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.

When the camera is not working in Windows 11, apps may show a black screen, report that no camera was found, or refuse access. These steps cover common software and privacy issues.

1. Check the camera privacy settings

1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.
2. Turn on Camera access.
3. Allow apps to access your camera.
4. Make sure the app you want to use is permitted.

2. Check a physical camera switch

Some laptops have a privacy shutter or a keyboard key that disables the webcam. Make sure the camera is not physically covered or disabled.

3. Restart the PC

Restart Windows and test the camera again. This can reload the webcam driver and release the device from another application.

4. Check Device Manager

Open Device Manager and look under Cameras or Imaging devices. If the camera is disabled, enable it. If there is a warning icon, open its properties and check the device status.

5. Update or reinstall the camera driver

Use Device Manager to update the driver. If the issue started after an update, check whether a previous driver can be restored. For laptops, also check the manufacturer’s official support page.

6. Close other camera apps

Close Teams, Zoom, browser tabs, or other software that may already be using the camera. Then reopen the application you want to use.

Final thoughts

Privacy permissions and driver problems are two of the most common causes. If the camera fails in every application after these checks, the hardware may need inspection.

If a Windows 11 PC does not wake from sleep, the screen may remain black or the computer may appear frozen. The cause can be a driver, power setting, peripheral, or firmware issue.

1. Try keyboard or mouse input

Press a key or move the mouse. If nothing happens, briefly press the power button once rather than holding it down. Give Windows a moment to respond.

2. Restart the PC if it is frozen

If the computer does not respond at all, a forced shutdown may be necessary. Hold the power button only as a last resort, because unsaved work can be lost.

3. Update Windows

Open Settings → Windows Update and install available updates. Restart the PC and test sleep mode again.

4. Update device drivers

Check Device Manager for display, chipset, and other devices with warning icons. Update drivers using Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer’s official support page.

5. Disconnect external devices

Temporarily disconnect USB accessories, docks, and external displays. Test sleep and wake again to see whether a peripheral is preventing normal wake behavior.

6. Check power settings

Review Windows power and sleep settings under Settings → System → Power & battery. If the issue happens consistently after a particular sleep period, note the exact pattern for further troubleshooting.

Final thoughts

Start with updates and external devices. If the problem continues, display, chipset, and firmware drivers are worth investigating.