The following reasons can cause any of those issues:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Cable connections<\/b>: Your monitor\u2019s power and display cables may be loose, faulty, or unplugged.<\/li>\n
- Hardware issues<\/b>: Problems with the monitor itself, your graphics card, and other components, such as your RAM and hard drive, could also cause the black screen problem.<\/li>\n
- Software glitches<\/b>: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers, incompatible software, or even a Windows update can trigger a black screen.<\/li>\n
- Power settings<\/b>: Your computer might be configured to turn off the display after a period of inactivity to save power.<\/li>\n
- Overheating<\/b>: Your system might shut down the display as a safety measure if its internal components get too hot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/b>Why Is My Computer Overheating? Top Reasons and Effective Fixes<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThese issues can happen on any display brand and model. So, whether you\u2019re asking, \u201c Why does my Dell monitor keep going black ?\u201d or dealing with an Acer or Samsung monitor black screen, you can resolve the problem by following the fixes that follow.<\/p>\n
How to Fix the \u201cMonitor Keeps Going Black\u201d Issue on Windows<\/h2>\n
The best solution for you depends on the specific issue you face. For example, if you\u2019re saying, \u201cMy computer turns on but the screen is black in Windows 11,\u201d you have to start from the beginning by ensuring the problem is not due to a simple oversight.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Resolve connection problems<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Loose or damaged cables are the most common causes of this issue. Start by checking the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Ensure your display cable is securely plugged into your PC and monitor. Try unplugging and replugging it firmly.<\/li>\n
- Double-check that the power cable is plugged into both the monitor and a working power outlet. You can plug the cable into a different power outlet to confirm that the power source isn\u2019t the issue.<\/li>\n
- Inspect the cables for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent pins. You can also try different cables to confirm whether your current one is damaged.<\/li>\n
- \n
Perform a hard restart<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A hard restart <\/a> (or forced restart) can clear out the temporary memory or software glitches that might be causing the black screen. Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPerforming the hard restart will not affect personal files or corrupt applications. However, it may close any unsaved work in open programs. So, ensure you save your work before you proceed. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nDesktop:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Hold down the power button on your computer until it shuts off completely.<\/li>\n
- Disconnect your peripherals and unplug your computer from its power source.<\/li>\n
- Wait for a few seconds, then press the power button again to restart.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Laptop:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Shut down your laptop.<\/li>\n
- Unplug it from the power source and remove the battery (if it\u2019s removable).<\/li>\n
- Hold down the power button for about 15\u201320 seconds to drain any residual power.<\/li>\n
- Reinsert the battery and plug in the power cable.<\/li>\n
- Turn on your laptop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Move on to the next method if your screen is still black.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Check input settings<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you\u2019re one of those saying, \u201cMy computer turns on but the screen is black in Windows 10,\u201d you may be using the wrong signal source. Modern monitors have different input options, such as VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI. Some even have multiple HDMI ports.
\nWhile some of these monitors automatically detect display input, you may have to manually select a port.<\/p>\nYou can use the monitor\u2019s joystick to open the menu and select your preferred input option. The input option is usually a rectangle with an arrow pointing inward, typically from the left.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Check if your screen is faulty<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The next step involves checking if your screen is faulty. You can test it by connecting it to a different computer, or vice versa.<\/p>\n
For desktop monitors, try connecting the external monitor to a different PC or connecting your computer to a different PC.<\/p>\n
If you use a laptop, try connecting it to an external monitor to confirm whether the built-in screen is defective.<\/p>\n
If other monitors fail to work, your main display might be okay, and you may be dealing with hardware or software problems. Move on to the next step.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWhat if your second display keeps going black? Follow our guide on how to fix second monitor detection problems <\/a>. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- \n
Check your power settings<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Before I start going through the more advanced methods, let\u2019s check if your screen or monitor keeps going black because of your power settings. Some power settings, especially on laptops, configure your computer to automatically turn off the screen after a specified period.<\/p>\n
These settings take effect if certain situations are met, such as when you\u2019re out of battery power.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tThis fix is reserved for people whose monitors go blank randomly and then come back on after they press their keyboards or move their mouse. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nFollow these steps to check your current settings:<\/p>\n
Windows 11:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Win + I<\/code> to launch the Settings app.<\/li>\n- Select System <\/i>in the left pane and click Power & battery<\/i> on the right.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Expand the Screen and sleep <\/i> section after the Power & battery <\/i> page opens.<\/li>\n
