To fix a black screen in Windows 10, first press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver. If that doesn’t work, check the cables and power, press Windows logo key + P to switch display modes, and restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager. If the screen stays black, start in Safe Mode and update or roll back your graphics driver.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Try the quick fixes first
- Wake the screen. Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. You’ll hear a beep or see the screen flicker if the graphics driver restarts.
- Check the power and cables. Make sure the laptop is charged or plugged in. For a monitor, check that it’s on and the HDMI or DisplayPort cable is firmly connected at both ends. Try another cable or monitor if you can.
- Switch display modes. Press Windows logo key + P, then press P again and Enter to cycle through PC screen only, Duplicate, and Extend.
- Unplug extras. Disconnect external displays, docks, and USB devices, then restart.
- Force a restart. Press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds, then turn the PC back on.
Restart Windows Explorer (black screen with a cursor)
If you can see the mouse pointer but not the desktop or taskbar:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If nothing appears, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager.
- On the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
- If Windows Explorer isn’t listed, select File > Run new task, type
explorer.exe, and press Enter.
Start in Safe Mode and fix the graphics driver
If the screen stays black, start Windows with basic drivers:
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the PC. Turn it on, and as soon as Windows starts to load, hold the power button again. Do this two or three times until Automatic Repair or Choose an option appears.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the PC restarts, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
In Safe Mode:
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters and right-click your graphics card.
- Select Update driver. If the black screen started after an update, select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver instead.
- Restart the PC normally.
If the problem started recently
From Troubleshoot > Advanced options, select System Restore and choose a restore point from before the black screen started. Your files aren’t affected, but apps and drivers installed after that point are removed.
Black screen in other situations
After waking from sleep
If the PC wakes but the screen stays black, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B first. If it happens often, update the graphics driver and your PC’s BIOS or firmware from the maker’s support site. Turning off Fast Startup can also help: open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, select Change settings that are currently unavailable, and clear Turn on fast startup.
During a Windows update
A black screen with spinning dots or no activity can be normal while an update installs. Leave the PC plugged in for at least an hour before forcing it off. Turning it off mid-update can damage Windows.
On a second monitor, TV, or projector
Press Windows + P and try Duplicate or Extend. Check that the monitor or TV is set to the right input, such as HDMI 1. If the screen went black right after you changed the resolution or refresh rate, wait 15 seconds without clicking and Windows switches back automatically.
Only when playing games or videos
This usually points to the graphics driver or overheating. Update the driver, make sure the PC’s fans and vents aren’t blocked, and try lowering the game’s graphics settings.
Frequently asked questions
The screen shows an error, not just black. What now?
Messages like “Your PC ran into a problem” are stop errors. See how to fix a blue screen in Windows 10.
Which graphics card do I have?
See how to check your GPU in Windows 10. To update it along with your other drivers, see how to update all drivers on Windows 10.
I see a black screen with a blinking cursor before Windows starts.
That usually means the PC can’t find the drive Windows is on. Unplug USB drives and check the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings.
Microsoft’s guide is Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to fix a grey screen on Windows 11.
Related: how to fix a white screen on a Windows 10 laptop.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.