Nine Ways to Fix the White Screen Issue on Windows 11!

A white screen of death (WSoD) in Windows 11 refers to a situation where the computer's operating system encounters an issue, resulting in a completely white display. When this occurs, you have no access to any content or functionality. Unlike the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) in Windows 11, a white screen does not display any error information.

If you're troubled by a white screen issue, worry not. This article will provide you with several solutions to help fix the white screen problem in Windows 11. Before diving into the specific methods, let's first understand the reasons behind this issue.

What Causes a White Screen in Windows 11?

Whether it's a white screen issue or an Windows 11 blue screen problem, it can be caused by hardware or software failures. Based on most scenarios, we've listed some common reasons that may lead to a white screen on Windows 11:

• Hardware failure
• Corrupted or outdated graphics card driver
• Virus or malware attack
• Improper installation of the operating system
• Outdated Windows updates
• Corrupted or missing system files
• Master Boot Record (MBR) error

Considering all the possible reasons that might lead to a white screen on Windows 11, we've compiled a list of the best solutions. Keep reading and choose the one that best fits your situation.

Other methods to fix the white screen issue in Windows 11

After getting a grasp of the basic reasons behind the Windows 11 white screen, proceed to read for more detailed information on the troubleshooting methods:

1. Fix 1: Force Restart Your Windows PC
2. Fix 2: Remove External Devices
3. Fix 3: Uninstall Windows Updates
4. Fix 4: Perform a Startup Repair
5. Fix 5: Boot into Safe Mode
6. Fix 6: Rebuild MBR
7. Fix 7: Check and Repair the File System
8. Fix 8: Update Graphics Card Driver
9. Fix 9: Clean Install Windows 11

If you find these solutions helpful in fixing the Windows 11 white screen issue, feel free to share this article to help more people in need!

Fix 1: Force Restart your Windows PC

If Windows 11 is showing a blank screen on startup, you can force-restart your computer. This can fix memory usage issues caused by apps running on your PC, and restarting your device can resolve most problems.

You'll need to hold the power button down for several seconds to shut down the gas completely, and then press it again to restart. A reboot can temporarily fix the problem, but it won't stop the white screen from reappearing in Windows 11.

If the problem persists, continue reading and try the other options.

Fix 2: Remove peripherals

If you're encountering a White Screen of Death with a cursor on your Windows 11, it might be due to a faulty peripheral. First, try disconnecting all external devices:

Step one: unplug all peripherals, including USB keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners.

Step 2: Restart your computer.

If the computer restarts successfully, reconnect each device one at a time, and troubleshoot any that cause problems. If that doesn't work, you may need to consider other options.

Fix 3: Uninstall Windows updates

If you encounter a white screen issue after updating, it might be due to incompatibility with your computer. You'll need to uninstall the latest Windows update.

Step 1: Force-restart your device twice, then reboot. Tap “Troubleshoot.”

Step Two: Click “Advanced options,” and then, in the upper-right corner, select “Uninstall updates.”

Step three: Select “Uninstall the latest feature update.” This will restart your Windows.

Fix 4: Perform a Startup Repair

In Advanced Options, Windows also offers a Startup Repair tool that can help fix some common and more complex boot problems.

Step 1. Choose “Startup Repair” from the Advanced Options.

Step 2: After diagnosing the problem, the Startup Repair tool will run an automatic fix.

After the repair, select “Shut down” and see if the white screen on Windows 11 is gone. If these methods don't work, you might need to try more complex options.

Fix 5: Enter Safe Mode

If you encounter a white screen issue after logging into Windows 11, it might be caused by a third-party application. You can enter Safe Mode with advanced options to find the culprit program or process and address the problem.

Step 1. Click “Advanced options” and then “Startup Settings.”

Step 2. Press F4/F5/F6 to enter Safe Mode.

Fix 6: Rebuild MBR

The most common reason for a failed boot is a damaged MBR (Master Boot Record). If your system can't be found, is missing, or the OS fails to load, it could be due to a corrupted MBR. Since the white screen prevents you from accessing the OS, you'll need to create a Windows 11 bootable USB and then rebuild the MBR.

For a quicker and safer solution, I highly recommend using the Partition Master tool to fix MBR in one go. It employs Windows commands to fix MBR but streamlines the process. Moreover, it won't result in any data loss. With just three simple steps, you can easily accomplish both tasks.

Even if you're a beginner, you can easily use this tool to fix the Windows 11 white screen issue:

Note: In Step 1, you'll need to have the USB flash drive inserted into the PC running Windows 11. Starting in Step 2, you'll insert the bootable USB into the broken PC to fix it.

Step 1: Create a bootable WinPE disk

• Launch Partition Master and click “Bootable Media” from the toolbar. Choose “Create Bootable Media”. • Click “Next” to finish the process.

Step 2. Boot into Partition Master Live USB

Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer. Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set up your computer to boot from “Removable Device” or “CD-ROM Drive.” The Partition Master tool will then launch automatically.

Step 3: Repair the MBR

Click on the Toolbox, and then choose Repair MBR.

Select the disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

Then you'll see “MBR on Disk X has been successfully rebuilt.”

This powerful tool can also perform advanced operations like converting MBR to GPT during Windows installation or checking the health of your hard drive. You can use it if you're experiencing issues with your disk or partitions.

