Top 9 Solutions to Fix Black Screen in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers a range of exciting features, such as a revamped Start menu and redesigned apps. However, one area where Microsoft has fallen short is system reliability. Sometimes, Windows 11 fails to display content and instead shows a frustrating black screen. If you're facing this issue, don't worry! We've got you covered with these top 9 solutions to fix the black screen problem in Windows 11.

Reasons Behind the Black Screen in Windows 11

The black screen error in Windows 11 can be caused by both hardware and software issues. Malicious files on your PC can also result in a black screen error. Additionally, this problem is more common on PCs connected to external monitors, with loose wire connections being a major factor. Let's start troubleshooting from there.

1. Check Physical Connections

First and foremost, check if any of the wired connections on your computer are loose or damaged. We recommend removing all the wires and plugging them back in, while also inspecting them for any physical damage. If you find any damaged wires, replace them with new ones.

2. Restart Your PC

If you can still access the Windows desktop, try performing a system reboot. Click on the Windows button on the taskbar, select the power button, and choose Restart. This will help in resolving any temporary issues and ensure your computer runs smoothly.

3. Ensure RAM is Properly Installed

If you're using a PC, make sure the RAM is properly slotted. However, we don't recommend opening a laptop to check the RAM. If you have a PC, remove the lid, take out the RAM, clean it, and reinsert it properly into the motherboard.

4. Turn on Your Monitor

Sometimes, your desktop monitor may go into sleep mode after a period of inactivity. In such cases, even if Windows 11 is running in the background, you won't see anything on the screen. To resolve this, press the power button on your monitor. If your monitor has a remote, you can also use the wake-up button on it to turn on the monitor.

5. Check HDMI Mode

If you're using a monitor with multiple HDMI slots, ensure that you have selected the correct HDMI mode on the monitor. For example, if you've connected your computer to HDMI 1 but have selected HDMI 2 as the screen output on the monitor, you won't be able to get past the black screen. Use the remote or monitor buttons to switch between HDMI modes and select the relevant one for your monitor.

6. Reinstall Display Drivers

Corrupt display drivers can also cause black screen errors in Windows 11. To fix this, open the Device Manager menu by right-clicking on the Windows button and selecting Device Manager. In the Display adapter menu, check the default graphics and uninstall the device. Reboot your computer, and the OS will automatically download and install the required drivers.

7. Adjust Projector Settings

If you've connected a Windows laptop to an external monitor, you may need to make some changes in the projector settings to get the Windows 11 output on the big screen. Press the Windows + P keys on your laptop to open the Project menu. From there, select the “Second screen only” option to project the display on the external monitor. You can also choose “Extend” or “Duplicate” if you want to use both the laptop and monitor simultaneously.

8. Install Pending Driver Updates

During the software update process, Windows may skip optional driver updates. If you're experiencing a black screen issue, it's crucial to install these optional updates. To do this, go to Windows Settings (Windows + I keys), select Windows Update, and choose Advanced Options. From there, select Optional updates and download/install any pending driver updates.

9. Update Graphics Card Drivers

Some OEMs like Asus and NVIDIA provide dedicated software for installing new graphics driver updates. Use the relevant app on your computer, such as the Armoury Crate app for Asus devices, to update the graphics drivers. This will ensure that your computer has the latest drivers installed.

With these solutions, you can get back to work without the frustration of a black screen interrupting your workflow. Windows 11 may have its quirks, but you now have the tools to overcome them and enjoy a seamless computing experience.