There are various factors that could lead to the occurrence of a black screen during boot, including issues like problematic Windows updates, outdated device drivers, system file corruptions, interference from third-party applications during boot, malware infections, and more. If you are currently facing this problem on Windows 11, you can try out the following troubleshooting methods.
1. Make sure Windows is Responsive
It is crucial to verify the responsiveness of Windows when dealing with a black screen. If Windows is unresponsive, troubleshooting efforts will be ineffective. To restart your graphics driver, press the Windows Key + CTRL + SHIFT + B button. A beep from your PC's speaker will confirm its responsiveness. In case your PC remains unresponsive, perform a force shut down and check for any signs of responsiveness.
2. Check the Connection with the Monitor
One of the key steps to take is to investigate and eliminate any potential connection problems with the monitor. While Windows 11 may be functioning properly, a black screen could be caused by a faulty connection with the monitor.
A black screen during boot can also result from a disrupted connection between your computer and its display monitor. Therefore, it is essential to examine the cables linking the monitor to your computer.
If there are no issues with the cables, it is advisable to inspect the monitor itself. In case you suspect a malfunction in the monitor, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional technician for further evaluation.
3. Check the Projection Settings
Incorrect projection settings can also result in Windows 11 displaying a blank screen. It is conceivable that your display is configured to project onto a non-existent second screen.
In such instances, your monitor will exhibit a black screen. To verify the Windows projection settings, simply press the Windows Key + P button.
Once the Projection settings menu appears, opt for the PC screen only. This will disable all other display projection configurations.
4. Remove All other External Devices
After disconnecting all external devices, proceed to restart your computer and verify if the black screen problem persists.
If the black screen does not appear upon booting without the external devices, proceed to reconnect each device individually until you identify the one causing the issue.
5. Reinstall the Display Drivers
Outdated or corrupted display drivers are a common cause of the black screen issue during boot on Windows 11. To resolve this problem, reinstalling the display drivers on your PC is necessary. Here are the steps you should take.
If you are able to see the login screen:
1. Restart your Windows 11 PC.
2. At the login screen, hold the Shift key and then select Power > Restart.
3. After the restart, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Once restarted, press F5 or F3 and choose Safe Mode with Networking.
If you only see a black screen but have a Recovery drive:
1. Shut down your Windows 11 and connect a recovery drive.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start-up Settings > Restart.
3. After the restart, press F5 or F3 and select Safe Mode with Networking.
If you see a black screen and do not have a Recovery Drive:
1. Create a Windows 10/11 installation media.
2. Set your PC to boot from the connected USB drive.
3. When the Windows installation wizard opens, select Repair your computer.
4. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start Up settings > Restart.
5. After the restart, press F5 and choose Safe Mode with networking.
Reinstalling your Display Driver:
Once you have booted into Safe Mode on Windows 11, you can access the Device Manager to reinstall the Display drivers. Follow these steps to do so.
1. Type in Device Manager on the Windows Search. Next, open the Device Manager app from the list of search results.
2. On the Device Manager, expand the Display adapters tree.
3. Right click on your connected display adapter and select Uninstall.
4. After the installation process, proceed to reinstall the most up-to-date device drivers from the website of your GPU manufacturer.
6. It is advisable to perform regular cleaning inside your computer case. Over time, dust and debris tend to accumulate on the vent of your PC, causing the fan coolers to become clogged and resulting in overheating.
7. In the event that the black screen issue persists during booting, it is crucial to inspect the internal hardware components.
Ensure that you carefully examine the hardware components that you have recently connected, such as the GPU unit, RAM, WiFi card, and others. Verify that these components are properly fitted and inserted into their respective slots. Additionally, pay close attention to the PSU or Power Supply Unit, as insufficient power delivery from the PSU can trigger the black screen problem.
8. If none of the aforementioned solutions prove effective, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. Take your PC to a local authorized service center and request their expertise in resolving the issue.
If your device is still under warranty, you will not incur any charges. However, if you have an assembled PC, it may be necessary to visit an unauthorized service center to identify the root cause of the problem.
These are a few straightforward methods to address the black screen at boot problem on Windows 11. Should you require further assistance on this matter, please feel free to leave a comment. Additionally, if you found this guide helpful, don't hesitate to share it with your friends.