A black screen in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but there are ways to fix it. Whether the issue occurs during startup, after login, or randomly while using your PC, the right troubleshooting steps can help.
This guide covers seven effective steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11, ensuring you can regain access to your computer.
1. Check Display Connections
If you’re using an external monitor, a loose or damaged connection could be the reason for the black screen.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Verify Cables | Unplug and reconnect HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cables securely. |
| Try a Different Port | If your monitor supports multiple input options, switch to another port. |
| Test Another Display | Connect your PC to a different monitor to determine if the issue is with the screen or the computer. |
If using a laptop, ensure the brightness settings are not turned down completely.
2. Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can resolve temporary system glitches. If the screen remains black, try a force restart:
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn the PC on.
If this does not resolve the issue, move to the next step.
3. Disconnect External Devices
A faulty peripheral device can sometimes cause display issues.
- Turn off your PC.
- Unplug all external devices, including USB drives, external hard disks, and docking stations.
- Restart your computer.
If the screen works after restarting, reconnect devices one by one to identify the culprit.
4. Use Windows Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode allows Windows 11 to start with minimal drivers, helping diagnose software conflicts.
Steps to enter Safe Mode:
- Perform a hard shutdown by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds.
- Turn the PC on and, as soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button again to force another shutdown.
- Repeat this step three times until you reach the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen.
- Navigate to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.
If the display works in Safe Mode, update graphics drivers as explained in the next step.
5. Update Graphics Drivers
Corrupt or outdated graphics drivers can cause display issues, including black screens. Updating them may resolve the problem.
- Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU driver and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and install updates if available.
For Nvidia or AMD users, manually download the latest drivers from the official websites.
6. Adjust Display Output Settings
Windows may be set to display on a different screen, causing the primary monitor to appear black. To fix this:
- Press Win + P to open the Project menu.
- Use the arrow keys to select PC screen only and press Enter.
If this does not work, try connecting an external monitor to check if the issue is related to internal display settings.
For users experiencing screen flickering or flashing, check out our detailed guide on fixing screen flickering on Windows 10/11.
7. Perform a System Restore
If the issue started after a recent update or software installation, rolling back Windows to a previous state can help.
Steps to perform a System Restore:
- Boot into Windows Recovery Mode using the method described in Step 4.
- Go to Advanced Options > System Restore.
- Choose a restore point from when the system was working correctly.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once your system is restored, monitor performance before reinstalling any recent updates or software.
Final Thoughts
Black screens in Windows 11 can be caused by hardware issues, driver conflicts, or incorrect settings. By following these seven steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11, you can troubleshoot effectively and restore your display.
For network-related issues, check out our guide on connecting your smartphone to Wi-Fi successfully.
Additionally, learning about the graphics processing unit (GPU) and how device drivers function can help you understand why these issues occur.
If none of these solutions work, professional hardware assistance may be required. Let us know which method worked for you in the comments.
