Grey screen

Question

I just reset my pc and when I power up after it loads my screen is just gray. I can see my cursor but nothing else. I have an Alienware aurora r8.

Answer 1

Hi Carl. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

Fixes are the same for black screen with cursor:

1. Try these fixes for black screen with cursor at Startup in WIndows 11:

https://allthings.how/how-to-fix-windows-11-bla...

https://devsjournal.com/how-to-fix-windows-11-b...

https://appuals.com/windows-11-black-screen-wit... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/comments/o...

https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-black-scre... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3zhScdxQVQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc_9yAqCiKk

If none of those work then and you cannot get into Windows try the following repairs 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.... If that doesn't work we can switch the repair mode.

2. 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.

3. Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

4. If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...

HARDWARE TESTS -

5. Test the memory using WIndows Memory Diagnostics: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-det...

If problems are found then 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...

6. 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...

7. Stress test the rest of your hardware:

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

Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

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