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Laptop screen going black randomly.

Anonymous
2021-02-24T06:36:07+00:00

My laptop screen is going black randomly but it stays on and the only way I can fix that is by a hard reset. I've noticed that when my pc is very loaded (for example a heavy game like Fortnite/GTAV) no problem happens, but when I do a simple task like browsing the web it freezes. Hope that was clear enough.

!UPDATE: I managed to fix the issue! Turns out it wasn't a display/gpu/driver problem - it was a  cpu problem. I was looking at my usage % at task manager and then I realised that my cpu was running at a too high clock speed. The base speed should've been 2.90 ghz and boost clock should've been 4.20 ghz. But instead what happened was that my CPU was running from 3.4 ghz to 4.25 ghz on idle on desktop, and when I do something like browsing the web it goes to a frequency it cannot handle so it crashes. The way I fixed it was by turning "Power Saver" option in power options (in control panel).

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-03-02T19:26:06+00:00

    The random black screen and freezing issue has been solved by others by updating SSD firmware, or a BIOS update so check for those now on their manufacturer's web site.

    Other possible fixes to try here:

    Troubleshoot freezing Issues with your computer - Your Windows Guide

    https://windowsreport.com/windows-8-freezes-sol... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

    https://www.tenforums.com/performance-maintenan...

    https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/fix...

    https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/pc-goes...

    https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/gef...

    How to fix black screen problems on Windows 10 | Windows Central

    https://www.techspot.com/community/topics/windo...

    https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/61562...

    How to Fix a Black Screen After Updating Windows 10

    Fix: Windows 10 Black Screen problems (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

    Troubleshoot black screen or blank screen errors - Windows Help

    How to fix a black screen with cursor in Windows 10 (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

    Fix: Black Screen with Cursor Windows 10 - Appuals.com (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw2pX9Umb3Y

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-02-26T08:13:14+00:00

    Hello! I just did the repair install with the option "keep my files and apps". I also noticed that I get "status_acces_violation" a lot in Chrome. Also when I play a heavy game like GTAV no problem happens, but when I leave it idle or do simple tasks like browsing the web then it black screens.

    I passed MemTest86 with 0 errors. I checked my SSD - no problems. Crystal Disk Info gives me 94% health on my C drive. I have also done a cpu test in AIDA64 Extreme - no errors. What worries me a bit is that I also ran a cpu test in OCCT and it gave me errors. FurMark gave me 5129 points on 1920x1080p resolution on my NVIDIA gpu. Should I maybe try to update my BIOS?

    -Kaloyan

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-02-24T18:41:44+00:00

    In addition to the other driver updating in Step 3, The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

    First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

    If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or installing in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

    While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

    If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

    or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

    or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

    For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

    You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

    Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

    Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

    Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-02-24T08:06:57+00:00

    Hello and thank you for the answer! I've uninstalled and installed windows a few times and the issue is still there. Crystal disk info gives me 97 % on C disk. After a few hours I'll send you the memtest86's results.

    P.S. I have done OCCT stress test and it detects no problems on my memory and gpu's. But it detects error on my CPU in medium/large data set.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-02-24T07:18:56+00:00

    Hi Kaloyan. I'm Greg, awarded MVP for eleven years, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

    1. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

    System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started.

    If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

    1. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    1. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

    Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

    1. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
    2. Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

    https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/how-to-test...

    Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured, what upgrade options exist for first quality RAM: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

    1. Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:

    https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

    https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

    HP and Dell have hardware diagnostics triggered by tapping the ESC or F12 keys respectively as you power on.

    Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

    Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri... if necessary from the Command Prompt at boot: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

    1. Stress test the rest of your hardware:

    https://techguided.com/best-tools-to-stress-tes...

    I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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