How to troubleshoot a black screen on your Dell laptop

You turn on your Dell® laptop but are met with nothing but a blank, black screen. Unfortunately, it's a common computer scenario that can disrupt any user's flow. Before you consider a serious repair or replacement, we've compiled some insightful fixes that can help revive your laptop's display.

At Asurion, our experts have the know-how to help with most tech—including your Dell laptop. Here’s what our experts have to say about fixing a Dell laptop that turns on but with a black screen.

Why is my Dell computer screen black?

Encountering a black screen on your Dell computer can be both a common, disconcerting issue. While the cause may be simple, it can also indicate a more serious hardware or software problem. Here are some common ones:

• Insufficient power. The laptop may not be getting enough power or any power at all.
• Brightness settings. The display brightness could be turned all the way down.
• Faulty display. The laptop's screen might be damaged, so it's best to check it with an external monitor to confirm.
• Loose connections. The cables connecting the laptop to an external monitor might be loose or disconnected.
• Physical damage. A recent drop or physical impact could have harmed the laptop’s hardware.
• Software issues. A new software update might be interfering with the display connection.
• Driver failure. Outdated or faulty display drivers can cause display issues.

What does a blinking white light mean?

A flashing white light on a Dell laptop can indicate a power or battery issue, such as a failing battery or one that’s not charging properly. When your laptop’s light blinks in a specific pattern, it signals a more serious hardware malfunction or a system error preventing it from booting.

If your Dell laptop displays a flashing white light without starting up, resulting in a black screen, it could have a bigger issue that needs expert attention.

How to fix a black screen on a Dell laptop

These troubleshooting steps, from simple settings adjustments to deeper hardware checks, can help fix your Dell laptop's black screen.

1. Adjust the brightness

If your screen is black, the brightness settings might be turned down. Try increasing the brightness by pressing Fn + F7 (often marked with a sun icon).

2. Plug the laptop in

A depleted battery could cause your Dell laptop's unresponsive black screen. Before you start troubleshooting, make sure your Dell laptop is charged. Connect your computer to its power source and leave it to charge for a few minutes.

3. Check for loose or damaged cables and connections

The literal lifelines of your laptop setup—cables and connections—can sometimes loosen or wear, causing display issues. Examine your laptop's power and video cables for any sign of damage or loose connections, and secure them properly if needed.

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4. Perform a hard reset

Sometimes, the solution is more straightforward than it seems. A hard reset can resolve various issues, including a black screen problem.

1. Click the Start menu > Power icon > Shut down. When the laptop shuts down completely, unplug connected accessories and the power cable. If the battery is detachable, remove it.
2. Press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds to dissipate any residual power.
3. If you have removed the battery, place it back in the laptop. Then, reconnect the laptop to the charger.
4. Press the Power button to turn it back on.

5. Connect to an external monitor

Connect your Dell laptop to an external display to check whether the black screen issue is caused by the screen itself or a system problem. Use the designated key combination, typically Fn + F8 on Dell devices, to switch the display output. This step helps pinpoint the issue, clarifying whether the laptop's screen or the hardware is causing trouble.

If the external monitor works, you can try the following solutions to help fix the issue.

If you don’t have an external monitor handy, you might need the help of an expert to continue troubleshooting.

6. Try Safe Mode

Launch your laptop into the bare-bones version of your operating system to spot any software-related hiccups that could be causing your Dell laptop to have a black screen. Check out our guide for entering Safe Mode, and see if you can use your screen in this mode.

If your Dell laptop works in Safe Mode, you most likely have a recent download or file causing trouble. Uninstall the most recent addition, then test out your laptop screen.

7. Run a virus scan

A virus or malware can cause system-wide issues, including a blank screen. Run a full scan with your installed antivirus software to root out any malicious software causing display issues.

8. Check for software updates

Outdated software can cause a spectrum of issues with your laptop, including screen problems. Here’s how to check for any pending system updates:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Update & Security > Windows® Update > Check for updates.

9. Update or reinstall graphics drivers

Drivers are critical to your laptop’s performance. An incorrect or faulty driver can lead to display problems. Typically, drivers updates occurwhen your system software is updated. Try updating your drivers manually or uninstalling and reinstalling them. You can do both using our dedicated guide on computer drivers.