Fix 7: Check and repair the file system

If you have the Partition Master tool downloaded, you can also use it to check and repair the file system while in BIOS. A corrupted or missing file system can also lead to a white screen. The tool offers a Check and Repair feature that can help fix the file system:

Step 1: Right-click on the problem partition.

Step 2: Choose “Advanced” > “Check File System.”

Step 3. Choose whether to hide the partition.

Step 4: In the Check File System window, select the option to Attempt repair if errors are found.

Click “Start” to begin checking for partition errors.

If you don't have AOMEI Partition Assistant, you can choose "Command Prompt" on the "Advanced Options" page, and then use the sfc/scannow command.

Fix 8: Update your graphics driver

Outdated or faulty graphics card drivers can cause the Windows 11 white screen issue when using games or applications. You'll need to update this driver to resolve the problem. If you still have access to the desktop, you can update it directly: 1. **Open Device Manager:** - Press the `Win + X` keys and select "Device Manager" from the menu. 2. **Find and expand the "Display adapters" category.** 3. **Right-click on your graphics card, then choose "Update driver."** 4. **Select "Search automatically for updated driver software."** Windows will search for and install any available updates. 5. **Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and restart your computer.** If you're unable to access the desktop, you can try updating the driver in Safe Mode: 1. **Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key during startup to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.** 2. **Select "Safe Mode with Networking" and log in to your account.** 3. **Follow the steps above to update the graphics driver in Safe Mode.** 4. **After the update, restart your computer normally to see if the issue is resolved.** If the problem persists, consider downloading the latest driver directly from the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and installing it manually.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and click Device Manager.

Step 2: Double-click Display adapters, right-click each driver, and select “Update Driver.”

Update Drivers

Step 3: Follow the wizard to search for and complete the driver update.

If you're unsure about your system model, you can opt for a smarter driver updater like DriverHandy. It will automatically search and update the correct drivers for you.

Fix 9: Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 If none of the above solutions work, you might need to consider doing a clean install of Windows 11. This is a more drastic solution that will erase all programs and data before reinstalling the operating system. Make sure to back up your important files and data before proceeding. 1. **Create Installation Media:** - Visit Microsoft's official Windows 11 download page: https://www.microsoft.com/zh-cn/software-download/windows11 - Follow the instructions to use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a USB installation drive. 2. **Backup Your Data:** Backup your important files using an external hard drive or cloud storage service. 3. **Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings:** While booting up your computer, press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, Delete, or Esc) to enter BIOS/UEFI settings, and change the boot order to start from the USB drive. 4. **Start the Installation Process:** Save changes and exit; your computer will boot from the USB drive and initiate the Windows 11 installation process. 5. **Follow Installation Prompts:** Follow on-screen instructions, selecting "Custom Install" to wipe the existing system and install the new version of Windows 11. 6. **Complete the Installation:** After the installation is finished, reactivate your Windows license (if applicable) and install required drivers and updates. 7. **Restore Data and Applications:** Once the system is installed, recover your files from the backup and reinstall necessary applications. Please note that a clean install can result in the loss of all personal settings and applications, so ensure you have adequately prepared for this.

If none of the above solutions work, your last resort is to reinstall Windows 11. A fresh install of Windows 11 will erase everything on your computer and it won't be recoverable. Only choose this option if you're sure that's what you want. If you decide to reinstall, follow the steps in the article linked below:

How to Safely Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11

This article will share a common method for performing a clean install of Windows 11 and what you need to prepare before doing so. After reading, you can safely perform a clean install of Windows 11 without losing your data.

One-click solution to fix the Windows 11 blank screen issue

Here, I must introduce a reliable third-party tool – MiniTool Partition Wizard. Thanks to its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can fix the white screen-related boot issue with one click. Download it and follow the detailed instructions below to solve the current problem.

Step 1: Connect the external hard drive/USB to the PC, launch AOMEI Backupper, and click "Create Bootable Media".

Step 2: Choose an available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to media.

Create Bootable Disk of Partition Master

Step 3. Connect the bootable drive to the new computer, and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk, and then press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart your computer and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open Partition Master and click “Boot Repair” under “Toolbox”.

Step 5: Select the system you want to repair, and click “Repair.”

Step 6: Wait for the message that says the system was successfully repaired, and then click “OK” to finish the startup repair process.

Click “Repair” to proceed.

Conclusions

The Windows 11 White Screen of Death (WSOD) is an incredibly frustrating error that prevents you from accessing your computer system. Fortunately, this article offers the most comprehensive nine solutions to help you fix the issue and get your PC back on track. To prevent the WSOD from reappearing, exercise caution when downloading and installing software.

Frequently Asked Questions about the White Screen Issue on Windows 11

This section provides more information on the common Windows 11 blank screen issues that people often encounter. Hopefully, it increases your understanding of this error.

1. Can a white screen crash be fixed?

Of course, a white screen of death is fixable. The error could stem from various hardware or software issues. This article offers nine available solutions to fix the white screen of death problem.

2. What is a white screen of death?

The "white screen of death" refers to an error in an operating system that presents users with a blank white screen, offering no information about the issue at hand. It can occur when booting up a system or while using an application that becomes unresponsive.

3. How do I fix the white screen issue during startup?

If you see a white screen on startup and the Windows login screen never appears, try force-restarting your computer. This can resolve a white screen caused by a minor app or OS problem.