Run into the same issue last thursday.

I made the device quasi-operational by disabling the graphics card.

You can do this either by either booting up in safe mode or connecting external display via usb-c dock. Both will let you in.

Then, disable the "Intel Iris Xe Graphic" in "Display Adapters" tab in the Device Manager. Windows will then use some basic software render and the integrated display will work. However you will not be able to connect external display.

You can turn it back on to make external display work, but don't forget to turn it off again, because getting to safe mode with black screen is kinda tedious.

However, the software rendering is sort of sluggish, so it's definitely not a permanent solution.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/windowshelp › windows 11 won't bootup... black screen and nothing more...
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Windows 11 Won't bootup... black screen and nothing more...
February 1, 2026 -

Hi,

I have a 3 month old Dell ECS 1250 running Windows Home 11. Apparently I took the Jan14 update. I was on a Zoom call and later in the day first the audio when out, then the video went out and the machine rebooted. Thereafter I would get a Dell logo then a blank screen; I cannot boot into safe mode or anything related to windows. Two calls to Dell support and it is pretty clearly not a HW via various diagnostic test. It is the destructive MSFT patch.

Using F12 on power up "Advanced troubleshoot" and "Recovery" options, I have tried the following all to no joy:

  1. remove the feature update

  2. remove the patch update

  3. run the repair

  4. run a fresh install via the local and cloud download/update options (with and without saving my data)

  5. New install

What happens on the attempted new and fresh install is it gets about 10% thru per the progress bar, then the screen flickers and then goes blank; no restart, nothing; the monitor just goes blank aka the install has failed; no error nothing just a blank screen. Monitor works fine as I am using it right now on windows10*.*

From "Advanced troubleshoot" screen, DOS command prompt tried these commands
to no joy. Same result as others have shared bz via recovery you are not an Admin, so you have limited execution/access rights:
bootrec /fixmbr → worked
bootrec /fixboot → Access Denied
bootrec /scanos → 0 Windows installations found
bootrec /rebuildbcd → 0 installations

I also have tried as
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
this won't work bz you have to be an admin. It errors saying these param are unrecognized.
/Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Reading thru my AI chatbot Gemini, it implied 3 possible issues are at play here with the Jan patch on my Dell machine (visible via F2 on machine bootup)

  1. Secure Boot

  2. TPM2

  3. CA Cert

From F2 - Dell Bio configuration page I made the following changes. The fresh/New install still only goes to 10% and dies aka screen goes totally blank.

  1. Secure Boot (Disabled/Off)

  2. TPM2 (now set to clear the TPM2 cache on startup)

  3. CA Cert (not 100% sure with this but I changed it from strict to a less strict setting)
    After still failing it suggested I change the "Post time" on startup from "0" to a longer time so I set it to "5 seconds. It still fails (I assume this is the same as changing from Fast Startup)

Anyone have any solutions, suggestions etc?
Thanks!

