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My computer screen is black but I can see my curser

Anonymous
2025-04-30T18:17:59+00:00

My screen is black but I can see the curser. I tried control/alt/delete. I need help!

Surface | Surface Laptop | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-20T03:01:04+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    I understand your Surface is experiencing a black screen with only the mouse visible, and you've already tried the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut. Here are some solutions to try restoring normal functionality or re-entering the system desktop:

    1. Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B simultaneously.
      This sends a signal to the system to reset the graphics driver.
      You will hear a short "beep", and the screen may flicker, go black for a few seconds, then recover.
      Check if the black screen issue is resolved.
    2. Force shutdown and restart Force a shutdown and restart your Surface - Microsoft Support
      Press and hold the power button until the device turns off, then power it on again.
    3. Try starting in Safe Mode (to rule out software/driver conflicts)
      Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping to determine if third-party software or drivers are causing the issue.
      How to enter Safe Mode (with a black screen):
      During Windows startup (after seeing the logo or just when the screen goes black), force shutdown the device (hold the power button until it turns off). Repeat this 2–3 times.
      On the third automatic restart, Windows will usually enter the Automatic Repair environment.
      In the Automatic Repair interface, select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
      After restarting, a list of options will appear. Press 4 or F4 to select Enable Safe Mode.
    4. Uninstall recent Windows updates
      If the issue occurred after a system update, in the Automatic Repair interface, select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates.

    Best regards, 
    Huy-K | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Reported
    Anonymous
    2025-06-20T17:54:54+00:00

    The day that my screen was black I needed help right away! Your customer service is horrible! You have a multi-million-dollar company, and you do not have a technical service line to call? It's ridiculous. I was able to figure it out somehow, but I would have needed to purchase a new computer if I hadn't figured it out. Can you explain to me how I was supposed to wait for an email telling how to fix the problem when I couldn't get into my computer??

    I am very disappointed in your customer service. When I purchase my next computer, I will make sure it is from a company that has a technical support help line.

    Donna Aiken

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