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
    2013-11-09T14:12:26+00:00

    Well guys, thanks for all your responses etc.  After 4 attempts of PC refresh, don't know how, but managed to get back to Windows 8.  But all is not well still!  No bluetooth driver - arrgh.  I have spent two weeks trying to resolve problems and now got this one to deal with.  Thank you Microsoft for making my life sooo easy!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T17:22:22+00:00

    My Problem:

    After upgrading to 8.1, when I login to my laptop there is a black screen for 2-3 minutes before loading the UI.

    My Solution:

    Here is what worked for me.

    1. Run 'msconfig'

    a) ctrl+alt+delete > click "Task Manager" > "File" > "Run New Task" > type msconfig > click OK ... OR

    b) wait for UI to load, hit WinKey + R > type msconfig > click OK

    1. In msconfig click "Services" tab > find "App Readiness" service > Uncheck the box > Click OK > Click Restart

    Hopefully this solves the problem for a few of you. Good luck.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T20:50:28+00:00

    Well I tried everything but no joy.

    Because I was also working in safe mode I was unable to download a replacement windows 8 iso. I managed to do it in the end using an old pc.

    I then re-installed windows 8 then 8.1 and all is running ok now.

    What an absolute pain in the posterior though. So many Microsoft customers having nothing but problems with this upgrade. I have spent almost two whole entire days trying to sort this out and ended up going to bed last night at 05.30hrs. I bet if I had to pay a Microsoft Technician for so many hours it wouldn't come cheap. Yet we have to spend many endless hours just trying to get our software upgrades to work.

    Shocking work lately from Microsoft!

    Thank you for everyone who helped me out though. Your assistance was greatly appreciated despite having no support from microsoft themselves.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T22:09:20+00:00

    Hello Studio500:  I am glad that you finally have a stable system again.  I am out of anger at this point after spending so many hours trying to figure this and that out.  MS and the Federal government must be working together to intentially foul up our lives, or they just deteriorated to incompetence.

    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.

    I still am not satified about what's going on here.  If my system runs into trouble, crashing and such; I'll have to reinstall.  We know what that involves now; don't we?

    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.

    Once again, I am glad for you, but we've got to be cautious from now on.  I don't like being duped into shady deals like this.

    C.

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