- You can now change the time option beside the Turn off my screen<\/i> and Put device to sleep<\/i> options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Change]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nWindows 10:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open the Settings application.<\/li>\n
- Click System <\/i> on the Settings home page and select Power & sleep <\/i> in the left pane of the System page.<\/li>\n
- Choose a longer period or Never<\/i> under each menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
Power & sleep in the left pane of the System page, then choose a longer period or Never under each menu\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/i><\/p>\n- \n
- \n
Check display settings<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you notice your main display going black whenever you connect an external screen, it could be due to your current external projection preferences. You may have set your computer to display to the external monitor only.<\/p>\n
Tap the Windows and P buttons simultaneously and change the Project option to something else.<\/p>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Tap]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- \n
Reset your monitor<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes, a monitor\u2019s internal settings can become corrupted or misconfigured, leading to display issues like a black screen.<\/p>\n
Resetting the monitor to its factory defaults can often resolve these problems.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tThe exact menu layout and reset procedure can vary depending on your monitor\u2019s brand and model. You can refer to your monitor\u2019s user manual for specific instructions if the steps below don\u2019t help. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nFollow these steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Locate the menu button:<\/b> Most monitors have a menu button often labeled Menu <\/i> or with a gear icon. In some cases, such buttons are not labeled and may bring up options allowing you to enter the monitor\u2019s menu.<\/li>\n
- Find the reset option:<\/b> Use the menu and navigation buttons to navigate through the on-screen display (OSD) and find the option to reset the monitor to factory settings. This option might be under a section called Settings <\/i>, Advanced <\/i>, Extra <\/i>, Reset <\/i>, or something similar.<\/li>\n
- Confirm the reset:<\/b> Once you find the reset option, select it and confirm your choice. The monitor should restart to complete the process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- \n
Check for faulty RAM<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Faulty RAM modules can trigger the monitor blackout. You may need to reseat your RAM sticks or replace any faulty ones (if you use multiple).<\/p>\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\tIf your monitor keeps going black while you use your PC, you can run Windows Memory Diagnostics to check whether a RAM module is bad. Our guide on how to check Windows Memory Diagnostic results <\/a> will walk you through the process from start to finish. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nHowever, you may have to physically reseat or test your RAM modules if the display issue prevents you from accessing your computer.<\/p>\n
Reseating the RAM slot<\/strong><\/p>\n
Follow these steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source.<\/li>\n
- Open the case, unlatch the RAM slot\u2019s lock mechanism, and carefully remove the RAM stick.<\/li>\n
- Now, install the RAM stick back (remember to unlatch the locks first). Do the same if you have more than one stick.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\r\n\tSome PCs, especially compact systems, may have one lock mechanism. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
If you use a laptop, ensure you remove your battery or disconnect it once you open the laptop case. Most notebook RAM modules are held in place by clips on either side. Carefully push these clips outward simultaneously to release the RAM stick. It should pop up slightly.<\/p>\n
Testing RAM modules<\/strong><\/p>\n
The next step involves troubleshooting each RAM slot if you use two.<\/p>\n
First remove one module (let\u2019s call this stick A), then restart your system with the second one (stick B) to check if the display problem persists. If nothing happens, reinsert stick A, remove stick B, and restart your PC.<\/p>\n
If the monitor is still blank, remove both modules and try using another one.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tSome modern laptop RAMs are soldered to their boards, making it almost impossible to replace or even upgrade system memory. You can contact your OEM in this case for assistance. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- \n
Update the graphics card driver<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
I once experienced constant flickering after changing a faulty RAM module and thought my aging laptop screen was finally about to give out. But the issue was nothing a simple graphics card driver update couldn\u2019t fix.<\/p>\n
The driver is the main software utility responsible for the communication between Windows and your GPU. If it is out of date or corrupted, you\u2019ll continue experiencing display problems.<\/p>\n
You can resolve the problem by updating or reinstalling the driver.<\/p>\n
If you use an NVIDIA driver, you can follow our guide on updating NVIDIA graphics drivers <\/a>. In the same vein, our complete guide on updating AMD drivers <\/a> will also show you ways to install the latest software components for your AMD GPU.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nBe that as it may, Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a> is your best option for dealing with and preventing driver-related problems.<\/p>\nSince GPU drivers can run into problems when they experience conflicts with other drivers, it\u2019s a good idea to keep every other device\u2019s software in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n
Driver Updater will help you do that, as it\u2019s configured to update or roll back every Windows-related driver.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n- \n
- \n
Fix overheating problems<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Computers have safety mechanisms that allow them to shut down certain components when they start overheating.<\/p>\n
