A black screen in Windows 11 can happen after startup, after signing in, or while you are already using your PC. The cause can be a display driver, a temporary Windows process, a connection problem, or a startup issue. Try the methods below in order.
1. Check your monitor and display connection
Make sure the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input. If you use HDMI or DisplayPort, unplug the cable and reconnect it firmly. If possible, try another cable or another display port.
2. Reset the Windows graphics driver
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. Windows will attempt to restart the graphics driver. You may hear a short beep or see the screen flash. Wait a few seconds to see if the display returns.
3. Try the security screen
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. If the Windows security screen appears, select Task Manager. In Task Manager, find Windows Explorer. If it is listed, right-click it and choose Restart.
4. Disconnect unnecessary displays and devices
If you have multiple monitors, docks, USB display adapters, or other external devices connected, disconnect them temporarily. Then restart the PC with only the main display connected.
5. Start Windows in Safe Mode
If the black screen happens during startup, enter the Windows Recovery Environment by interrupting startup several times until Windows displays recovery options. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then choose Safe Mode.
6. Check the display driver
If the screen works in Safe Mode, open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. Check whether the graphics device shows an error. You can try rolling back the driver if the problem started after a recent update, or uninstalling the device and restarting Windows so it can detect the hardware again.
7. Run System File Checker
Open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. Wait for the scan to finish, then restart the PC.
Still seeing a black screen?
If none of these methods work, the problem may involve the monitor, cable, graphics hardware, Windows startup files, or another hardware component. If the PC works with another monitor or cable, that can help narrow down the cause.
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