How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen With/Without Cursor

I remember the first time when I had to face the black screen of death error on my Windows laptop. It was one of the worst and most confusing experiences of my life. So I can totally relate to anyone facing the Windows 11 black screen or death error. The good thing is that sometimes, it’s just a simple fix, and you can return to your normal routine.

Today, we will explore simple methods for resolving the Windows 11 black screen of death. Let’s dive right in!

Fix Windows 11 Black Screen of Death

If you see a black screen with a cursor or no cursor, try these methods one by one to resolve the issue. Here is how to begin:

Reset Graphics Driver

If you get a black screen out of nowhere while working, then try resetting the Graphics driver. Just press the Ctrl+Shift+Win+B keys together, and your screen will go black again, and you’ll hear a beep sound.

This will just reset the graphics driver, and you might be able to see the normal screen again.

Check the Cables and Hardware

When you turn on your PC, ensure that your external monitor is also turned on. Similarly, you must also verify all ports and hardware to ensure they are correctly connected. 

One of the things that seems to work for many users is unplugging and replugging all the cables. You can also try this method to fix the Windows 11 black screen problem.

Try a Different Monitor

In some cases, the complete black screen has nothing to do with the Windows 11 OS. Instead, it is a monitor problem. If you have a desktop with an external monitor, it’s best to try a different one. You can ask one of your friends to give it to you for testing. Check to see if it’s a monitor issue. If the new monitor does not show the black screen of death, then you can simply replace your monitor to fix the issue. 

Check for GPU Compatibility

Now, this is a specific case. If you encounter a black screen only when using a specific app or game that requires an intense graphics load, then it might be a simple case of incompatibility. There is a high chance that your GPU isn’t supported for the particular app or game. You can always find out the GPU specification required on the app/game’s download page. 

Run File Explorer

If you can see a cursor on your black screen, then you can try one more thing: 

Step 1: Press the “CTRL+Shift+Esc” keys and then click on Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the File tab and click on Run new task.

Step 3: Here, type “explorer.exe” and hit Enter. 

That’s it! You should be able to see your screen now. 

Boot into Advanced Recovery Mode

Now we are going into the deep territory. Here is what you have to do:

If you don’t see the login screen or it is completely black, you have to trigger Automatic Repair mode. Here is how to do it:

The Windows automatically enters into Automatic Repair mode if it fails to boot up manually three times.

For Laptops

To trigger the Automatic Repair mode: 

• Turn your laptop on by pressing the power button.
• Now, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
• Repeat the above steps three times. 
• Finally, turn your laptop on, and this time, Windows will start in Advanced Recovery mode. 

For Desktops 

Desktops will save you the trouble of pressing and holding the power button, as they do not have batteries.

• Just press the power button. 
• Before Windows boots, unplug the power cord from the power source. 
• Repeat the above steps 3 times. 
• Finally, turn your desktop on, and this time it will start in Repair mode.

Now that you are in Automatic Repair mode, here is what you have to do:

Step 1: On the blue screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Advanced options and then click on Startup Repair.

The Startup Repair tool will attempt to run and resolve the issue. If this method does not work, you have to move on to the next fix.

Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

There are times when recent Windows updates can also cause the black screen issue. Here is how you can uninstall the recent updates in Advanced Startup mode:

Step 1: On the blue screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Advanced options and then click on Uninstall Updates.

Step 3: Here, you have to choose between Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update. Choose the first option and it will uninstall the quality updates. Now, check after the restart.

If it doesn’t work, uninstall the feature updates as well. Complete the process and check if the issue is resolved. 

Uninstall Graphics/Display Drivers

This is a bit lengthy, so follow all the steps carefully:

Step 1: Once you enter the Startup Repair, Windows will ask you to select an account. 

Step 2: Select your user account and type the password to enter. 

Now, the Startup Repair will try to fix your computer. 

Step 3: If it fails, you will get the message and option to shut down your computer or go to Advanced options. 

Step 4: Click on Advanced options. 

Step 5: From the Advanced options, click on Troubleshoot. 

Step 6: Again, click on Advanced options. 

Step 7: Click on ‘Startup Settings’. 

Step 8: Finally, click on Restart. 

Now the computer will restart, and you will get startup options. 

Step 9: To start Windows 10 in safe mode, press the “num 4” key.

Windows will now start in Safe Mode. 

Step 10: Choose the admin account, enter the password, and log in.

Step 11: Press the “Windows+R” keys to open the Run dialog box. 

Step 12: Type “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager. 

Step 13: Double-click on the Display adapters to expand it. 

Step 14: Right-click on your display adapter, then click on Uninstall device. 

Step 15: Check the box reading “Delete the driver software for this device” and click on Uninstall. 

If you use a graphics card, it will be listed under Display adapters. Uninstall the drivers for the graphics card, too.

Step 16: Repeat steps 14 and 15 for Monitors as well, if you are using a monitor.

That’s it! Now, restart your computer. If there is something wrong with the display drivers, this method will fix it. Don’t worry about the deleted drivers as Windows will install them automatically. 

Run SFC and DISM Tool

Again, to run this, you have to go to the Advanced Startup screen and then follow these steps:

Step 1: On the blue screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Advanced options and then click on Command Prompt.

Once the command prompt window opens, you have to run these commands one by one:

sfc /scannow

DISM /Image C:\ /Cleanup-Image /Scanhealth

DISM /Image C:\ /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Do a System Restore

If you are someone who creates system restore points when your PC is working fine, then this method is going to come in very handy for you. Here is what you need to do:

You have to trigger the Automatic Repair mode again and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: On the blue screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Advanced options and then click on System Restore.

You will see the system restore points you might have created when your PC was working fine. You can select the one where your Windows 11 PC was working fine, and then the Windows 11 black screen of death will be gone. 

Watch Video Guide:

Wrapping Up

So that was all about how to fix the Windows 11 black screen of death using simple and easy methods. Most of the methods mentioned here are safe, and you can try them without worrying.

However, if these methods don’t work, you might need to perform a complete system restore. We hope this guide helps you to control the situation and operate your Windows 11 PC smoothly. For any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

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