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Windows 11 stuck on black screen before login: Quick Fix

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  • 3 min read

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest jab at Windows. While it has improved visuals and performance over the last iteration, it still isn’t free from all issues.

In this article, we’re taking a look at why your Windows 11 installation is stuck at a black screen on login.

Also read: Windows 11 Print Screen not working for screenshots: 5 Fixes


Why does the Windows 11 black screen error happen?

There are several reasons you might experience this issue, some of the most common ones being as follows.

  • Issue with the graphics drivers.
  • Loose, damaged or broken cables between your GPU and display.
  • Windows issues.
  • Hardware problems, especially with the monitor.

How to fix it?

Here are a few solutions you can try out to fix the problem.

Check your cables 

The first thing you should do is check that the cables running from your GPU to the monitor are in proper shape. Check for any loose connections and if possible, try using a different cable altogether. 


Restart your PC

More often than not, restarting your PC can also fix such issues somewhat magically. If you’re encountering this for the first time, a quick restart will likely fix the problem. 


Check the GPU

If you’re using a computer, check if the GPU is correctly installed. This involves checking the power connection between the GPU and the power supply. Also, check if your GPU is damaged. 

The GPU should be properly attached to your PC

Remove non-critical accessories

Turn off your computer and remove all the non-important accessories you might’ve plugged into the computer. Sometimes, having extra accessories plugged into your PC can cause problems during startup. Try booting with only the monitor, mouse and keyboard attached. 


Reset the graphics driver

Windows has a nifty shortcut you can use to reset the graphics driver and potentially resolve the problem. Just press the Windows, Shift, Control and B keys at the same time, and you should hear a small beep and see a flash on the screen indicating that the driver has been reset. This should fix the problem. 


Check the rest of your PC hardware for faults

If the GPU is fine, check to see whether your boot drive, motherboard and other internal hardware is functioning correctly. Also, try cleaning off any dust or debris as it might get in between connections and cause problems.


Take your PC in for repairs

If you can’t narrow down the issue yourself, it’s best to take it to a professional and have them run a full diagnostic test on your computer.

Also read: How to stop Windows 11 update?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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