How to Fix Black Screen When Computer Boots

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🖥️ How to Fix Black Screen When Computer Boots (2025 Guide)

So your PC powers on, but all you see is a black screen? No cursor, no logo, nothing? Don’t panic — this is a common issue caused by everything from display problems to boot errors. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step fixes to get your screen back.

🛠️ Common Causes of Black Screen on Boot

  • ⚡ Graphics card issues or loose display cables
  • ⚙️ Faulty boot configuration or OS errors
  • 🔌 External peripherals (USBs, drives) interrupting startup
  • 💡 BIOS/UEFI misconfigurations
  • 🧱 Corrupted Windows system files or recent update bugs

✅ Step-by-Step Fixes

🔌 1. Check Display Connections First

Before diving into deeper fixes:

  • Unplug and replug your HDMI/DisplayPort cable.
  • Try a different monitor or port.
  • Remove any external drives, dongles, USBs, etc.
  • If you have a graphics card, make sure the monitor is plugged into it (not the motherboard port).

💡 If you're using a laptop, try pressing Fn + F4 or Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the display signal.

🔁 2. Force a Hard Reboot

  • Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn the PC off.
  • Wait 10 seconds, then press it again to boot up.
  • If the issue was a stuck power state, this might fix it.

🧰 3. Access Safe Mode or Advanced Startup

If the screen is still black:

  1. Boot the PC and force shut it down 3 times in a row during startup (as soon as the spinning dots or logo appear).
  2. On the 4th boot, Windows should enter Recovery Mode.
  3. Click Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 to start in Safe Mode.
  4. In Safe Mode:

    • Uninstall any recently installed drivers or apps.
    • Roll back recent updates (via Settings > Windows Update > Update History).

🧹 4. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Sometimes the boot record is broken.

  1. Boot from a Windows installation USB.
  2. Click Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
  3. Type these commands one by one:

bash
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Then restart your PC.

🧠 5. Update or Reset BIOS/UEFI

  • Enter BIOS by pressing Del, F2, or Esc at boot.
  • Reset BIOS to default settings.
  • Make sure Secure Boot is turned OFF (if needed).
  • Update your BIOS if it’s outdated (check motherboard brand’s website).

🧩 6. Try Integrated Graphics or Swap the GPU

  • Remove the graphics card and plug your monitor into the motherboard video output.
  • If you see a display now, the GPU could be failing or improperly seated.
  • Re-seat the GPU and check for bent pins.

🔄 7. System Restore or Reset

  • If all else fails, use System Restore from Recovery Mode to go back to a working state.
  • Or choose Reset This PC, keeping your files but reinstalling Windows.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Laptop Black Screen Fix

For laptops:

  • Disconnect all devices.
  • Hold the power button for 30 seconds (battery reset).
  • Boot again and try connecting to an external monitor if needed.

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