Share via

why does my screen go black randomly

rob lunt 20 Reputation points
2026-03-27T11:04:35.74+00:00

my screen goes black randomly, I have updated graphic card drivers this lasts only a fraction of a second.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
0 comments No comments

Answer accepted by question author
  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-27T11:04:48.67+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Random brief black screens are usually caused by graphics driver or display issues. Since graphics drivers are already updated, use these targeted checks:

    1. Reset the graphics driver
      • Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B when the issue happens or anytime.
      • The screen will briefly blink and a beep may be heard; this reloads the display driver and can clear minor glitches.
    2. Check for incompatible or problematic apps
      • Screen flicker or very short black screens can be caused by apps that hook into the display (screen recorders, overlay tools, some security or tuning software).
      • Close such apps one by one and observe whether the black-screen behavior stops.
    3. Reinstall the display adapter
      • Right-click Start > Device Manager.
      • Expand Display adapters.
      • Right-click the graphics card > Uninstall device.
      • Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
    4. Install OEM/system updates
      • Use the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s update tool (for example, Lenovo/HP/Dell/ASUS system update utilities) to install the latest firmware and graphics-related updates. This has resolved display issues in similar scenarios.
    5. Check external displays and cables (if used)
      • If an external monitor is connected, test with another cable/port or with only the built-in display to see if the issue persists.

    If the problem continues after these steps, collect details such as when it happens (on wake, under load, idle, with specific apps) and check Reliability Monitor or Event Viewer for display or driver errors to narrow down the cause.


    References:

    1 person found this answer helpful.

2 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Kapil Arya 37,576 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-27T17:26:37.9166667+00:00

    Try restoring an earlier version of display driver which worked perfectly.

    Or you can try System Restore to a point when issue wasn't present.


  2. DaveM121 865.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-27T11:40:16.9566667+00:00

    1

    The black screens are usually caused by the graphics drivers.

    What are you doing on your PC when you see the black screens, are you playing games, watching a video or performing graphically intensive tasks?

    2

    Right click your Desktop and open Device Manager.

    Expand the Display Adapters section.

    Please provide a screenshot of that full Device Manager window.

    3

    Click your Start Button, type winver and hit Enter

    Please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

    0 comments No comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.