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
    2014-04-12T05:45:03+00:00

    Hello all,

    Im am sorry that like me you have been beset with the black screen woes.

    The App store free update totally corrupted both of my laptops to the extent that I had to reinstall Windows 8 and lose everything on both hard drives as there is no way to repair the free 8.1 without an installation media and I kept getting a missing files message.

    In order to go to 8.1 I have purchased a 8.1 disc from  Microsoft and intalled on top of Windows 8 on 1 machine.

    The black screen problem is still here but to a lesser degree. I have resolved the problem by setting the power switch on the laptop to hibernate and pressing it after the black screen/cursor appears.This produces the lock screen which is hidden behind the black screen and then everything works normally.

    I am running a HP Compaq 6910p with a Radeon X2300 video adapter.

    Allegedly Microsoft are producing a repair patch, but their customer service is abysmal,and the difficulty talking to an "expert" defies belief.

    Hope this helps some of you out,

    Will.

    Will, I have noticed that several people have had to purchase 8.1 discs from Microsoft. How much do those cost? Do they then give the buyer support on installing? Thanks!

    Gloria

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-12T03:53:11+00:00

    To (re)start in safe mode in Windows 8.1, bring up the charms display, select "Settings", then "Power", and hold down the Shift key while you click on "Restart".

    If you are already in the "black screen" with just the mouse cursor, use the Control-Alt-Delete combination to bring up the Lock/Switch User/Sign Out/Task Manager screen, click on the Power icon in the lower-right corner, then hold down the Shift key while you click on "Restart".

    This is from memory, so cut me a little slack:

    This will allow you to select Troubleshooting, Advanced, Start Options, and click on "Restart". The Restart menu will display a variety of choices; select your preferred option using either the corresponding number key or function key (both work). Example: option 5 is Safe Mode with Networking.

    The computer will restart and offer the normal log-in screen, after which it will enter the selected mode.

    Good to go.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-02T13:07:37+00:00

    Hi

    If you are experiencing a problem of blank screen after the completion your Laptops upgrade to window 8.1, Please try to do the following steps.It maight help you to resolve the issue.

    1. Switch off your Laptop by pressing the power key continuously for 5-8 seconds

    2.When your machine is turned off, press the shift+ F8 key and , while keeping these keys pressed tap(single press) the power button and keep on pressed the shift+F8 keys.

    3.You may now see the Maker LOGO on your Screen, and once you see it release the shift+F8 keys

    Your Laptop will start now in the normal way.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-30T08:07:09+00:00

    I did a clean install of Windows 8.1 and found a way to fix the blank screen of nothingness.

    Once the installer prompts a restart press OK and boot from the installation DVD.

    Choose "Repair your computer" and select "Advanced Options".

    Open a DOS command prompt and type this command line:

    *cd c:*

    *c:*

    bootrec /fixmbr

    Close the command prompt and continue installing Windows.

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