A black screen can happen before or after login. These steps help you find out whether it’s a display, driver or software problem.
1. Check the display connection
Make sure the monitor is on and the cable is firmly connected. Try another cable or port if possible.
2. Wake the display
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. This restarts the graphics driver and often brings the screen back.
3. Try Windows + P
You may be set to project to a second screen. Press Windows + P and choose PC screen only.
4. Restart Windows Explorer
If you see only a cursor, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, choose Run new task, type explorer.exe and press Enter.
5. Boot into Safe Mode
Hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and choose Safe Mode. From there, update or roll back the display driver.
6. Undo a recent update
In the recovery menu, use Uninstall Updates if the problem started after an update.
Tips
- Unplug external devices like USB drives before restarting.
