I’ve been having a strange issue with my desktop computer where sometimes, after turning it on, the display remains black and nothing appears on the screen. The computer does appear to power on successfully, as I can see the LEDs on the case are lit.
To resolve this problem, I’ve found that I can power the computer off by holding down the power button and then unplugging it. After making a popping sound, I plug the power back in and the computer will boot up normally, displaying the BIOS boot screen.
I’m using Windows 10 on a PC with the following configuration: AMD Ryzen 7 2700x processor, Nvidia GT 710 graphics card, B450 Aorus Pro Wifi motherboard, 16GB 2133MHz DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
3 Answers
Introduction
Computers have become an integral part of our lives, and we use them for various purposes like gaming, work, and entertainment. However, sometimes we encounter issues like a black screen when turning on the computer. It can be frustrating and can cause a lot of inconvenience, especially if we have important work to do.
In this blog post, we will discuss the possible reasons for a black screen when turning on the computer and the steps you can take to resolve the issue. We will also provide some tips to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Hardware Issues
One of the main reasons for a black screen when turning on the computer is hardware issues. Hardware problems can occur due to various reasons like a faulty graphics card, motherboard, or power supply unit (PSU).
If you suspect that the issue is with the hardware, the first thing you should do is check all the connections. Ensure that all the cables are plugged in correctly and that there are no loose connections. If you find any loose connections, plug them in securely and try turning on the computer again.
If the issue persists, you can try removing and reinserting the graphics card and RAM. Sometimes, the graphics card or RAM may not be seated correctly, causing the black screen issue.
If you have recently installed new hardware, make sure that it is compatible with your computer. Incompatible hardware can cause issues like a black screen when turning on the computer.
Software Issues
Another reason for a black screen when turning on the computer is software issues. Software problems can occur due to various reasons like a corrupted operating system, outdated drivers, or malware.
If you suspect that the issue is with the software, the first thing you should do is try booting the computer in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to troubleshoot software issues without loading unnecessary programs and drivers.
To boot the computer in Safe Mode, press the F8 key repeatedly while the computer is booting up. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
If the computer boots up in Safe Mode, you can try updating the drivers and running a malware scan. Outdated drivers can cause software issues, and malware can cause various system problems, including a black screen when turning on the computer.
Power Issues
Power issues can also cause a black screen when turning on the computer. Power issues can occur due to various reasons like a faulty power supply unit (PSU), power surge, or power outage.
If you suspect that the issue is with the power, the first thing you should do is check the power supply unit. Ensure that all the cables are plugged in correctly and that there are no loose connections. If you find any loose connections, plug them in securely and try turning on the computer again.
If the issue persists, you can try using a different power cable or power outlet. Sometimes, the power cable or power outlet may be faulty, causing the black screen issue.
BIOS Issues
BIOS issues can also cause a black screen when turning on the computer. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a program that runs on the motherboard and initializes the hardware components of the computer.
If you suspect that the issue is with the BIOS, you can try resetting it. To reset the BIOS, you need to locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for a few minutes. Then, reinsert the battery and turn on the computer.
If the issue persists, you can try updating the BIOS. BIOS updates can fix various issues, including a black screen when turning on the computer. However, updating the BIOS can be risky, and you should only do it if you are comfortable with the process.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than cure, and there are a few things you can do to prevent a black screen when turning on the computer.
Firstly, ensure that you shut down the computer properly. Avoid turning off the computer by unplugging it or holding down the power button.
Secondly, keep your computer clean and free from dust. Dust can accumulate inside the computer and cause various hardware issues, including a black screen when turning on the computer.
Lastly, ensure that you install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Malware can cause various system problems, including a black screen when turning on the computer.
Conclusion
A black screen when turning on the computer can be a frustrating issue, but it is not always a serious problem. By following the steps mentioned in this blog post, you can troubleshoot the issue and resolve it quickly. Remember to take preventive measures to avoid this problem from occurring in the future.
There could be several reasons why you are experiencing a black screen when turning on your computer. Here are a few potential causes:
- Hardware issues: The problem could be related to the graphics card, motherboard, or another component. You could try swapping out components, such as the graphics card or RAM, to see if the problem persists.
- Software issues: The black screen problem could be caused by a software issue, such as a corrupted driver or operating system. In this case, you could try booting into Safe Mode and see if the problem persists. If it does not, you could try uninstalling recently installed software or drivers to see if that resolves the issue.
- Power issues: The problem could also be related to power supply or the power cord. Make sure that the power cord is properly plugged in and that the power supply is working properly.
- Display issues: If you are using an external display, the problem could be with the display itself or the connection between the display and the computer. Try unplugging the display and plugging it back in, or try using a different display to see if the problem persists.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without more information. If you have tried the above suggestions and the problem persists, you may want to try booting into the BIOS or UEFI to see if the problem occurs there as well. If the problem does not occur in the BIOS, it is likely a software issue. If the problem does occur in the BIOS, it is likely a hardware issue.
There are several potential causes of a black screen on a computer. Some possible solutions include:
- Installation in progress: If you see a black screen while an installation is in progress, it is best to wait for it to finish. However, if the installation has been stuck for 3-6 hours, it may be necessary to shut down the device and try again. To do this, disconnect all non-essential peripherals (e.g. external storage, phone, printer, game controller, network cable, secondary monitor), and turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters if possible. Only leave the essentials (keyboard, mouse, display) connected. Wait 60 seconds, then reconnect the battery and power cable and turn the device back on. This should allow the installation to resume and complete.
- Loose connections or driver issues: If the problem is caused by loose connections or driver issues, you should check that the display is properly connected to the computer and to power. If possible, try changing the video port (e.g. from VGA to HDMI) or disabling the discrete graphics card and switching to the integrated one. You may need to update or reinstall the drivers, or check that everything is properly connected to the discrete graphics card. You can also try using a different monitor or cables, or using the Windows key + P keyboard shortcut to cycle through screen options. If the display is not being detected, you can try using the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B keyboard shortcut to wake it up.
- A device causing problems: If a device connected to the computer is causing the problem, you should disconnect everything except the essentials (tower, keyboard, mouse, monitor) and restart the device. Then slowly reconnect things one at a time, checking the drivers for each device and updating or reinstalling them if necessary. If the problem persists, you may need to troubleshoot with the product’s support center.
- Other (more complicated or obscure reasons): If none of the above solutions fix the problem, you may need to try booting into Safe Mode, using the troubleshooting tools in the advanced startup menu, or performing a clean reinstall of the operating system. You can also check if the GPU is properly referenced in the BIOS or try rolling back the integrated graphics driver.