Dealing with a sudden black screen on Windows 11? Find the solutions here.

Users of the Windows 11 operating system frequently encounter the black screen issue. While gaming or performing any regular task, the PC screen suddenly goes black. The power LCD light indicates that it's "on," the CPU is running, but the output screen is entirely black. This problem also occurs when attempting to resume the system from the "Hibernate" mode.

It can be quite frustrating when this happens. If you're experiencing this issue, don't panic. In this article, we'll provide you with 7 solutions to fix the random black screen on Windows 11, helping you get rid of the annoyance for good.

Also read: Fix Windows 10 Freezing Randomly | Fix Laptop White Screen on Windows

[7 Solutions] Fix Random Black Screen Issues in Windows 11

The most reliable methods to fix the black screen issue on Windows 11 are as follows:

1. 1. Restart your Windows 11 PC
2. 2. Check and reconnect the display cable
3. 3. Connect to another display
4. 4. Verify graphics card compatibility
5. 5. Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
6. 6. Update the graphics driver
7. 7. Perform a system restore

1. Restart your Windows 11 computer.

In most cases, a black screen occurs due to a one-time glitch. In this situation, you can resolve the issue by restarting your Windows 11 computer. During the restart, the system will reconfigure itself and revert to its default settings, clearing any temporary errors.

Press and hold the Power button for 3-5 seconds.

• Wait for your system to shut down.
• Then, press the Power button to turn it on.

If the problem recurs, you can perform Repair 2.

Read more: Windows 11 Black Screen with Cursor

Inspect the screen connection and reconnect it.

A loose or incorrectly connected video cable can also cause a black screen.

Make sure the LCD screen is turned on. Inspect the condition and connection of the video cable. Check the video cable for damage. If you find any defective components, replace them. All done. To disconnect, first remove the video cable from the CPU.

After a while, plug the cable into the port you want to use, and that should do it.

Read also: Screen Freezes But PC Keeps Running

3. Connect to Another Screen

If the problem is consistent, it's likely your LCD panel. If the display is at fault, try connecting the system to another monitor.

< LI >< B > Turn off the computer system. < /B >< /LI > < LI >< B > Disconnect the video cable and the VGA cable from the LCD monitor. < /B >< /LI > < LI >< B > Connect these cables to the appropriate ports on another LCD monitor. < /B >< /LI >

• Turn on the system. It should connect to the other display.

4. Check graphics card compatibility

If an app or video game goes black, it indicates that your graphics driver isn't compatible with a required feature.

From the Start menu, open Settings in Windows 11. Then choose System > Display > Advanced display settings.

(Example image: Windows 11 screen randomly turning black issue)

• Check the model and manufacturer information for your graphics card.
• Verify that it meets the requirements.
• If it doesn't, either update the driver or replace the graphics card.

5. Boot into Windows 11 Safe Mode

If you suspect that a third-party app or process is running in the background, use Windows 11's Safe Mode. This will prevent all such apps from affecting the Windows boot process, ensuring a safe startup and loading of the Boot Menu.

• Press and hold the power button to turn off your computer. Then, press the power button again to restart it.
• When you see the Windows logo, hold down the power button until the computer turns off, then releases.
• Repeat this process to interrupt the booting sequence. On the fourth attempt, the system should display "Advanced Options".
• In the Advanced Options, select "Advanced options". Next, click on "Troubleshoot".
• From the Troubleshoot menu, choose Advanced options, and then click "Startup Settings".

• At the Startup Settings screen, press F4 to start your system in Safe Mode.

6. Update your graphics card driver

In some cases, updating your graphics driver can resolve screen issues, making your GPU compatible with modern applications.

• Press Windows + S to open the Windows search. Then, type "Device Manager" and hit Enter.
• In the Device Manager window that opens, locate the Display adapters section. Right-click on your graphics driver, and select the Update driver option.

Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

7. Perform a system restore

If none of the above software fixes work, the problem might be caused by a recent change. In that case, you can use System Restore to undo all changes made since a certain date.

• Go to the Search bar, type "Create a restore point", and press Enter.
• This will show you the System Properties. On the "System Protection" tab, select System Restore.

This image depicts an issue where the screen on the Windows 11 operating system randomly turns black.

• Click "Next" to continue.
• Select a "Restore Point" from any date before the problem began, and click "Next."

Click “Finish,” and Windows 11 will revert to the state it was in before you made your changes.

Why does Windows 11 randomly turn black?

