How to Resolve a Black Screen in Windows 11

The revamped Start menu, updated apps, and other features in Windows 11 are all eye-catching. System reliability is one area where Microsoft has failed to pay close attention. When the OS is unable to display content, a black screen appears. The following are some options for resolving the black screen in Windows 11.

How to Resolve a Black Screen in Windows 11

Before we get into how to troubleshoot the black screen problem in Windows 11, it's important to first understand what the black screen problem is.

The Reasons behind Windows 11's Black Screen

Both hardware and software can cause the black screen error in Windows 11. Malicious files on your computer might sometimes cause a black screen problem.

On PCs with an external display, the black screen problem is more noticeable. A loose wiring connection on your desk is the most common cause of a dark screen. Let's get started troubleshooting from there.

1. Check Physical Connections

Do you have a shaky or unstable wired connection on your computer? We consider unplugging all of the wires and replugging them. While you're at it, inspect all of the cables for physical damage.

If one of these wires is damaged on one end or both, it must be replaced with a new one.

2. Restart PC

You can do a system reboot from the Start menu if you can get back to the Windows desktop. The majority of people keep their computers in sleep mode. It may be necessary to reboot the computer from time to time in order to maintain it working smoothly.

Select the power button by clicking the Windows button on the taskbar. Select Restart and pay close attention to how Windows behaves.

3. Make Sure RAM is Slotted Properly

This one is for PC users only. We don't advocate checking the slotted RAM by opening the laptop back up.

If you've ever constructed a computer at home, you're already familiar with how to correctly install RAM. Remove the RAM and the lid from the PC. Clean them up and reinstall them on the motherboard.

4. Turn on Monitor

Your desk monitor goes into sleep mode after a few minutes of inactivity. Windows 11 is already running in the background, but you won't see anything on the screen because the monitor is in sleep mode.

If your monitor comes with a remote (like the Samsung M7 and M8), use the wake-up button on the remote to switch on the monitor.

5. Make Sure You Are in Right HDMI Mode

The majority of modern monitors have several HDMI ports. Assume you've connected your computer to HDMI 1 and are using HDMI 2 as your monitor's screen output.

You won't be able to get past the blank screen no matter what tactic you use. Switch between HDMI modes with the remote or the monitor button, then select the one you want to project on the monitor.

6. Reinstall Display Drivers

Black screen failures in Windows 11 might be caused by corrupt display drivers on your computer. Reinstall display drivers on the PC using the Device Manager option.

1. Right-click on the Windows button and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the Display adapter menu and check default graphics.

3. Right-click on it and select Uninstall device.

Confirm your decision to uninstall drivers. Reboot the computer and the OS will download the required drivers.  

7. Modify the Projector's Settings

Have you tried using an extra display with a Windows laptop? To obtain the Windows 11 output on a huge screen, you'll need to make the necessary settings in the projector menu.

Pressing the Windows + P keys on your Windows laptop will bring up the Project menu. Select Only the Second Screen from the side menu and you're done.

If you want to use the laptop and monitor at the same time, go to the Project menu and choose Extend or Duplicate.

8. Install Pending Driver Updates

While the system installs required driver updates during the software update process, the OS does skip optional updates. If you are facing a black screen issue, you need to install optional updates on your computer.

1. Launch Window Settings (use Windows + I keys).

2. Go to the Windows Update menu and select Advanced Options.

3. Select Optional updates.

4. Download and install pending driver updates.

9. Update Graphics Card Drivers

OEMs Asus and NVIDIA offer dedicated software to install new graphics driver updates. You can use the app to install required graphics drivers on the computer.

Note: In the screenshot below, we will show the Armoury Crate app that comes built-in on all Asus devices.

1. Open OEM app on your computer.

2. Go to Tools and select Driver.

3. At the bottom of the page, click Pending Drivers and then Download & Install.

You won't see a black screen if you restart your computer.

Return to Work

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's operating A dark screen in the middle of a project can sabotage your productivity. Before you panic and restart your computer, try the tips above to quickly resolve the black screen issue.