Windows won’t start

Black screen with a movable mouse cursor after login

You sign in and the desktop never loads, leaving only a black screen and a mouse cursor you can move. This almost always points to Windows Explorer (the desktop shell) failing to start, not total system failure.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–45 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$60–$120

Symptoms

  • Sign in normally, then screen goes black
  • Mouse cursor moves and is visible
  • Ctrl+Alt+Delete still brings up options
  • No taskbar, icons, or wallpaper appear

Likely causes

  • CommonWindows Explorer (explorer.exe) crashed or didn't startExplorer is the process responsible for the desktop, taskbar, and icons.
  • CommonOutdated or corrupted graphics driverA bad driver can load the login screen but fail to render the full desktop.
  • PossibleCorrupted user profileA damaged profile can load partially, showing a cursor but no shell.
  • PossibleStartup program or service hangingA misbehaving app set to launch at login can block Explorer.
  • PossibleRecent Windows update issueSome updates have shipped with shell-loading bugs.

What to do

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager directly, even with a black screen.
  2. In Task Manager, click File > Run new task, type 'explorer.exe', and press Enter to manually restart the desktop shell.
  3. If that fixes it temporarily, the problem will likely return; check Task Manager's Startup tab and disable recently added startup programs.
  4. Update your graphics driver from the manufacturer's site (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD) or via Device Manager.
  5. Try signing in with a different user account or a new local account to see if the problem follows your profile.
  6. If it's your profile, back up files from that profile and create a new one to migrate into.
  7. Run 'sfc /scannow' in an administrator Command Prompt to repair damaged system files.

Tools and parts

  • Another device to look up driver downloads if needed

When to call a pro

If restarting explorer.exe and updating drivers doesn't fix it and creating a new profile doesn't help either, a technician can do a deeper repair install without losing your files.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.