There isn't a single answer to this question. Your Windows 11 screen might randomly turn black for several reasons, with the most obvious ones being:

• Operating System: Damaged or corrupted files in Windows 11, or unwanted updates, can lead to this issue.
• Installed Apps and Drivers: Uncontrolled third-party applications can cause black screen errors. Since the issue is related to visual output, any glitch in your graphics card driver might trigger this problem.
• Hardware: Faulty cables, ports, or incorrect installation of the graphics card can result in a black screen.
• Malware: Any virus or malware can affect the system's performance and cause abnormal behavior.

Important: Back up Windows 11 regularly to prevent data loss

Given the likelihood of black screen issues and other glitches with Windows 11, your valuable data is at great risk. In some instances, resolving these problems might require wiping out all existing data on your system. Thus, it's crucial for all users to regularly back up Windows 11 to prevent data loss. For this purpose, you should employ high-quality backup software like the Todo Backup tool.

Todo Backup provides an all-in-one solution for backing up your operating system, hard disks, and files. All data can be stored in the cloud, Google Drive, or external drives as per your preference. The app also facilitates quick cloning and data transfer. All information is kept secure to prevent any data loss. This versatility makes it a preferred choice for backup and recovery software today.

In sum

The Windows 11 screen randomly turning black is one of the most common and recurring issues in the operating system. It frustrates users and prevents them from working on their devices effectively. This problem can be caused by various software and hardware issues.

This article will introduce 7 ways to fix the problem, each with detailed steps illustrated by pictures. As a black screen can lead to data loss, we recommend using the Todo Backup utility to protect your data. Download and install it now to permanently resolve all issues regarding data loss and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Random Screen Blackouts in Windows 11

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the issue of a black screen on Windows 11: 1. **Q: Why does my Windows 11 screen suddenly turn black?** **A:** This could be due to various reasons such as driver issues, power settings, update conflicts, or hardware malfunction. First, ensure your display connection is stable, then make sure all drivers are up to date. 2. **Q: How can I fix the issue of my Windows 11 screen suddenly getting darker?** **A:** Try adjusting your screen brightness settings or go to Power Options and select "Balanced" or "High Performance" plan. Updating your graphics card driver might also be helpful if the problem persists. 3. **Q: What if sleep mode is causing my screen to turn black?** **A:** Check your power settings and set "Turn off display" and "Put the computer to sleep" to "Never." This will prevent the system from automatically entering sleep mode due to inactivity. 4. **Q: My screen turned black after updating Windows 11. How do I resolve this?** **A:** Updates sometimes cause compatibility issues. You can try rolling back the recent updates or booting your computer in Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts. 5. **Q: Can hardware issues cause a black screen on Windows 11?** **A:** Yes, faults with your monitor, graphics card, or other related hardware can lead to this issue. Check that cables are securely connected, or try connecting your monitor to another computer to determine if it's a hardware problem. 6. **Q: Should I contact Microsoft Support?** **A:** If none of the above suggestions work, you might need to reach out to Microsoft's official support for more specialized technical guidance or diagnostic services. Try these solutions based on your specific situation, and I hope they assist you.

1. Why does my Windows 11 screen keep turning black? This issue could be caused by several factors. Here are some possible solutions: 1. **Check Display Settings**: Ensure your monitor settings, including resolution and refresh rate, are correct. Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Display" and adjust them to suit your monitor. 2. **Update Drivers**: Outdated graphics card drivers might cause the issue. Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest graphics driver. 3. **Power Settings**: Some power plans might dim the screen or turn it black to save power. Check and modify these settings in "Settings" > "System" > "Power & Battery". 4. **Night Light**: Night mode might be turning on automatically at specific times, causing the screen to darken. Make sure to set the correct time in "Settings" > "System" > "Display" > "Night light". 5. **Update Windows**: Ensure your operating system is up-to-date. Open "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" to check for and install any available updates. 6. **Disable Fast Startup**: Fast Startup can sometimes cause compatibility issues with displays. Disable it by unchecking the "Turn on fast startup" option in "Control Panel" > "Hardware and Sound" > "Power Options" > "Change what the power buttons do". 7. **Run the Troubleshooter**: Windows has a built-in display troubleshooter that can diagnose issues. Find and run it in "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot". If none of these steps help, you may need to contact your device manufacturer or a professional technical support for further assistance.

This issue can be caused by various software and hardware factors. Major software reasons include corrupted Windows 11 files, unnecessary updates, incompatible graphics card, and outdated drivers. Hardware problems might involve a faulty LCD, connection ports, video cable, or Central Processing Unit (CPU).

2. Does Windows 11 have a black screen bug?

Yes, the Windows 11 Black Screen of Death also exists. The issue can occur randomly and prevent users from doing anything on the system.

3. Why does my Windows 10 screen go black for a few seconds?

A black screen on Windows 10 can occur due to a loose LCD cable or any power issue. This could also result from unnecessary OS and driver updates.