A black screen usually means the display isn't receiving a signal, the monitor is off, or the graphics card has stopped working

A black screen can come from several different causes, and the fix depends on which one is happening. The most common reasons are a loose cable, a monitor that's turned off, a sleeping computer, a graphics driver problem, or a hardware failure. Before you assume something is broken, start with the simplest checks: make sure the monitor itself is powered on, check that the cable connecting the monitor to the computer is plugged in firmly at both ends, and move the mouse or press a key to wake the computer from sleep mode.

If those steps don't work, the problem is usually one of the causes covered below. Work through them in order, because each one rules out the next possibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Check that your monitor is powered on and the cable is plugged in firmly at both the monitor and computer before assuming anything is broken.
  • Press a key or move the mouse to wake the computer from sleep mode, which is the most common reason for a black screen.
  • Restart your computer by holding the power button for ten seconds, then waiting thirty seconds before turning it back on.
  • If the screen stays black after restart and you hear the computer running, the graphics card or its driver may have failed and needs troubleshooting or replacement.
  • A black screen with no sound or lights from the computer usually means the power supply has failed or the computer isn't receiving power.

Check the monitor power and cable connection

Start here because this is the fastest fix. Look at the back of your monitor for a power cable running to the wall outlet. If it's unplugged, plug it in. Press the power button on the monitor itself—it's usually on the front, bottom edge. You should see a light turn on, often green or blue. If the light comes on and the screen is still black, the monitor is working but not receiving a signal from the computer.

Next, trace the cable that connects the monitor to the computer. This cable is usually thinner than the power cable and plugs into the back of the computer tower or the side of a laptop. Unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly. You should hear or feel a click. Wait a few seconds. If the screen lights up, the cable was loose.

If you have a laptop, check whether the screen brightness is turned all the way down. Press the key with a brightness symbol (usually on the function keys at the top of the keyboard) and hold it until the screen brightens. Some laptops also have a physical brightness dial or button on the side.

Wake the computer from sleep mode

If the monitor is on and the cable is connected, the computer itself may be asleep. Move the mouse around or press any key on the keyboard. Wait a few seconds. The screen should come back to life. If it does, the computer was in sleep mode, which is normal and not a problem.

If nothing happens when you move the mouse or press a key, check whether any lights are on the computer tower or keyboard. If you see lights, the computer is running but the display isn't responding. If you see no lights at all, the computer may not be powered on.

Restart the computer

If the monitor is on and the computer appears to be running but the screen is still black, restart the computer. Hold down the power button on the computer tower or laptop for about ten seconds until all lights go out and you hear the fan stop. Wait thirty seconds, then press the power button once to turn it back on. Let it boot up completely—this usually takes one to three minutes.

During startup, you may see a logo or text on the screen. This is normal. If the screen stays completely black throughout the entire startup process and you don't hear any beeping sounds, move to the next step. If you hear beeping sounds, that's a diagnostic code from the computer's motherboard, and the problem is likely a hardware failure that requires professional repair.

Check for graphics driver problems on Windows

If the computer restarts but the screen remains black, the graphics card or its driver may have stopped working. On Windows, you can sometimes fix this without seeing the screen by using keyboard shortcuts. Turn on the computer and wait for it to fully boot (about two minutes). Then press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B all at once. This restarts the graphics driver. Wait ten seconds and see if the screen comes back.

If that doesn't work, restart the computer again and try booting into Safe Mode. As soon as you press the power button, start tapping the F8 key repeatedly until you see a menu. Select "Safe Mode" and press Enter. Safe Mode uses a basic graphics driver that usually works even when the normal driver has failed. If the screen appears in Safe Mode, the problem is the graphics driver, and you can update it once you're back in normal mode.

To update the driver in Safe Mode, right-click on the Start button, select "Device Manager," find "Display adapters," right-click on your graphics card, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Restart the computer when finished.

Check the power supply and internal connections

If the screen is black and you hear no sound from the computer at all—no fan noise, no beeping, no lights—the computer isn't receiving power. Check that the power cable is plugged into both the computer and the wall outlet. If it is, try plugging a different device (like a lamp) into the same outlet to confirm the outlet works. If the outlet is dead, try a different outlet.

If the outlet works but the computer still won't power on, the power supply inside the computer may have failed. This is a hardware problem that requires replacement. If you're comfortable opening the computer case, you can check that the power cable is plugged firmly into the motherboard inside, but if you're not, take it to a repair shop.

For laptops, a black screen with no lights usually means the battery is completely dead. Plug the laptop into power and wait five minutes before trying to turn it on. If it still won't power on, the power adapter may be broken.

When to seek professional repair

If you've worked through all the steps above and the screen is still black, the problem is likely a hardware failure in the graphics card, motherboard, or power supply. These parts cannot be fixed by restarting or updating drivers. Take the computer to a repair technician who can test the hardware and replace the failed part.

Before you go, write down what you've already tried—this saves the technician time and may lower the repair cost. Also note whether the computer powers on at all, whether you see any lights or hear any sounds, and whether you've seen any error messages or beeping patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a black screen mean a virus?

A virus can cause a black screen, but it's rare. More often, a virus causes the screen to display a warning message or lock the computer, not go completely black. If the screen is black and the computer is otherwise running normally, a hardware or driver problem is far more likely. If you suspect a virus, boot into Safe Mode and run your antivirus software.

What if the screen goes black only sometimes?

An intermittent black screen usually means a loose cable or a failing graphics card. Check that the monitor cable is plugged in firmly and hasn't been moved recently. If the problem continues, the graphics card may be overheating or failing. Make sure the computer has good airflow and isn't blocked by dust or objects.

Does a black screen mean I've lost my files?

No. A black screen is a display problem, not a storage problem. Your files are still on the hard drive. Once you fix the screen or get the computer repaired, your files will be there. The only exception is if the computer won't power on at all, in which case the files are still safe but you'll need professional help to access them.

Can I fix a black screen on a Mac the same way?

Most of the basic checks are the same—power, cables, and sleep mode. For Mac-specific driver issues, restart the computer and hold Command + Option + P + R to reset the graphics settings. If that doesn't work, restart in Safe Mode by holding Shift while the computer boots. The steps are slightly different, but the principle is the same.

What if the screen is black but I can see the cursor?

If you see a cursor but nothing else, the graphics driver is partially working. Try restarting the computer. If the problem continues, boot into Safe Mode and update the graphics driver as described above. A visible cursor with a black screen usually means the driver needs updating rather than hardware failure.