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How to Fix a Black Screen on Your Computer: A UK Guide
September 9, 2024
In the United Kingdom, where technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives, encountering a black screen on your computer can be a frustrating experience. Whether you’re using a custom-built PC or a personal laptop, computers are essential for online shopping, virtual classrooms, remote work meetings, and much more.
Many UK users overlook the importance of regular computer ‘check-ups’, which involve scheduled scans and performance evaluations. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can lead to reduced efficiency and, in some cases, the dreaded black screen of death.
In this article tailored for UK readers, we’ll explore the black screen of death, its common causes, and provide practical solutions to get your computer back up and running.
What is the ‘black screen of death?’
The black screen of death occurs when your computer is stuck on a blank, black screen. The system becomes unresponsive to commands or button presses, leaving you unable to interact with your device.
This issue can arise from various system errors that conflict with your computer’s operating system (OS), causing it to malfunction. Repeatedly forcing your PC to shut down can potentially lead to file corruption or hardware damage, which are key indicators that it might be time to consider buying a new laptop or desktop.
If your computer consistently freezes at a black screen, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying issues promptly to prevent long-term damage to your PC.
Reasons for a black screen on your computer
Most black screen occurrences are due to recent changes made to the PC. Here are some common reasons why your laptop or desktop screen might go black:
1. Connection issues with the monitor
A black screen can result from an interrupted connection between the computer and its display monitor. This is particularly common with desktop users who may accidentally dislodge the cable from its port on the computer case or monitor.
Laptop users might experience this when using an external monitor, especially if the connecting cable is damaged.
2. Display device or adapter problems
A faulty display device or video adapter can prevent your computer from displaying images, resulting in a black screen. This often occurs when the PC produces sounds normally but fails to project any visuals.
A display device is an external apparatus that produces visual output, such as an LCD monitor. A video adapter, on the other hand, is dedicated hardware (like a graphics card) that creates images before sending them to the display device.
3. Faulty system update or software installation
A system update or new software installation can sometimes trigger a black screen error. This typically happens due to conflicting commands or coding that disrupt the computer’s main programming, interrupting critical processes.
It’s always wise to back up your important files before making any significant changes to your PC’s system, a practice that many UK users often overlook.
Ways to solve the black screen of death
The ideal fix depends on identifying the most likely cause of your computer’s black screen. Some solutions may require tweaks to your computer’s system, including the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
Consider external causes first, such as a damaged display cable, before exploring technical possibilities. Here are some potential solutions for UK users facing a frozen black screen on their computer:
If the black screen occurs while booting up the computer before Windows sign-in
1. Fix connection issues with the monitor
- Check your computer’s video cable for any visible damage.
- If there’s no apparent damage, try removing and reconnecting the video cable from both the computer and monitor.
- If the screen remains blank, test both the cable and monitor:
- Cable: Use another compatible cable to connect your computer to the monitor. If it works, the original cable needs replacement.
- Monitor: Connect your computer to a different monitor or TV. If it displays images correctly, your original monitor may be faulty.
2. Refresh the screen via Windows key sequence
- Press the CapsLock or NumLock keys to check if their indicator lights turn on.
- If the lights respond:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to bring up the administrator menu.
- Try to sign in as usual.
- If you can’t sign in, click the "Power" icon and choose "Restart".
- If the black screen persists, force a shutdown by holding the power button for about 10 seconds.
- If the indicator lights don’t respond:
- Force a shutdown by holding the power button for about 10 seconds.
- Unplug the power adapter from both the computer and power source for about 30 seconds.
- Reconnect and restart.
3. Roll back the display driver/adapter (via Safe Mode)
- A recent Windows update might have affected your display adapter’s functionality.
- If you’re still facing a black screen, restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- In Safe Mode:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Find and expand “Display Adapters”.
- Right-click on your display adapter and select “Properties”.
- In the “Driver” tab, choose “Roll Back Driver” and confirm.
- Restart your computer to see if this resolves the issue.
4. Prompt a System Restore (Automatic Repair mode)
- After multiple failed starts, your computer should enter Automatic Repair mode.
- From here, you can perform a System Restore:
- Select “Advanced Options”.
- Choose “Troubleshoot”.
- Select “Advanced Options” again.
- Choose “System Restore” to revert Windows to a previous working state.
If the black screen occurs after successfully signing in to Windows
1. Refresh the screen via Windows key sequence
- Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B simultaneously to force a refresh of the video display/adapter.
- You should hear a short beep, and the screen may flicker. If successful, this should resolve the black screen issue.
2. Restart the Windows Explorer program
- If Windows Explorer has frozen, causing the black screen:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the admin menu.
- Select “Task Manager”.
- In the “Processes” tab, find and right-click on “Windows Explorer”.
- Choose “Restart”.
- If the black screen persists, try starting a new Windows Explorer process:
- In Task Manager, click “File” in the top-left corner.
- Choose “Run new task”.
- Type “explorer.exe” and click “OK”.
3. Uninstall recent updates (via Safe Mode)
- To remove potentially problematic updates:
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click “View update history” and then “Uninstall Updates”.
- Select the recently installed update you suspect is causing issues.
- Click “Uninstall” and confirm.
- Restart your computer to see if Windows now starts normally.
Conclusion
Identifying the root cause of a black screen issue on your UK computer can be challenging, but the solutions provided here should help resolve most cases. In some instances, you might need to make changes inside your computer’s BIOS, which can be daunting for less experienced users.
If these methods don’t work, you might consider booting your computer from a USB drive. However, if you’re unsure about any of these processes, it’s best to consult a professional technician to avoid potential damage to your computer.
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to technology. Be cautious when downloading files or apps from unfamiliar sources. Whenever possible, install new programs directly from official sources, and make regular backups to protect your important data from corruption.
For more tech advice tailored to UK users, including topics like DIY screen repairs, be sure to check out HP® Tech Takes for the latest insights and tips!
If you’re in the market for a new, reliable laptop to avoid such issues, consider the HP Pavilion x360 14-ek1004na Convertible Touchscreen Laptop. With its versatile design and powerful Intel® Core™ i3 processor, it’s an excellent choice for UK users looking for a dependable computing experience.
