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How to Fix Black Screen Without Cursor on Windows 11: Complete Working Solutions

Experiencing a black screen without a cursor on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This issue often prevents you from accessing your desktop or using your PC normally. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this problem, starting from simple checks to more advanced solutions.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to resolve the black screen issue. Each solution is explained clearly so that even beginners can understand and apply them.

Take your time with each step and make sure to read the explanations. This will help you know why each action is necessary and how it can fix the problem.

Let’s get started and bring your Windows 11 PC back to life.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, here are some quick checks you should perform:

  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches that cause the black screen.
  • Check monitor and connections: Ensure your monitor is turned on and all cables are securely connected.
  • Disconnect external devices: Remove USB drives, printers, or other peripherals that might interfere with startup.
  • Wait patiently: Sometimes Windows is updating or running background processes; give it a few minutes to respond.

Step 1: Try Safe Mode to Access Your PC

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, which helps identify if third-party software is causing the problem.

How to Boot into Safe Mode

  1. Force Shutdown: Press and hold the power button until your PC turns off.
  2. Turn on and Interrupt Startup: Press the power button to turn on and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button again to force shutdown. Repeat this 2-3 times.
  3. Automatic Repair: After repeated shutdowns, Windows will enter the Recovery Environment automatically.
  4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, check if the screen and cursor appear normally. If yes, the problem is likely caused by drivers or software loading in normal mode.

Step 2: Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Display drivers control how your computer communicates with your monitor. Corrupted or incompatible drivers can cause a black screen.

Update Display Drivers

  1. In Safe Mode, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your display adapter (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the prompts and restart your PC normally.

Roll Back Display Drivers (if update caused issue)

  1. Open Device Manager again in Safe Mode.
  2. Right-click your display adapter and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if available.
  4. Restart your PC to check if the problem is fixed.

Step 3: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause boot issues by not allowing Windows to fully reset drivers and hardware.

How to Disable Fast Startup

  1. Open Control Panel by typing it in the search bar.
  2. Navigate to Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Click Save changes and restart your PC.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files may cause the black screen without cursor. Windows has built-in tools to scan and repair these files.

Run SFC Scan

  1. In Safe Mode, press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type the following and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan will check and repair damaged system files. Wait until it finishes completely.

Run DISM Tool

  1. In the same Command Prompt window, type these commands one by one and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands will repair the Windows image if there are any issues.

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest updates can fix bugs and improve system stability.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  3. Download and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your PC after updates are installed.

Alternative Method: Use System Restore

If the black screen started recently, restoring your system to an earlier point can undo problematic changes.

  1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment using the forced shutdown method described in Step 1.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point dated before the problem began.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my Windows 11 show a black screen without a cursor?

This can happen due to corrupted display drivers, system file errors, Windows updates gone wrong, or hardware connection issues.

Can I fix the black screen without Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is often necessary because it allows you to troubleshoot without third-party programs interfering, making it easier to fix the problem.

Will disconnecting external devices help?

Yes, sometimes faulty peripherals or drivers related to them cause startup issues. Disconnecting them can help isolate the problem.

Is data lost if I use System Restore?

System Restore does not affect your personal files but may remove recently installed apps or drivers.

How long should I wait on a black screen before assuming it’s stuck?

Waiting 5-10 minutes is usually enough. If nothing appears after that, proceed with troubleshooting steps.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the black screen without cursor, you may need to consider more advanced options:

  • Reset Windows 11: This reinstalls Windows but allows you to keep or remove your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
  • Consult a professional technician: Hardware issues like a failing GPU or motherboard can cause black screens.

Conclusion

A black screen without a cursor on Windows 11 can be caused by various issues, from driver problems to corrupted system files. Starting with simple steps like restarting or entering Safe Mode helps identify the root cause. Updating or rolling back drivers, running system scans, and disabling fast startup are effective fixes.

Always proceed step-by-step and be patient with each solution. If none of the methods work, advanced options like system restore or contacting support are recommended.

By following this guide carefully, you can resolve the black screen problem and get your Windows 11 PC working smoothly again.

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