Black Screen on Windows 10

Does your laptop have no display but has power? The black screen can be frustrating because you absolutely have no idea what caused it. There is no error codes displayed, so you don’t know where to begin. The issue is not one that cannot be solved. We will show you what you must do:

What are some of the reasons of the black screen?

  • Overheating of computer components
  • Malware
  • Erroneous Windows 10 installation or update
  • Display problems
  • Driver and software errors
  • Power supply issues

Using Safe Mode to Troubleshoot Black Screen

One way to tackle black screen, especially when you encounter one while installing Windows 10, is by booting your laptop in Safe Mode.

Here is how to get into Safe Mode:

  • Turn your device on and off three times and each time when it begins to boot, turn off the computer as you see the Windows logo. In the third time, the device will automatically boot in diagnostics mode.

Troubleshooting Black Screen:

Black Screen on Windows 10

Click on Advanced options when you see the recovery screen

Click on Troubleshoot

Click on Advanced options

Next click on Startup Settings

On the next page click Restart

You will get a list of numbers to press in the next page you must choose to press number 4 – which says Enable Safe Mode

You might require signing in

Next press together Windows logo key + X

From the options you get click on Device Manager

Click to expand Display Adapters

Now right-click on the display driver then Disable it

Now restart your system to see if setup can complete or if you can boot to the desktop

For those who can get to their desktop, check the Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver to download it.

This will solve the black screen issue of your system.

Check for Overheating

All laptops and computers generate heat. If you want your system to function uninterruptedly, then this heat should be removed else the components will get damaged. Manufacturers understand this, which is why they build the systems in a way that they shut down automatically before they overheat and cause damage to their own components.

This is when you will face a black screen about which it will give you absolutely no clue before it turns black.

For many users, processor or the video cards are the reason for overheating. If the hard drive light is active and the fans are on then you should know that the video card is overheated. The system will shut down automatically or ask you to reboot (at times) if the processor is overheated.

Overheating can be taken care of easily. Open the machine and blow out the dust with some compressed air. If the fans are not working, then you will have to replace them. You can also use cooling mats or lap desk to provide some ventilation to the laptop. Avoid using intense processes as they also cause the system to overheat.

Random Black Screen Issues

Black screens, as we discussed, usually happen suddenly and one of the reasons could be Windows 10 new servicing model. Here the patches, driver updates, Windows updates, and security fixes are all downloaded in the background and usually installed overnight. You do get the option to manage the installation updates, but there are some that still manage to sneak past the barricade you set and you end up getting a black screen. Boot in Safe Mode to see if the problem is solved.

If there is a corrupted user profile, you might have to face a black screen. You can try booting in Safe Mode and then create a new user account before you can sign in. Follow the steps mentioned above to boot in Safe Mode and then proceed with creating a new user account.

If everything was fine until you logged in your system and you suddenly have to face a black screen then it is usually caused by RunOnce Processes.

  • Launch the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together
  • On the Processes and Services tab, scroll to locate exe or RunOnce.exe. – when you find one, then stop this process and end the service or cancel it.
  • Next click on File
  • Run a new task, type cmd, and press Enter
  • In the Command Prompt type shutdown -r -t 01 and press Enter

This will restart your computer and would have fixed the black screen too.

Check for Faulty Connections

Video errors are also one of the major reasons to causing black screens. If there is no video output then you are bound to have a black screen. There could be a couple of probable causes behind this.

The video output has been sent to a wrong display – when there are multiple displays connected to your system then the Windows setup gets chaotic.

  • A solution to this issue would be to project the output to another monitor. Press the Windows logo key + P and then select the right option.

The video output has been routed to a different output or display adapter –

If you have upgraded your monitor, then ensure it can handle the resolution. Certain HDMI and DVI versions cannot handle 1080 p.

A solution to this would be to disconnect the video cable from one output/adapter and try a different one. Individuals that are using a TV should ensure that it is turned on. Check if the video output has been mistakenly going in the TV. You need to set to input for laptop/computer. You can also use a spare monitor if you have one to check. If the other monitor is working perfectly fine then it is probably a hardware issue. The problem then is more than just an issue with the video card. You are probably suffering with hard drive, motherboard, and power supply issues.

Use these steps to solve any black screen issues for your device. If you find the problem to persist then you must visit a professional.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.

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