How to fix: PC black screen when booting up

Last updated May 29, 2023

If you’re encountering a black screen when booting up your PC, this guide provides troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. Learn how to tackle the problem and get your computer up and running again.

It seems like you’re experiencing a black screen issue when booting up your Windows 10 PC. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem:

Power cycle your PC: Turn off your computer completely, unplug the power cable, and remove the battery (if applicable) from your laptop. Wait for a few minutes, then reinsert the battery (if applicable) and plug in the power cable. Turn on your PC and see if the issue is resolved.
photo: Pixabay
Check your hardware connections: Ensure that all the cables connecting your computer to the monitor are securely plugged in. If you’re using a desktop PC, you can try reseating the graphics card and RAM modules to make sure they are properly connected.
Reset BIOS settings: Restart your computer and press the “Del” key repeatedly during the startup process to enter the BIOS setup. Look for an option like “Load Optimized Defaults” or “Reset to Default Settings” and select it. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. See if the issue persists.
Try booting into Safe Mode: Since you mentioned that you’re unsure how to boot into Safe Mode, here’s how you can do it:
- Start your computer and repeatedly press the “F8” key before the Windows logo appears. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- From the menu, select “Safe Mode” or “Safe Mode with Networking” using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
- Press Enter to start your computer in Safe Mode. If you’re able to boot into Safe Mode without encountering the black screen issue, it might indicate a problem with a driver or software conflict.
Perform a system restore: If you can access Safe Mode, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer back to a previous working state. Go to the Control Panel, search for “System Restore,” and follow the instructions to restore your system.
Use Windows Startup Repair: If you have a Windows installation media (USB or DVD), you can try using the Startup Repair tool to fix any startup issues. Insert the installation media, restart your computer, and boot from the installation media. Choose the “Repair your computer” option, then select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair” and follow the instructions.
Perform a clean boot: A clean boot helps identify if a third-party program or service is causing the black screen issue. Follow the instructions in this Microsoft support article to perform a clean boot: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-d4d76a6a-bd7b-7f2f-ed96-ee290f5c4e25

If none of these steps resolve the black screen when booting up issue, it might be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer’s support for further guidance.