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How to Fix a Black Screen on Windows (No Display at Startup)
Estimated Time to Fix: 5 minutesApplies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-20
Summary
This article guides you through troubleshooting a black or blank screen when you turn on your Windows computer.
Symptoms
- Your computer is powered on (lights are on, fans are spinning), but the screen remains completely black.
- You can hear Windows startup sounds, but there is no display.
- You only see your mouse cursor on a black background.
Prerequisites
- None required.
Instructions
1. Wake the Display
- Press the following keyboard shortcut simultaneously:
Windows Key + Ctrl + Shift + B. - You will hear a short beep, and the screen will blink or dim while Windows attempts to restart your graphics driver.
- Wait a few seconds to see if the display turns on.
2. Check Cables and Connections
- Ensure your monitor is plugged into a working power outlet and is turned on.
- Check the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) connecting your monitor to the computer.
- Unplug the cable from both the monitor and the computer, then plug it firmly back in.
3. Hard Reset the Computer
- Press and hold the power button on your computer for 10 seconds until it completely powers down.
- Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cable back in and press the power button to turn it on.
4. Verify Success
- Your computer should boot normally and display the Windows login screen.
Troubleshooting
WARNING
If your screen is completely black and you don't even see the manufacturer's logo (like Dell or HP) when you first turn on the computer, the issue is likely hardware-related.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Only the mouse cursor is visible | Windows Explorer failed to start | Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter. |
| No display at all, even logo | Hardware failure | How to Submit an Effective IT Support Ticket |