Tuesday, September 2, 2025

How to Fix Windows 10 Black Screen After Login

 










Problem Overview

Sometimes, the screen turns black after logging into Windows 10, but the mouse pointer may still be visible. Causes include:

  • Corrupted or outdated display drivers

  • Explorer.exe not starting

  • Background apps or antivirus software are blocking the login

  • Windows Update bugs

  • Hardware acceleration or display issues

Solution 1: Restart Windows Explorer

If explorer.exe fails to load, desktop icons and the taskbar won’t appear.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Processes tab.

  3. Find Windows Explorer → Right-click → Restart.
    👉 If not listed:

  • Go to File → Run new task.

  • Type:

    explorer.exe

  • Press Enter.

Solution 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Steps:

  1. Hold Shift + Restart → PC reboots into Recovery.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  3. Press 4 (Safe Mode).

  4. From Safe Mode, uninstall/update display drivers (next solution).

Solution 3: Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Steps:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode.

  2. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  3. Expand Display adapters.

  4. Right-click your graphics card →

    • Update driver (choose automatically).

    • If the issue started after the update → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.

Solution 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup may cause black screen issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    control

    → Enter.

  2. Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.

  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

  5. Save changes → Restart.

Solution 5: Disable Problematic Startup Apps

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Disable non-essential apps (antivirus, third-party apps).

  4. Restart PC.

Solution 6: Run System File Checker & DISM

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Task Manager.

  2. Go to File → Run new task.

  3. Type:

    cmd

    Check Create this task with admin privileges → Enter.

  4. Run commands one by one:

    sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  5. Restart PC.

Solution 7: Disable/Uninstall Antivirus Temporarily

Some antivirus software blocks the login and causes black screens.

  • Boot into Safe Mode.

  • Uninstall third-party antivirus → Restart.

  • If fixed, replace with Windows Defender.

Solution 8: Check Multiple Display Settings

Windows might be projected to another screen.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + P.

  2. Select the PC screen only.

Solution 9: Perform Startup Repair

Steps:

  1. Hold Shift + Restart → Recovery options.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Repair.

  3. Let Windows attempt auto repair.

Solution 10: Create a New User Profile

If the user profile is corrupted, the login may show only a black screen.

Steps:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode.

  2. Press Windows + I → Accounts → Family & other users.

  3. Add a new account → Assign admin rights.

  4. Log in with the new account.

Solution 11: Disable App Readiness Service

This service sometimes delays login.

Steps:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode.

  2. Press Windows + R, type:

    services.msc

    → Enter.

  3. Find App Readiness → Right-click → Properties.

  4. Set Startup type = Disabled.

  5. Restart PC.

Solution 12: System Restore (if available)

If the issue started after updates or new software:

Steps:

  1. Hold Shift + Restart → Recovery options.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore.

  3. Choose a restore point before the black screen problem started.

Solution 13: Reset Windows 10 (Last Option)

If nothing works:

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.

  2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.

  3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

Final Note

The black screen issue after logging in to Windows 10 is usually linked to display drivers or explorer.exe not running. Start by restarting Windows Explorer, updating drivers, and disabling startup apps. If nothing works, a system restore or reset can bring Windows back to normal.