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
    2013-12-28T20:50:11+00:00

    An update: I finally got ahold of someone with Sony that helped. We tried every meathod of troubleshooting we could over the phone. They advised me that I'll have to have it sent in for repairs. (Luckily the first one is free!!) So i'll be recieving it in about a week or so. But as a lesson- even if new, register your item and back up your data ASAP!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-28T17:23:39+00:00

    Same problem as above.  Ran the install for 8.1, went all the way through, restarted, "Setting up" worked then went to black screen.  Tried updating graphics card drivers but had already done so before started update.   After black screen hit I shut down and upon reboot it automatically reverted to Windows 8.

    Running a BRAND NEW 2 day old HP Envy laptop with Intel graphics card.  Seriously Microsoft?  Obviously a lot of people are having this problem, we need a patch, not instructions on how to change the inner workings of our computer.  I would rather not have to alter settings..

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-24T14:51:25+00:00

    GUYS I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I SOLVED IT USING THIS

    1> OPEN UR PC AND LOGIN TO THE BLACK SCREEN

    2> WHILE ON BLACK SCREEN PRESS CTRL+ALT+DELETE

    3>OPEN TASK MANAGER AND CREATE A NEW TASK "cmd.exe" now check the create this task with administrator privilages box.

    4>IN THE CMD WINDOW TYPE "sfc/scannow" HIT ENTER

    5>AFTER IT FINISHES OPEN WINDOWS EXPLORER BY CREATING ANOTHER TASK.

    (U WILL FIND IT IN "C:\Windows"SEARCH FOR EXPLORER AND OPEN IT!

                      U WILL SEE IT WORKS FINE !

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-23T00:43:09+00:00

    unfortunately, i have not had my issue resolved from this forum. I have yet to find an exact match to the issue i'm experiencing.

    I'm working with a Sony Vaio Model: SVF152C29L (touchscreen). I just got it about a month ago and it was pre-loaded with Windows 8. Then i was prompeted to upload 8.1 from the app store. when i did, it restarted, then went black. However, unlike a lot of other's, there is no cursor and no backlight indicating the screen is even working. Ive tried F8, Shift+F8, F1-F12 and nothing brings up a menu. I've also tried the meathod of turning it off and on 3 times before the end of the boot process.

    i have no media for 8 OR 8.1 and i dont know anyone that does either. I've tried calling different repair companies/ Sony Support and Windows support with little luck. I'm trying to find a cheap/free way to do this and Im hoping soeone can help!

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