Corrupted graphics drivers and system files are some of the main contributors that cause this issue. However, there are numerous ways to troubleshoot the Black Screen with Cursor without making major changes to the system. Below, we have outlined some of the main reasons that can be considered as culprits.
Corrupted Graphics Driver- This type of issue usually occurs when there are corrupted files in the device drivers. Therefore, you may need to reinstall the drivers to fix this issue.Corrupted System Files- System files are crucial for operating systems, and they can also become easily corrupted, which can cause Windows to crash. If that’s the case, you must repair the system files by executing some commands to address this issue.Outdated Bios- As it turns out, an outdated BIOS can be one of the main reasons for connection issues, as it plays a significant role in connecting the hardware to the computer. For that reason, check for available updates on the manufacturer’s website.Conflict Of Services– According to the affected users, the problem may be caused by a conflict between services. To fix this, you need to end the problematic service’s task or perform a clean boot.Corrupt Windows Update- Sometimes, the Windows update becomes corrupt, and you may encounter a black screen with a cursor. Therefore, uninstall a recent Windows update or restore Windows to a previous state.
1. Basic fixes.
Some technical issues can cause problems. According to affected users, if you use a dual-monitor screen, pressing Win + P and then pressing the arrow down key four times in a row to select the second screen can fix the issue. Although you can also choose the 1st option, which is the PC Only screen, it may not resolve the issue. However, if you disconnect the 2nd monitor and then restart the computer, it may aid in fixing the black screen with the cursor. Additionally, you can check cables and ensure they are properly connected to the computer, as this can also cause the issue.
2. Restart Explorer.exe.
Another solution that helps to fix this issue is to restart Explorer.exe, a process that takes responsibility for starting the apps, taskbar, Start Menu, desktop, and more. In simple words, it renders most of the User Interface (UI). Therefore, restarting the Explorer.exe will fix this issue if it is not indicating to the corrupted Windows or drivers. There are two ways to restart explorer.exe. If neither of these fixes the issue, you will need to boot your Windows in Safe Mode for some basic troubleshooting operations. Below are the steps:
3. Restart the graphics driver.
The easy and quick fix for the black screen with cursor issue is to restart the graphics driver. To do this, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B simultaneously to restart your graphics driver.
4. Access the Registry Editor.
A Trojan program is designed to take complete control of your computer by removing the entry of Explorer.exe from the shell in the registry editor. Therefore, you need to access the registry editor to ensure the Value data of the shell is Explorer.exe. If it has been changed, then remove the incorrect entry and enter Explorer.exe. Below are the steps:
5. Disable the App Readiness Service.
App Readiness is a default service that prepares Windows apps for use when users sign in to the PC. However, it has been discovered that disabling App Readiness resolves slow boot and other issues, including the Black Screen with Cursor problem. Follow these steps to disable the App Readiness service:
6. Restore registry files.
A black screen with a cursor can be caused by corrupted registry files. If the registry files are corrupted, you may encounter issues, such as this and similar to BSOD errors. Restoring the registry files can potentially fix the BSOD error, and according to several affected users, this method may also apply to a black screen with a cursor issue. Below are the steps to restore default registry files:
7. Perform a clean boot.
A conflict involving third-party services can cause a black screen with a cursor. This issue can occur at any time, and as a result, you may encounter various problems like this one. Performing a clean boot disables all unnecessary services and third-party programs that load at startup. This process enables Windows to operate with a minimum number of drivers and services. Therefore, performing a clean boot may resolve this issue.
8. Run the DISM and SFC commands.
If the issue persists, try repairing Windows images by running DISM and SFC commands. These commands are used to restore corrupted files such as DLL and system files. If you are able to open Task Manager, then run these commands in the terminal by following the instructions below.
9. Add a new user account.
Another solution that can fix this issue is to add a new user account. After adding a new user account, you will need to update all your drivers and transfer your data to the new user account.
10. Use the System Restore feature.
If you created a restore point before encountering this issue, we expect that you are familiar with System Restore. If you don’t know about System Restore, you can proceed to the other steps, but we recommend visiting this article so you can be prepared for future situations by creating a restore point.
11. Uninstall the recent update.
A corrupt Windows update can also contribute to causing a black screen with a cursor issue. However, there are fewer chances of a corrupt Windows update being the cause, but it is good to give it a try, as sometimes users install a corrupt update due to insufficient internet speed or other reasons.
12. Run the Startup Repair.
Startup Repair is an inbuilt Windows feature that resolves issues with the files required for normal Windows booting. It addresses problems that prevent Windows from loading properly. Follow the steps below to run Startup Repair:
13. Disable the Fast Startup option.
Fast Startup is a utility added to Windows by Microsoft. It reduces the time Windows takes to boot up from sleep mode or shutdown. However, according to several users, it creates compatibility issues while booting up Windows. For that reason, we advise you to disable the Fast Startup option.
14. Boot Windows in Safe Mode.
If the above method fails to fix this issue, and neither your Windows is displaying Task Manager nor running programs, then it is most likely due to corrupted drivers, system files, conflicts of services, or corrupt Windows updates. These are some of the factors that we need to troubleshoot in Safe Mode in order to use Windows. Below are the steps:
14.1: Reinstall the Graphics Driver.
Corrupted graphics drivers can be the sole reason for this issue, as they can prevent Windows from loading. If your graphics driver is corrupted, either disable or reinstall the graphics driver.
14.2 Uninstall the Graphics Driver
There is an application called Display Driver Uninstaller, which is used to entirely uninstall drivers from the computer. Sometimes, the device manager does not remove the drivers completely, leaving some files behind. These leftover files can cause serious problems, such as driver conflicts and BSOD errors.
15.3 Install the Graphics Driver.
If neither of the solutions worked, then your Windows may be affected by malware or third-party programs. To fix this, either try repairing or reinstalling Windows with the help of a USB. Fortunately, we have articles on both repairing and reinstalling Windows. Thank you.
