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Black Screen of Death Error: What It is? Causes, and Fixes

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What causes Windows’ black screen of death? With various suggestions and answers, here’s how to repair this Windows 10 issue.
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a frequent Windows error message that appears when a system issue occurs. However, the B in BSOD does not always mean blue.

Because it does not display an error notice, a Black Screen of Death might be more difficult to handle. It’s nothing more than a dark screen with a moveable mouse cursor but no additional Windows functionality.

Some of the most common reasons for a black screen are discussed in this article, along with fast remedies that you may find useful.

What Causes the Black Screen of Death on PC?

There is no specific cure you can try until you know the various reasons for the black screen of death on the Windows PC. The Black Screen of Death can be caused by a variety of factors. We’ll provide you answers to the most prevalent issues in this guide:

  • Incomplete Windows 10/11 Installation
  • Pending Windows Update
  • Software & Driver Errors
  • Display Issues
  • Overheating
  • Power Supply Problems

The major reasons may be narrowed down to all of this, and after you’ve ruled out the cause, it’ll be simple to pick the best solution.

Errors may arise when installing Windows 10 on a formatted hard drive or upgrading from a previous version to a new one. The so-called Windows 10 Black screen of death is one of the problems that might occur in this circumstance if:

1. Installing Windows 10 and the Black Screen of Death

  • Setup is still ongoing: check to see if the hard drive LED is flickering. Setup is most likely still operating, although slowly, which might be owing to the computer’s age. In most circumstances, Windows 10 should install in a few hours.
  • Setup Is Stuck and there is no HDD activity, turn off the computer by pressing and holding the power button for five seconds. Disconnect any non-essential devices before restarting the computer. Setup should restart; if it doesn’t, and you’re upgrading from an older Windows version, use the media creation tool to install.
  • A driver for a device has failed: Restart the machine in Safe Mode in this scenario. See “Repair a Black Screen of Death in Safe Mode” for further information.

If you try to install Windows 10 and see a Black Screen of Death, you might give up. Consider a free alternative operating system if this is the case and you’re utilizing obsolete hardware.

2. A Black Screen After Windows 10 Update

An incomplete Windows Update might produce a Black Screen of Death on Windows 10 PCs.

The machine will normally reboot as part of the update, and you will be greeted with a login screen. Your Windows 10 PC, however, is stuck on a black screen after entering your password.

The mouse is responsive, and some desktop icons may be visible, but there is no taskbar. In other words, Windows 10 has a black screen.

To remedy this problem, just press and hold the power button on your PC or laptop to turn it off. The system should boot properly after a cold start. If not, have a look at our guide to reinstalling Windows 10.

3. Software Error Causes Black Screen on Your PC

A software fault is frequently the source of a black screen problem. This happens most often when you’re working with software that takes up your full screen. PC games or media players in full-screen mode are common offenders.

In these cases, the computer should appear to be in good working order. The diagnosis should be repeatable. Simply open the game or media player application and switch to full-screen mode.

However, resolving the issue might be tough; if the flaw is in the program, there may be no way to fix it. You might try running the software at a different resolution to see if it helps.

Run the program as an administrator if you haven’t already. If this doesn’t work, it’s possible that the program has to be updated. If this isn’t feasible, you might have to revert to a previous version of Windows for that software. If you have another computer, use that or use a virtual machine to install an earlier Windows OS.

4. When a Black Screen of Death Is Just a Display Error… or Faulty Connection

Another typical reason of the Black Screen of Death is video issues. No visual output indicates a blank screen, regardless of the exact issue. Windows may even display a Blue Screen of Death, but you’d never notice!

Before you get too worked up, double-check your video connection. Check that both ends of your DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable are securely connected and that the cord is in good condition.

Have you just purchased a new monitor? If this is the case, ensure sure your connection is capable of handling the resolution. Some DVI and HDMI versions can’t support resolutions higher than 1080p.

If these simple fixes don’t work, you’re probably having problems with your video adapter. If you have a discrete video card, consider removing it and switching to an integrated video card.

Is your monitor operational? The video card is then the issue. Try upgrading to the most recent driver version or, if you’ve already done so, reverting to an older driver. Also look for clear indicators of a problem, such as a broken cooling fan or burnt circuits, on the video card.

However, if the display does not operate with integrated graphics, you may have a monitor problem. Connect to a different computer to see whether it’s working. If the display works with another PC but not with yours, you’re most likely dealing with a hardware issue that affects the video card’s capacity to function.

The motherboard, power supply, or hard drive might all be at blame for your Windows black screen problem.

5. Overheating Can Cause Windows Black Screen Errors

Every computer produces heat. High temperatures can cause components to lock-up and get damaged, thus this heat must be evacuated to keep the system working. Thankfully, computers are designed to shut down before this happens.

Overheating normally causes a featureless black computer screen to appear, followed by a restart, which may or may not occur.

Overheating is frequently caused by the video card or the processor. If you get a black screen when the computer else appears to be functional, you should question the video card (the fans are on, the hard drive light active, etc.).

The black screen will normally induce a reboot or automated shutdown of the PC if the processor has overheated.

6. Repair a Black Screen of Death in Safe Mode

Safe Mode can be used to fix hardware and driver issues that result in a Black Screen of Death. If your computer is stuck on a black screen, try the following:

  1. Restart the computer
  2. Hold F8 or Shift and F8 to boot the computer into Safe Mode

You weren’t able to go to Safe Mode this way? During the Windows splash screen, try turning the machine off and on again. The machine will automatically boot into Safe Mode on the third try.
When Safe Mode is enabled:

  1. Click Advanced options then Troubleshoot
  2. From here go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  3. Select option 4, Enable Safe Mode
  4. Wait for Windows Safe Mode to start
  5. Once booted, press Windows + X
  6. In the Quick Link menu select Device Manager
  7. Expand Display adapters then right-click and select Disable
  8. Restart the computer to recommence installation of Windows 10

7. Computer Stuck on a Black Screen? Check the PSU

Your PC may hang with a black screen due to a defective power supply unit (PSU). But how can you cure a PSU-caused Black Screen of Death?

PSU problems, after all, can be difficult to identify. The problem is normally discovered by a process of elimination, although this might take some time. If you’ve already tested other devices and found that none of the components are overheating, the power supply is most likely the source of the problem.

It’s possible that the PSU isn’t even at blame in some circumstances. The power supply may be impacted by upgrades to power-hungry new video cards or CPUs. In other words, your PC isn’t getting enough juice.

Only by replacing the PSU can you be certain. As a final option, work your way through the list.

Conclusion

A software problem (or a Windows Update) is frequently to blame for the Black Screen of Death, although it can usually be fixed.

Black displays that appear out of nowhere are frequently the consequence of a more serious hardware issue. This will necessitate component replacement or repair. There is virtually always a solution, regardless of the situation.

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