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
    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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T10:13:15+00:00

    Windows is installed in a couple of ways, but it sounds to me like you were doing a fresh install on a clean drive.  More details about your situation would be helpful, but based on what is there in your post, I would guess that you should just start all over. 

    Shut down the machine, which you probably have done; reboot into the installation media, USB or DVD, etc. and start all over.  My confirmation code comes via my cell phone.  I am curious about where the email with the confirmation code is read; on another machine?  Knowing that isn't necessary; what is necessary is that you get that code to complete the installation.

    I hope others will post with their recommendations too to help you.

    My recommendation is to reinstall the operating system.  Make sure all settings in your system board's bios are set the way you want them. 

    I use a USB installation.  I would also clean the disk before installing; but that is not necessary.  Just try reinstalling and follow the directions, but unlike the other time make sure you enter the right information.

    I have installed my windows 8.1 about four times, each time it goes a little bit differently.  There seem to be several things not quite right with 8.1, and there are several updates for it after you get it installed.

    Good luck.

    Clarence

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T05:08:32+00:00

    I was installing windows 8.1 and it asked me to reboot and I did but when I was  filling in all my security questions it sent me a pin on my other email and It asked me to enter the code I received and I typed it in wrong and it asked me to check again and I did, it was right the second time  and then it started loading and it's just frozen, saying enter the code you received  up the top and down the bottom it says change keyboard. And that's all I can do is change the keyboard from Australia to USA . PLEASE HELP I TRIED REBOOTING COMPUTER BUT IT STAYS LIKE THAT , NOW I CANT GET ON TO MY PC !!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-13T07:25:24+00:00

    I have done all the steps but it doesn't work.

    But I run the command "sfc /scannow" in cmd console the corrupted dll's will auto fix the issue, after verifying this just restart the windows. Issue will be fixed for few minutes. After that windows will spontaneously SignOut and the issue will come again.

    I have disabled, re-installed and updated my Graphics card driver (GeForce 332.21 Driver Release Date: Tue Jan 07, 2014) for GeForce 9M Series (Notebooks)

    Please someone help me...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments