The Black Screen of Death is a serious problem that can happen on Windows computers. When it occurs, the screen turns completely black, and the system becomes unresponsive. Sometimes, only the mouse cursor is visible. This issue can happen before or after logging in to the computer.
Why Microsoft Changed the Screen Color
In older versions of Windows, serious system errors used to show a blue screen. This was called the Blue Screen of Death. Now, in Windows 11, Microsoft is replacing it with a black screen. This new look is part of a modern design and may make it easier for users to read the error message. The full update is expected to roll out by mid-2025.
Common Reasons for the Black Screen
There are several reasons why a black screen may appear on your computer. Here are the most common ones:
Featured
Hardware Issues
- Loose or damaged display cables
- Faulty RAM, graphics card, or motherboard
- External devices causing problems
Software Problems
- Outdated or broken graphics drivers
- Issues caused by recent Windows updates
- Corrupted system files or settings
Other Causes
- Viruses or malware
- Wrong BIOS or UEFI settings
- Problems with DisplayPort in multi-monitor setups
Known Triggers in Real Situations
Many people have experienced black screen problems after installing specific updates or drivers. This is especially common with Nvidia graphics cards, such as the RTX 30, 40, and 50 series. Some driver versions known to cause problems include
- 572.60
- 572.16
- 576.02
- 576.28
- 576.52
Windows updates like KB50466333 and KB5048685 have also been linked to the issue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Black Screen
Here are some steps you can try if you face the black screen issue.
Hardware Checks
- Make sure the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard
- Turn off the PC, unplug everything, and hold the power button for 20 seconds
- Remove all external USB devices
- Take out the RAM and put it back in carefully
- Check for beep sounds or light indicators from the motherboard
Software Fixes
Reset Graphics Driver
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver
Enter Safe Mode
- Force restart your PC three times to get into the Windows Recovery screen
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart
- Choose Safe Mode with networking
Fix Drivers in Safe Mode
- Open Device Manager
- Go to Display Adapters
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Roll Back or Uninstall
- You can also use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller to remove all old files
- Reinstall a stable Nvidia driver manually, like version 566 or 572.83
Restart File Explorer
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), then click File → Run new task → type explorer.exe
Disable Startup Apps
In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and turn off unnecessary apps
Check Registry Settings
Open Registry Editor and go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > Winlogon
Make sure the “Shell” is set to explorer.exe
BIOS and UEFI Options
You can also try resetting the BIOS or UEFI settings:
- Enter the BIOS setup during startup (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc)
- Choose Load Optimized Defaults and Save and Exit
- Or turn off the PC, remove the CMOS battery for 20 seconds, then put it back
- You can also use the CMOS jumper on the motherboard to reset settings
Display Fixes
- Try using integrated graphics if your CPU supports it
- Disconnect all extra monitors and use only one
- Lower the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz if you are using a gaming monitor
What to Do After Fixing the Problem
Once your computer is working again, follow these steps:
- Run Windows Update to fix any missing files
- Update your antivirus and run a full scan
- Keep all drivers, especially graphics drivers, up to date
- Create a restore point in case something goes wrong in the future
When to Get Help
If none of the above steps work, or you are afraid of losing your files, contact
- The customer support team of your PC brand
- A certified repair technician
- A data recovery service
Summary Table
| Area | Action Steps |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Check cables, RAM, and monitor |
| Quick Fixes | Reset graphics driver, restart File Explorer |
| Safe Mode | Uninstall bad drivers, use DDU |
| BIOS Reset | Use defaults or remove CMOS battery |
| Display Fix | Use only one monitor, reduce refresh rate |
Final Thoughts
The Black Screen of Death can be scary, but most of the time, it can be fixed at home. Start with the easy steps, like checking cables or restarting drivers. If the problem continues, Safe Mode and driver rollback often solve it. Don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance for more serious cases.