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
    2014-01-16T06:02:08+00:00

                     black screen, with just a cursor

    I call that a "blank" screen, not a black screen.   Seems to be most prevalent for nVidia users.  Workarounds may be possible.

    c.f.

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/b90995f8-55ef-4acb-bf43-d962ba342c1d/black-screen-on-startup?forum=w8itprogeneral#1255235f-3d33-471a-81b7-190e0f406734

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T17:31:09+00:00

    Alright I gave myself ample time to let Microsoft address this issue.

    And what did they do?

    NOTHING!

    People keep pointing to graphic driver problems...specifically ATI

    I have a Nvidia Geforce Titan, with X87 mobo and 4770k CPU.

    I cant pinpoint my problem

    It is video related.

    I just updated last week to 8.1, the problem remains.

    If I power down the system and restart, I log in, and boom black screen with mouse arrow.

    So Microsoft if you are done shoving Failed Xbox ONe down console junkies maybe its time you focus on your OS.

    Im ready to spend $4000 and move to Apple and Ditch Microsoft, even convince my company IT department to follow me. 

    Most ridiculous OS troubleshoot.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T15:20:46+00:00

    Hey Regan:

    This is probably one of those times where walking through the process with someone via phone is going to help get you there.  I'd suggest you give Microsoft a call, and this link will show you some ways to do so:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

    I'm not sure if you're in the U.S., but if you are, the number is (888) 571-2048

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326851/en-us

    And other countries' numbers are listed here:

    http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/activation-centers.aspx

    I hope that helps you.  I've struggled with activation issues myself and I feel your pain.  Usually the phone people are pretty friendly about it and it shouldn't cost you anything.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T14:22:31+00:00

    I have two problems with this remedy....1) I would lose my data as well as my upgrade to Media Center, which I don't have a receipt for since I bought it online, I cant even find the credit card record, and Microsoft is apparently no help. 2) I tried a clean Install but the PC wont accept the Product Key. I had originally put the Win 8 Pro software on a different PC, which caused a lot of grief when I then tried to install on another PC, even though I reverted back to Win 7 on the first PC. Anyway, in all Microsoft's infinite wisdom they applied a new Product Key so that now neither the original or new Product Key is functional. What a mess. So I am still without my main home PC and have been relying on my laptop which is supposed to be strictly for school and business. Not good. Oh, and Microsoft DID send me a new replacement CD of Win 8 Pro, but the Key doesn't work either. SMH. Thank you all for your responses and help.

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