When your computer turns on but nothing appears on the display, it can be very frustrating. This is referred to as a “black screen” of death and can have a number of causes. If you’re experiencing a black screen on your computer, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and potentially identify and fix the underlying cause.
Step 1: Check Your Video Connection
The first thing to do is check your video connection. Make sure that the monitor is plugged into a working power outlet and connected securely to the correct video port on your computer. If you’re using a laptop, make sure the laptop lid is open. Some laptops require the lid to be open in order to output video.
Step 2: Check the Display Settings
If the video connection is good, the next step is to check the display settings. Depending on your operating system, this may involve using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Windows or Command+Option+Escape on Mac. This will take you to the task manager/system monitor where you can adjust the display settings.
Step 3: Restart the Computer
If adjusting the display settings doesn’t work, the next step is to restart the computer. This will reset any settings that might have been changed and can help resolve the issue.
Step 4: Boot Into Safe Mode
If restarting the computer doesn’t work, the next step is to boot into safe mode. On Windows PCs, you can access safe mode by pressing the F8 key as the computer starts up. Once in safe mode, you can adjust the display settings and try to resolve the issue. On Macs, you can access safe mode by holding down the power button until you see the Apple logo, then let go and quickly press and hold the Shift key.
Step 5: Check for Software Updates
If booting into safe mode doesn’t work, the next step is to check for software updates. Your computer may be running an outdated version of the operating system which could be causing the black screen issue. Check for any available updates and install them if necessary.
Step 6: Reset the Computer
If all else fails, the last resort is to reset the computer. This will delete any corrupt files that may be causing the issue and restore the computer to its original settings.
If you’re still having trouble with your computer after trying these steps, it’s recommended that you consult a professional. A qualified technician should be able to diagnose the underlying issue and provide a more permanent solution.