How To Fix Grey Screen On Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

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6 min. read

Published on October 30, 2025

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Experiencing a grey screen on your Windows 11 computer can be a frustrating and unsettling issue. This often indicates a problem with your system’s hardware or software, and can prevent you from using your computer effectively. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the cause of the grey screen, restoring your Windows 11 system to its normal function.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to diagnosing and fixing the grey screen problem on Windows 11. We will cover a range of potential causes, from simple display connection issues to more complex driver and hardware malfunctions. By following these instructions, you should be able to pinpoint the source of the problem and implement the appropriate solution.

What Causes the Grey Screen on Windows 11 and How Can I Fix It?

Check External Connections

The first step is to rule out any simple connection issues.

Verify Monitor Cable: Ensure the monitor cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) is securely connected to both your computer and the monitor.
Try a Different Cable: If possible, test with a different cable to rule out a faulty cable.
Test with Another Monitor: Connect your computer to a different monitor to see if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem lies with your monitor or your computer.

Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.

Perform a Hard Reboot: If you can’t access the Start menu, press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down.
Power On: Press the power button again to restart your computer.

Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Outdated or corrupted display drivers are a common cause of grey screens.

Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand Display Adapters: Double-click on “Display adapters” to expand the list.
Update Driver: Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.”
Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Roll Back Driver (If Necessary): If the problem started after a recent driver update, right-click on your graphics card, select “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver.”

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including grey screens.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Run SFC Scan: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for Scan to Complete: Allow the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your Windows 11 installation is up-to-date.

Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Windows Update: Click on “Windows Update” in the left sidebar.
Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button.
Install Updates: Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause conflicts with hardware and drivers.

Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
Go to Power Options: Click on “Power Options.”
Choose What the Power Buttons Do: Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” in the left sidebar.
Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Uncheck Turn on Fast Startup: Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
Save Changes: Click “Save changes.”

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to identify if a third-party application is causing the issue.

Open System Configuration: Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Go to Services Tab: Click on the “Services” tab.
Hide All Microsoft Services: Check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services.”
Disable All: Click the “Disable all” button.
Go to Startup Tab: Click on the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
Disable Startup Items: In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Apply and Restart: Close Task Manager, click “Apply” and “OK” in System Configuration, and restart your computer.

Check Your Hardware

Faulty hardware components can also cause grey screens.

Test Your RAM: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check your RAM for errors. Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
Inspect Graphics Card: If possible, test your graphics card in another computer or try a different graphics card in your computer.
Check Hard Drive/SSD: Use a disk checking tool to check your hard drive or SSD for errors.

Tips

Always back up your important data before performing any major troubleshooting steps.
Monitor your system temperatures to ensure your hardware is not overheating.
If you are comfortable, consider reseating your RAM and graphics card.

Troubleshooting the Grey Screen on Windows 11

A grey screen on Windows 11 can be a sign of various issues, but by systematically following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the problem, restoring your computer to a working state.

FAQ

What does a grey screen on Windows 11 mean? A grey screen on Windows 11 typically indicates a problem with your system’s hardware or software, such as a faulty display driver, corrupted system files, or a hardware malfunction.

Can a virus cause a grey screen on Windows 11? While less common, malware can sometimes cause system instability, leading to a grey screen. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to rule out this possibility.

How do I force restart my computer if I get a grey screen? Press and hold the power button on your computer until it shuts down completely. Then, press the power button again to restart it.

What if none of these steps fix the grey screen? If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and the grey screen persists, it is likely a hardware issue. Consider seeking professional help from a computer repair technician.

Comparing Potential Causes

Cause	Description	Troubleshooting Steps
Connection Issues	Loose or faulty monitor cables.	Check and replace cables; test with another monitor.
Driver Problems	Outdated or corrupted display drivers.	Update or roll back display drivers.
System File Corruption	Corrupted system files.	Run System File Checker (SFC).
Software Conflicts	Conflicts with third-party applications.	Perform a clean boot.
Hardware Malfunctions	Faulty RAM, graphics card, or storage devices.	Test RAM; inspect graphics card; check hard drive/SSD.

Resolving the Windows 11 Grey Screen

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the grey screen on your Windows 11 system, getting you back to using your computer without interruption.