Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows — by Microsoft Support

beginnerpageLink only (©)

Covers why Windows might show a black or blank screen at startup, after signing in or after an update, with basic and advanced fixes.

Quick steps

Check power and that any external monitor is on and connected
Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver
Cycle display modes with Windows + P
Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager
Hold the power button for 20 seconds to force a restart

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full article on support.microsoft.com

Source: Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows by Microsoft Support. Licence: Link only (©).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

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