- Black screen on startup Windows 11 may have originated in hardware, software or drivers.
- There are quick fixes like checking connections, restarting drivers and booting into safe mode.
- Preventive maintenance and backups help prevent future crashes.
experience a black screen when starting Windows 11 This is one of the most frustrating situations, as it prevents access to the system, often leaving the user with no clue as to the source of the problem. Although it may initially seem like a serious failure, the reality is that there are many possible causes and, fortunately, numerous diagnostic and repair methods that can return your computer to normal without losing files or having to go to the repair shop.
In this article we offer you a complete, updated and very detailed guide to solve the dreaded black screen in Windows 11We review everything from the most common errors to the technical steps for recovery, as well as preventive and Tricks that will help you better understand how your computer works.
Why do I get a black screen in Windows 11?
La black screen of death appears when Windows 11 stops during the Boot or after logging in, leaving the screen completely black, sometimes with the cursor visible and other times with no activity at all. This error can occur for several reasons:
- Hardware failures such as loose cables, turned-off monitors, or faulty graphics cards.
- software problems: Corrupt drivers, failed Windows updates, or conflicting startup applications.
- Errors in BIOS/UEFI configuration or changes in the boot order.
- Malware or infections that affect system files.
- Resource overload or intensive GPU usage that causes the computer to be unable to display an image.
- Power outages or unexpected shutdowns.
Detecting the exact cause is key to finding the right solution, so we recommend following the diagnostic steps explained below.
First checks: monitor and connections
Before going into more complex methods, make sure that the The problem is not with the monitor, the cabling, or the most basic hardware configuration.. Often, the problem can be resolved with a simple check, saving you time and headaches.
- Check that the monitor is on and properly connected to the power supply.
- Check the HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cable: Make sure there is no damage, cuts or looseness.
- If you can, test the monitor on another computer or connect another monitor to your computer.
- Please also check the brightness level of the monitor, as it could be so low that it simulates a blackout.
These basic checks, while seemingly obvious, resolve a large portion of black screen issues that aren't actually caused by Windows 11.
Quick Fixes: Key Combinations and Restarts
If after checking the hardware you still see a Black screen when turning on Windows 11, try some of the most effective recovery shortcuts and tricks:
- Force a hard reboot: Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the computer completely shuts down. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on.
- Restart the graphics driver: Press the combination Windows + Ctrl + Shift + BIf the controller reboots successfully, you should hear a beep and the screen should return to full display.
- Change the active screen (in case you have more than one monitor or VR headset): Use Windows + P several times to switch between display modes. Sometimes Windows sends the signal to the wrong monitor.
- Access to Task Manager: press Ctrl + Alt + DeleteIf you see the Security menu, try opening Task Manager, which may unlock the desktop if the problem is caused by a stuck process.
If these options don't help you recover the image, it's time to move on to more specific solutions.
Black screen before login: diagnosis and repair
When the black screen appears before entering the password or view the desktop, the problem usually stems from boot time or basic hardware conflicts. Here's a list of steps, ordered from least to most complex:
Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals
Remove USBs, external hard drives and accessories that are not essential. Sometimes, a peripheral can block boot or cause errors when loading drivers.
Check the cables and try others
Disconnect and reconnect all video cables to remove dust from the connectors. If you have another compatible cable on hand, try this, as cables, especially after prolonged use, can break internally without causing visible damage.
Change monitor
The error may be in the monitor itself or in its input settings. If possible, change the monitor or use a TV to check if you're receiving a signal. Also, adjust the resolution on your computer to what your monitor supports.
Access the BIOS/UEFI and reset the values
A bad configuration in the BIOS or UEFI This may cause your computer to fail to detect the hard drive or attempt to boot from the wrong media. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the PC completely.
- Turn it on and press the key that corresponds to your model several times (usually F2, DEL, F10 o ESC).
- Look for the options to restore default values: "Load Defaults," "Optimized Defaults," or similar. Save the changes and exit.
- Check that the hard drive is selected as first boot device.
If your computer still won't boot into Windows and displays a black screen, enter automatic repair mode.
Start Windows 11 Automatic Repair
Windows 11 integrates a system of automatic boot repair. To access:
- Restart your computer several times in a row (forcing a shutdown if necessary) until the troubleshooting screen appears.
- Choose Solve problems -> Advanced -> Startup repair.
- If your system allows it, choose a previous restore point where your computer was working properly.
This method is usually effective if the problem arose after installing a faulty update, program, or driver.
Safe Mode: Your best ally against the black screen
If you're still stuck, it's time to boot Windows 11 into Safe mode with networkingThis utility boots the system with only the files and drivers strictly necessary, eliminating conflicts with third-party programs or corrupted drivers.
To access the Safe Mode:
- Restart your PC and access the automatic repair menu again.
- Choose Solve problems -> Advanced -> Startup configuration and press Restart.
- When the computer restarts, select the option F5: Safe Mode with Networking.
Once inside, you will have access to key tools such as the Device administrator, from where you can reinstall or roll back graphics drivers, uninstall problematic startup programs, or even restore your system.
Black screen after logging in: What to do when you enter your password
If you see the Windows login, but after entering your password the screen goes black (sometimes leaving only the cursor visible), the failure is likely due to automatic applications, the explorer.exe process, or graphics driver problems.
Restart explorer.exe manually
The program explorer.exe Load the desktop and Start bar. If this fails, you'll just see a black screen. To fix this:
- press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open the Task Manager.
- Go to File –> Run new task. Writes "explorer.exe» and accepts.
If you get your desktop back after this, you may need to set explorer.exe as the default shell in the Windows registry. Access regedit from "Run" and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon. In the “Shell” value, make sure it says “explorer.exe”.
Disable startup services and applications
A conflicting app may be blocking the desktop from loading. Open the Task Manager, go to the “Home” tab and disables all apps that are not essential. Reboot and check if Windows boots correctly.
Graphics Driver Problems: Update, Reinstall, and Rollback
La Graphic card And their drivers are usually at the center of most black screens. If a driver is corrupted, improperly installed, or incompatible, Windows may stop displaying. You can take several actions:
- From the Safe Mode, open the Device administrator, search for “Display adapters,” right-click, and choose “Properties.”
- You can roll back the driver to an older version or, if it doesn't work, uninstall it to have Windows automatically reinstall it on reboot.
- If the system fails to install it, download the appropriate driver from your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD or Intel) and perform the installation manually.
Uninstall the latest problematic update
Sometimes a Windows 11 update may cause incompatibilitiesIf you find that the error occurred after a specific update:
- Go to Configuration -> Windows Update -> Update history.
- Identify the suspicious update and uninstall it.
- Restart your computer to see if the error is resolved.
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