How To Fix A Black Screen Of Death In Windows 11 (Quick Fix)

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5 min. read

Published on September 18, 2025

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Windows 11’s black screen of death can be frustrating, leaving you staring at an unresponsive display. This isn’t always a catastrophic hardware failure; often, simple troubleshooting steps can restore your system. This guide walks you through several solutions to get your Windows 11 PC back up and running. We’ll cover both common and less-obvious causes, ensuring you have a comprehensive toolkit to tackle this issue.

What to Do When Your Windows 11 Screen is Stuck on Black?

Let’s dive into the practical solutions to resolve your black screen problem. Remember to try these steps sequentially, as one might resolve the issue before you need to proceed to the next.

1. Check for Obvious Hardware Issues

Before diving into software solutions, rule out simple hardware problems. Is your monitor properly connected and powered on? Try a different monitor or cable if possible. Ensure your PC is receiving sufficient power – check the power cord and outlet. If you recently added new hardware, try removing it to see if that’s the culprit.

2. Force a Restart

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Hold down the power button on your PC for 5-10 seconds to force a shutdown. Then, power it back on. If the black screen persists, move to the next step.

3. Use Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs, helping to identify if a specific software component is causing the problem. To enter Safe Mode:

Restart your computer.
As it restarts, repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift+F8, depending on your system’s BIOS).
Select "Safe Mode" from the boot options menu.

If Windows starts successfully in Safe Mode, the issue likely stems from a recently installed program or driver. Try uninstalling recently added software or updating your drivers.

4. Troubleshoot Using the Advanced Startup Options

If Safe Mode doesn’t work, access the advanced startup options:

Hold down the power button to force a shutdown.
Repeat the process to restart your computer.
During startup, you should see the "Advanced Startup Options" menu. Select "Troubleshoot."
From there, you can try options like "System Restore" (to revert to a previous working state) or "Startup Repair" (to automatically fix boot problems).

5. Check for Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted display drivers are a common cause of black screen issues. Try updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers:

Identify your graphics card: Use the Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar) to identify your graphics card model.
Download the latest drivers: Go to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific card model.
Install the drivers: Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Restart your computer after installation.

6. Run a System File Checker Scan

Corrupted system files can also lead to black screen problems. Try running the System File Checker (SFC) scan:

Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for "cmd," right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Allow the scan to complete. Restart your computer afterward.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to isolate the source of the problem. Follow Microsoft’s instructions for performing a clean boot. If the black screen disappears, gradually re-enable startup items to pinpoint the culprit.

Tips

If you recently updated Windows, try uninstalling the update.
Check your computer’s event logs for error messages that might provide clues.
Consider creating a system restore point regularly to easily revert to a previous working state.

Resolving Windows 11 Black Screen Issues

Successfully troubleshooting a black screen in Windows 11 often involves systematic elimination of potential causes. Start with the simplest solutions and progress to more advanced techniques as needed. Remember to back up your important data regularly to minimize data loss in case of severe issues.

FAQs

What causes a black screen on Windows 11?

Several factors can cause a black screen on Windows 11, including driver issues, corrupted system files, hardware problems, or software conflicts. Troubleshooting steps involve checking hardware connections, attempting a restart, booting into Safe Mode, and using advanced startup options.

How do I fix a black screen on my Windows 11 laptop?

The solutions for a black screen on a Windows 11 laptop are largely the same as for a desktop PC. Begin by checking hardware connections (monitor cable, power supply), then try forcing a restart, booting into Safe Mode, and utilizing the advanced startup options. Driver updates and system file checks are also important steps.

Why is my Windows 11 screen black after startup?

A black screen after startup in Windows 11 can be due to various reasons, including problems with your display driver, corrupted system files, or issues with the boot process itself. The troubleshooting process involves systematically checking hardware, attempting restarts, utilizing Safe Mode, and exploring advanced startup options.

My Windows 11 computer is stuck on a black screen. What should I do?

If your Windows 11 computer is stuck on a black screen, try the following: Check hardware connections, force a restart, boot into Safe Mode, use advanced startup options (System Restore, Startup Repair), update or reinstall display drivers, run an SFC scan, and perform a clean boot. These steps should help identify and resolve the underlying issue.