Windows won’t start

Screen goes black a few seconds after the Windows logo appears

Startup begins normally with the manufacturer logo and then the Windows logo, but a few seconds in, the screen suddenly goes completely black and stays that way, rather than progressing to spinning dots or a login screen.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
20–60 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$80–$180

Symptoms

  • Windows logo shows briefly then screen goes fully black
  • No spinning dots or further loading indicator appears afterward
  • PC may still be running (fans, drive activity) despite the black screen
  • Consistent timing of when the black screen occurs across attempts

Likely causes

  • CommonGraphics driver crashing during its initialization at that stage of bootThis handoff point, where the basic boot-time display gives way to the full graphics driver, is a common failure point for driver issues.
  • PossibleDisplay cable or connection issue coinciding with this handoffSome cable issues only show up when the video mode changes at this stage.
  • PossibleRecently installed or updated graphics driverA bad driver update is a frequent, specific cause of a black screen right after the logo.
  • Less commonMultiple monitors or an external display configuration confusing the initial outputCertain multi-monitor setups can cause the primary output to switch unexpectedly during boot.

What to do

  1. Wait a couple of minutes at the black screen in case it's simply loading slowly with no display update yet.
  2. Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete; if you hear a sound response or the screen changes at all, the system may be responsive but just not displaying anything.
  3. If multiple monitors are connected, disconnect all but one and try booting again, since a display mode conflict at boot can cause this.
  4. Interrupt startup 2–3 times to force Windows Recovery Environment, then use Advanced options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode to see if Safe Mode's basic display driver allows a normal-looking boot.
  5. If Safe Mode displays correctly, the standard graphics driver is very likely at fault; roll it back or reinstall it from Device Manager once logged in.
  6. Check and reseat your display cable, and try a different port or cable if available.
  7. If Safe Mode also shows nothing, this points more toward a hardware or deeper system issue rather than just the graphics driver, and Startup Repair or professional diagnosis is the next step.

Tools and parts

  • Bootable Windows recovery USB drive

When to call a pro

If Safe Mode also produces a black screen at the same point, or reseating cables and disconnecting extra monitors doesn't help, a technician can determine whether it's a driver or hardware fault.

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.