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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

123 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. 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!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T18:28:07+00:00

    Did u try to restore to earlier settings ? That's what I did when the 8.1 crashed the install first time(I had to do that hard shut off as well ), and it took me back to 8.0

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T18:25:10+00:00

    Hi there, I had the same issue after the reboot and my screen went black.  So I finally got it back to normal In recovery, and just gave up thinking it was a error with the update, tried it again today and same thing but I notice the HD action LED was flashing like crazy so I just left it and about 15 mins later a windows logo graphic showed up and it's now applying all the changes, so I assume there must be a graphics issue with this windows update and until the update almost finishes the install the drivers aren't loaded, or something to that effect. Anyways hope that helps. Other computers may take longer as I run a i5 quad core.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-11T20:34:59+00:00

    I have the EXACT same problem, and my F8 key does nothing either. Only difference is that my Dell XPS 8000 doesnt boot to a blackSOD immediately, it boots, then rapidlt goes to where any program I open is unresponsive, then it freezes, then it goes all black except the cursor arrow, which is moveable. My PC lasted about 3 days after upgrading to 8.1 before it started gradually going downhill. And since I am unable to correctly shut down the system I was forced to shut it down hard by holding the power button, ouch! And that was when it sank faster than the Titanic. Within a day of continual boots and hard crashing it I lost allcontrol and now cant get any program to open up for more than a couple minutes before it freezes then goes black. What is wrong with WIN 8.1??? Is there any way to salvage my HD short of replacing it, starting from scratch and going back later to get my files? Is there any known compatability issues with Verizons Backup Cloud App? I was trying to backup my files right before this happened. Anyway, Im lost as to what I can short of a fresh install.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments