Solved: Windows 11 Screen Goes Black Randomly [7 Fixes]

Windows 11 screen goes black randomly? Simplifying the troubleshooting process involves identifying the root cause, and this article will guide you where to focus your attention to achieve an effective solution.

Posted by @Hedy July 24, 2024 Updated By @Hedy January 19, 2024

Why Windows 11 screen goes black randomly?

A common challenge faced by Windows 11 operating system users is the persistent black screen issue. This annoying issue suddenly appears where the computer screen goes dark during daily activities like gaming or regular tasks. Even though the power LCD light says "ON" and the CPU is apparently working normally, the output screen remains black. This problem continues even when trying to wake the system from "sleep mode".

Solving the Windows 11 screen goes black randomly issue lacks a single solution as its manifestations can be attributed to a variety of factors. especially:

✎ Windows operating system issues: The presence of corrupted or corrupted files, or the introduction of unwelcome and unusual updates in Windows 11, could be the catalyst for this issue.

✎ Installed apps and drivers: Any unapproved third-party app has the potential to trigger the black screen error. Given that the issue is related to visual output, differences in graphics card drivers may also cause this dilemma.

✎ Hardware anomalies: Defects within cables, misaligned connection ports, or improper placement of the graphics card can cause the screen to go black or dark.

Malware Intrusion: Infiltration of viruses or malware into a system can cause erratic behavior manifesting as an annoying black screen condition.

How to fix Windows 11 screen goes black randomly - 8 Solutions

Now, let’s explore seven potential solutions designed to alleviate the serious problem of Windows 11 screen turning black unexpectedly, aiming to end your ongoing misery.

1. Restart Windows 11 PC

The appearance of a black screen is usually caused by a brief glitch that can usually be resolved by simply restarting your Windows 11 PC. During this process, the system reconfigures itself, restoring default settings and effectively clearing itself of any temporary errors.

To perform a restart:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds.

Step 2. Wait for the system to completely power down.

Step 3. Then, press the power button again to turn the system back on.

2. Check the screen connection

The emergence of the black screen may be attributed to an unstable connection between your monitor and CPU. A loose or improperly connected video cable can lead to disruptions in screen communication.

Follow these steps to address the issue:

Step 1. Ensure your LCD is powered on.

Step 2. Inspect the positioning and condition of the video cable port connections.

Step 3. Evaluate the state of your video cable for any signs of damage or wear.

Step 4. If any components are found to be faulty, consider replacing them until the inspection is concluded.

Step 5. For reconnection, unplug the video cable from the CPU.

3. Connect to another screen

When the problem reoccurs, suspicion may turn to the LCD screen. To determine if the screen is the culprit, consider connecting the system to a backup monitor.

In this order:

Step 1. Power off the system.

Step 2. Unplug the video cable and VGA cable from the failed LCD.

Step 3. Connect these cables to the other LCD, making sure they are plugged into the required ports.

Step 4. Power on the system.

4. Check for graphics card compatibility

A black screen in a specific application or video game usually indicates a compatibility issue with your graphics driver and required functionality.

Please follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1. Navigate to Settings in Windows 11 from the Start menu.

Step 2. Select System > Display > Related Settings > Advanced Display.

In advanced display settings:

Step 1. Check the information about the graphics card model and brand.

Step 2. Confirm that the functionality meets the application or game's requirements.

Step 3. If differences are found:

Update graphics card drivers to ensure compatibility.

Step 4. Alternatively, consider replacing your graphics card with one that meets the necessary specifications.

5. Start Windows 11 in safe mode

When you suspect that third-party applications or processes are interfering with the system startup process, it is recommended to start Windows 11 Safe Mode. Safe Mode acts as a protective environment, preventing such applications from affecting the boot sequence and facilitating safe boot by accessing the boot menu.

Follow these steps to access safe mode:

Step 1. Turn off the computer by holding down the power button. Press it again to start the system.

Step 2. When the Windows logo appears, hold down the power button until the system restarts.

Step 3. Repeat this process to interrupt the boot process. On the fourth try, the system will display the "Automatic Repair Options".

Step 4. In the automatic repair options, select Advanced options and click Troubleshoot.

Step 5. From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced Options, and then click Startup Settings.

Step 6. In startup settings, press F4 to start the system in safe mode.

6. Update your Graphics drivers

Step 1. Press Window + S to access Windows Search. Type "Device Manager" and press Enter.

Step 2. In the Device Manager window that opens, find "Display Adapters". Right click on your graphics driver.

Step 3. Select the "Update Driver" option from the context menu.

7. Perform a system restore

If softer solutions don't resolve the issue and you suspect the problem is caused by recent changes, utilizing the System Restore feature may be a viable way to undo recent modifications.

In this order:

Step 1. Go to the search bar and type "create restore point" and press Enter.

Step 2. The System Properties window will appear. In the System Protection tab, select System Restore.

Step 3. Click Next to continue.

Step 4. Select a Restore Point from a date before the problem occurred and click Next.

Step 5. Click "Finish" to start the recovery process. Windows 11 will be restored to the state it was in before the most recent changes were implemented.

Bonus reading: Back up Windows 11 regularly to prevent data loss

Given that Windows 11 is prone to issues like black screens, which can put valuable data at risk, it's crucial to prioritize regular backups. Resolution of some issues may involve deletion of data, which emphasizes the need for precautionary measures. For users who want to enhance data security and system stability, I highly recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional - the leader in disk cloning software.

This tool helps in seamlessly copying systems, files, and partitions between locations. It is worth noting that AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is compatible with multiple Windows PC operating systems, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. To clone hard drive in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, follow the steps below:

Free DownloadWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional Edition. Click "Clone Disk" in the menu on the right.

Step 2. Select the copy method; "Quick Clone Disk" is selected by default.

Step 3. Select the source disk and click "Next".

Step 4. Select the target disk and click "Next". If your target drive is an SSD, you can optimize its performance by checking "Optimize SSD Performance" for 4k alignment.

Step 5. Resize the partitions on the new drive as needed. Select your preferred option and click Next.

Step 6. Confirm the operation, click "Finish", and click "Apply" to execute.

Conclusion

Experiencing random black screen issues on Windows 11 is a common and recurring challenge that causes user frustration and prevents users from performing tasks. The issue stems from a series of software and hardware issues. In this article, we take a deep dive into eight solutions to correct this troublesome problem, providing detailed step-by-step procedures for each method, along with illustrative references.