics, audio, and networking drivers before rebooting and checking for the black screen.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows while disabling all third-party applications, which can help identify what is causing the black screen issue. To perform a clean boot, follow all the above steps and first boot into safe mode.

1. In Safe Mode, open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting the option.

2. When the Task Manager opens, click on the 'Startup Apps' tab and disable all items in this list by right-clicking on them and selecting the 'Disable' option.

3. After disabling all items, open the Start menu and type msconfig and you will see the 'System Configuration' utility. Click on it to launch it.

4. In the System Configuration utility, click on the 'Services' tab and then on the 'Hide All Microsoft Services' check box. Then, click on the 'Disable All' button.

5. Finally, click on the 'OK' button and reboot your computer. This will result in a clean boot, allowing you to check different applications and drivers and find out which one is causing the black screen issue.

Run Startup Repair

Windows has a built-in feature called Startup Repair that is a part of its Recovery Environment and you can use it to fix common issues with your PC.

1. To access Startup Repair, press and hold the 'Shift' key and restart your PC. If you cannot do so, turn on your PC and press the 'F11' key multiple times until the recovery screen appears.

2. Once the 'Recovery' page opens, click on the 'Troubleshoot' option.

3. On the 'Troubleshoot' page, click on 'Advanced Options'.

4. Finally, click on the 'Startup Repair' option.

Windows will not try to detect problems with your system and fix them. Once it finishes the process, restart your PC and check for the black screen issue again.

Uninstall Windows Updates

Windows Updates are meant to fix bugs and add features to the OS, but sometimes they end up doing the opposite. They can result in more issues than were present before the updates were installed, so uninstalling them might help resolve problems like the black screen issue.

1. Open the Advanced Options page of the Windows Recovery Environment as explained above.
2. However, instead of the 'Startup Repair' option, click on the 'Uninstall Updates' option.

3. Next, you can choose whether to uninstall a Quality or Feature update. Start with Quality Updates, since they are more frequent, before moving on to Feature Updates.

4. Click on the 'Uninstall Quality Update' button to allow Windows to remove the latest update. Once it is done, you can restart your PC. If this does not solve the black screen problem, repeat the steps with the latest Feature Update.

Update Or Roll Back Drivers in Safe Mode

Your graphics, audio, and network drivers can become corrupt, resulting in the black screen you see when you boot up your PC. You can reinstall, update, or roll back these drivers as a potential solution, but doing so in Safe Mode might be more effective than doing so normally.

1. Once you are in Safe Mode, open the Start menu, type Device Manager, and click on it to open it.

2. When the Device Manager opens, right-click on the device for which you want to update or roll back the driver and then on the 'Properties' option.

3. In the Properties window, go to the 'Driver' tab and you will find the options to update and roll back the driver. Once you perform either action, restart your PC to check whether that helps get rid of the black screen.

Perform a System Restore

Sometimes installing a new driver or software can cause a black screen to appear when you boot into Windows 11. The best solution in this case is to revert your system to how it was before you installed that application or driver using System Restore. However, you should have created a Restore Point earlier for this to work.

1. Open the Advanced Options page in the Windows Recovery Environment through the Troubleshoot option as explained above.

2. On the Advanced Options page, click on the 'System Restore' option.

3. When the System Restore dialog box appears, click on the 'Next' button.

4. Now you will see all available restore points which were created earlier. Click on the most recent one to select it and then click on the 'Scan For Affected Programs' button. Then click on the 'Next' button.

5. This will show you the applications that will be installed or removed if you proceed with the restoration process. Click on the 'Close' button.

6. Finally, System Restore will show you the restore point you have selected. Click on the 'Finish' button and your computer will restart, starting the restart process.

Reset the UEFI/ BIOS and Check the Boot Order

UEFI and BIOS handle the hardware configuration of your device and ensure your OS boots properly. If you've made any changes to these, it can result in a black screen on your Windows 11 PC. So, resetting the UEFI and BIOS might help fix the problem.

1. Turn off your PC and turn it on. While it is turning on, press the 'F2' or 'Delete' key, depending on your PC repeatedly until you enter the setup.
2. In the BIOS, search for a setting that says something like 'Restore Default Settings' or 'Optimized Default Settings'. Use the arrow keys to select that option and press the 'Enter' key to confirm your selection.

3. Next, look for the 'Boot' option, which controls which device your PC will boot from. This can be a CD/DVD, USB drive, or any of the installed hard disks. Select the hard disk on which Windows 11 is installed using the arrow keys.

Your BIOS will ask you whether you want to save changes before leaving, so save the changes and then reboot your PC. Hopefully, you will no longer run into the black screen while booting your computer.

A black screen can appear due to a variety of reasons when booting Windows 11, such as improper power supply, corrupt drivers, or even faulty Windows Updates. Hopefully, one of the several methods we've shared here can help you resolve the problem, allowing you to use your PC normally.

That said, the problem can also occur due to hardware problems, like a problem with your monitor. So, if none of these methods prove to be useful, you may need to take it to the local repair center and get it checked.