Preventing and dealing with overheating issues, especially when gaming or running other CPU- or GPU-intensive applications, can help resolve the problem.<\/p>\n
You can follow our complete guide on resolving laptop overheating problems <\/a> to fix the issue in your probable computer.<\/p>\n
You can also cool your desktop PC down using the instructions in our piece that covers the reasons and remedies for overheating computers <\/a>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Restore windows<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Software changes, such as installing or removing a Windows Update, driver update, or software application, may be the cause of the black screen problem, especially if you started experiencing the issue after such actions. Performing a system restore <\/a> will help in this case.\u00a0 This feature allows you to revert your system to a previous point in time before the changes were made.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tImportant notes about System Restore<\/div>\r\n\t\n- \n
- System Restore only works if you have previously created restore points. If you haven\u2019t, the option to restore will only be available if Windows created an automatic restore point after installing an update.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- You won\u2019t lose your personal files, but the System Restore utility will remove any programs or drivers installed after the restore point you select. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Follow these steps to restore Windows:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to the Start menu or click the search button in the taskbar.<\/li>\n
- Type \u201cRestore<\/i>\u201d and click Create a restore point<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click the System Restore <\/i> button after the System Properties dialog window opens.<\/li>\n
- Select Next <\/i>under Restore system files and settings<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Choose your restore point on the page that follows and click the Next <\/i>button. The Scan for affected programs <\/i> button allows you to see applications that will be removed or downgraded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Select Finish <\/i>and allow Windows to restore your computer to a previous date.<\/li>\n
- Your computer will now restart and begin the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nRead more: <\/b>System Restore Not Working in Windows 10<\/a><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- \n
Manually undo recent changes<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As I mentioned earlier, a program or driver update you recently installed might be the cause of the problem. You have to remove those updates or applications if you did not create a restore point before then.<\/p>\n
If you recently installed a Windows update, the Windows restore fix explained above will help you uninstall the update since Windows automatically creates a restore point.<\/p>\n
You can follow our guide on rolling back device drivers <\/a> to remove the driver update you installed. To uninstall a program, go to the Settings application, select Apps > Installed apps <\/i> (or Apps & features <\/i>), search for the program, select it, and click Uninstall <\/i>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Fixing black screen of death errors<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you\u2019re on Windows 11 and see a black screen with a bunch of write-ups that you don\u2019t understand, you may be experiencing a BSOD (black screen of death in this case).<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a version of the blue screen of death problem, which indicates a fatal error that Windows could not recover from. You can follow our guide on BSODs <\/a> to learn why they happen and how to resolve them.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Your computer will now restart and begin the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Select Finish <\/i>and allow Windows to restore your computer to a previous date.<\/li>\n
- Select Next <\/i>under Restore system files and settings<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click the System Restore <\/i> button after the System Properties dialog window opens.<\/li>\n
- You won\u2019t lose your personal files, but the System Restore utility will remove any programs or drivers installed after the restore point you select. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- System Restore only works if you have previously created restore points. If you haven\u2019t, the option to restore will only be available if Windows created an automatic restore point after installing an update.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- Find the reset option:<\/b> Use the menu and navigation buttons to navigate through the on-screen display (OSD) and find the option to reset the monitor to factory settings. This option might be under a section called Settings <\/i>, Advanced <\/i>, Extra <\/i>, Reset <\/i>, or something similar.<\/li>\n
- Locate the menu button:<\/b> Most monitors have a menu button often labeled Menu <\/i> or with a gear icon. In some cases, such buttons are not labeled and may bring up options allowing you to enter the monitor\u2019s menu.<\/li>\n
- \n
- Choose a longer period or Never<\/i> under each menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- You can now change the time option beside the Turn off my screen<\/i> and Put device to sleep<\/i> options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Select System <\/i>in the left pane and click Power & battery<\/i> on the right.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Press
- \n
- \n
- \n
- Hardware issues<\/b>: Problems with the monitor itself, your graphics card, and other components, such as your RAM and hard drive, could also cause the black screen problem.<\/li>\n
![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-59.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Change](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-60.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-61.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-63.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-64.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/unnamed-65.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n