Computer has a black screen that requires a restart to fix

Troubleshooting a Black Screen Issue on Windows 11: Effective Solutions and Best Practices

Experiencing a black screen on your Windows 11 computer can be a frustrating ordeal, especially when it occurs randomly and requires a restart to resolve. Many users have reported encountering this issue, particularly after turning off their device and later powering it back on. If you’re facing similar challenges, understanding the potential causes and exploring effective troubleshooting methods can help restore your system’s normal operation.

Understanding the Black Screen Issue on Windows 11

The black screen problem can manifest in various ways, such as a completely blank display during startup or after login, and may be accompanied by a blank or unresponsive desktop. Common scenarios include:

Occasional black screens after waking from sleep or hibernation.
Black screens following system updates or driver installations.
Random black screens during general usage.

While restarting the computer temporarily resolves the issue, repeated occurrences can hinder productivity and signal underlying system problems.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Complete System Scan for Corrupted Files

You mentioned already running the System File Checker (sfc /scannow), which is an excellent first step to identify and repair corrupted system files. Ensure that the command completes without errors. If issues are found and repaired, restart your system to see if the problem persists.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are a common cause of display issues. To update your drivers:

Open the Device Manager (right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager”).
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics device and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Follow the prompts, then restart your computer.
Check for Windows Updates

Keeping Windows 11 up to date can resolve known bugs and compatibility issues:

Navigate to Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your device.
Adjust Power Settings and Display Configuration

Sometimes power management settings can cause display disruptions:

Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
Configure your sleep and display timeout settings to ensure they aren’t causing the black screen.
Disable any display power saving features temporarily to test if they contribute to the problem.

Advanced Troubleshooting Options

If the issue persists after basic troubleshooting, consider the following approaches: