I’m installing Windows 8.1, and after a reboot, it has a black screen.

Anonymous
2013-10-29T18:13:23+00:00

I’m installing Windows 8.1, and after a reboot, it has a black screen, with just a cursor. How do I solve this?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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Anonymous
2013-10-29T18:14:57+00:00

This may be an issue with your display drivers. Try entering Safe Mode and updating the drivers:

  1. When you boot your PC, try hitting the F8 key. This may take you to the Startup Settings that include Safe Mode.
  2. If hitting F8 doesn’t work, and you have media for Windows 8.1 (such as a DVD or USB), you can boot from media using the instructions here. Further instructions about Safe Mode can be found here.
  3. If you do not have media, use the power button to restart your computer during the boot process three times (do not let it get to the end of the boot process) . This should bring up the Windows Recovery Environment.
  4. Once you have started in Safe Mode with Networking, check for updated drivers:
  • Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.

(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

  • Tap or click Update and recovery and then tap or click Windows Update.
  • Tap or click View details, and tap or click Check for updates. (If you don't see View details, there aren't any optional updates available.)
  • Under Optional, tap or click the update that you want to install, then click Install.

If no updated drivers are available through Windows Update, check the website of the manufacturer of your video card to see if they have updated drivers available.

If this does not resolve your issue, post in this thread.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-13T18:55:05+00:00

    Hello all,

    Im am sorry that like me you have been beset with the black screen woes.

    The App store free update totally corrupted both of my laptops to the extent that I had to reinstall Windows 8 and lose everything on both hard drives as there is no way to repair the free 8.1 without an installation media and I kept getting a missing files message.

    In order to go to 8.1 I have purchased a 8.1 disc from  Microsoft and intalled on top of Windows 8 on 1 machine.

    The black screen problem is still here but to a lesser degree. I have resolved the problem by setting the power switch on the laptop to hibernate and pressing it after the black screen/cursor appears.This produces the lock screen which is hidden behind the black screen and then everything works normally.

    I am running a HP Compaq 6910p with a Radeon X2300 video adapter.

    Allegedly Microsoft are producing a repair patch, but their customer service is abysmal,and the difficulty talking to an "expert" defies belief.

    Hope this helps some of you out,

    Will.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T23:01:32+00:00

    Hi,

    Glad to have helped. 

    (If a reply was the solution please mark it as the "Answer" or if it was helpful

    please mark it as "Found this helpful - Me Too". Those help others find the

    proper solutions.)

    Moving everyday, going further on,

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T22:25:48+00:00

    Wow, that's a great deal of informaiton all in one place.  Thank you Rob.  I've got to get onto making a recovery USB. That is a start for me.

    Good information.

    Clarence

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T22:13:50+00:00

    I have an OEM version of windows 8.  I inquired of the community on numerous occasions about how to get an ISO for windows 8.1, and at one point a microsoft tech of sorts more than less told me to go out and buy it.  That is so cool; eh? After paying for 8 go buy 8.1.

    Seems really stupid and foolish not to provide an 8.1 ISO and cause paying customers added grief of downloading and reinstalling and on and on.

    Hi,

    Download Windows 8.1 ISO Using your Windows 8.0 Key

    http://mcakins.com/2013/10/19/download-windows-8-1-iso-using-you-windows-8-0-key/

    Download Windows 8.1 iso

    http://philipyip.wordpress.com/download-windows-8-1-iso/

    Download the Windows 8.1 ISO using a Windows 8 key and some simple trickery

    http://betanews.com/2013/10/21/download-the-windows-8-1-iso-using-a-windows-8-key-and-some-simple-trickery/

    You can also make a Recovery USB drive.

    How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8 and 8.1

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

    On Nov. 15, 2013 Windows 8.1 Back-up Media will be available for purchase. Newegg and

    others will be offering the disc,

    Windows 8.1 'Back-up Media' disc available to buy soon

    http://betanews.com/2013/11/05/windows-8-1-back-up-media-disc-available-to-buy-soon/

    Hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

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