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TweakTown
tweaktown.com › guides
How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen on Boot or After Login
May 8, 2026 - If your system goes straight to a black screen, you can force Windows into Recovery Mode. ... I stopped Windows 11 notifications from interrupting me with Do Not Disturb, Focus, and a priority list
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AVG
avg.com › en › signal › fix-windows-black-screen
How to Fix Black Screen of Death on PC (Windows 11 & 10)
December 16, 2025 - Your monitor display might be defective or set to the wrong source, which can lead to a black screen. Try connecting to a different display, if you have one, or move your connection from your monitor to your TV (or vice versa). A blank screen on startup for a Windows 10 or 11 build might also be caused by a mismatch between your monitor and your display’s resolution. For example, an optimized gaming PC might not work with a projector that can’t display the high resolution. If your Windows PC shows a “boot error” when connected to a projector, try hooking it up to a regular monitor.
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EaseUS
easeus.com › backup and recovery › fix windows 11 won't boot after update/not booting black screen
Fix Windows 11 Won't Boot After Update/Not Booting Black Screen - EaseUS
1 week ago - Step 4. Choose the most recent restore point and click Next to continue. Step 5. Select Finish. Your Windows 11 not booting with a black screen can be tricky. The fans are working, and the system is running, but the screen only displays black with the mouse cursor.
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › computer › styu7-windows-11-black-screen-boot-wont-go-safe-mode.html
Windows 11 Black Screen on Boot? Expert Troubleshooting Guide
First, can you confirm that you're using a desktop? Please ensure all connections between the CPU and monitor are secure and check for any loose wires. ... Yes, I've already checked that.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/windows11 › [solution] to anyone encountering black screen with cursor after login and has tried installing win 11 to fix it but didn't work. turn off fast start-up to fix it (doesn't really affect the boot time dramatically, i am using ssd)
r/Windows11 on Reddit: [Solution] To anyone encountering Black Screen with Cursor after login and has tried installing WIN 11 to fix it but didn't work. Turn off fast start-up to fix it (doesn't really affect the boot time dramatically, I am using SSD)
March 30, 2023 - fast boot / hibernate dumps the ram to the system drive thus using more of the write cycles on the SSD. this also applies to the page file to move that to an HDD. for fast boot / hibernate even when it is turned off the hybrid file will not be removed intel you put this command in CMD. powercfg.exe /hibernate off ... Windows User Since Birth. Finally Tried a Macbook! Any tips? ... I've been receiving the BSOD, *black screen of death* frequently this weekend.... ... Recommend me a notebook! ... Windows 11 KB5079473 is not causing BSODs or an inaccessible C: drive and app failures, says Microsoft
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Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com › en-US › Windows › Hardware › Display-Graphics › troubleshooting-blank-screens-in-windows
Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows | Microsoft Support
Use Ctrl + Alt + Del: If you see the security screen, try launching Task Manager and restarting Windows Explorer. Force restart: Free the power button for 20 seconds. ... Ensure all cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) are securely connected. Try a different monitor or cable to rule out hardware issues.
Find elsewhere
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EaseUS
easeus.com › emergency disk › blue screen of death is changing to black, how to fix windows 11 black screen of death
Blue Screen of Death Is Changing to Black, How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen of Death
April 15, 2026 - Windows 11 black screen of death are mostly caused by driver problems. The Safe Mode startup environment will only load some necessary system files and drivers, which can exclude the influence of third-party software or drivers.
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Windows Report
windowsreport.com › windows 11 › how to › fix black screen issue
Black Screen on Windows 11: How to Fix it With Basic Steps
July 15, 2025 - What causes the black screen of death in Windows 11? The black screen of death can be caused by corrupted display drivers, loose cables, overheating GPU, or failed Windows updates. Can I fix an all black screen without reinstalling Windows?
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Visioncomputers
visioncomputers.com › windows-11-black-screen
Windows 11 Black Screen? 8 Fixes (With or Without Cursor) | Vision Computers
March 12, 2026 - 5865 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Suite 125,, Address2, Norcross, GA, U.S.A. 30071 · 770-840-0015 support@visioncomputers.com
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How-To Geek
howtogeek.com › home › windows › how to fix a black screen on windows 11 (before or after log in)
How to Fix a Black Screen on Windows 11 (Before or After Log In)
December 1, 2023 - Startup Repair is a Windows Recovery Environment tool that can repair common issues preventing your computer from booting. Here's how to access it: If your computer gets to the sign in screen: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open the security options ...
Top answer
1 of 5
4

I ran into a similar issue with a black screen after login, except i couldn’t open task manager. Was able to get mine fixed:

  1. Ctrl-alt-del. Click the power icon, then hold shift and select restart.
  2. After it loads, it should open a blue screen. Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart
  3. Select 6. Enable safe mode with command prompt.
  4. Log in.
  5. (probably optional, but did it anyways) Click on the terminal window and type sfc /scannow. Press enter, and wait for it to complete.
  6. Type explorer. Press enter. This caused the taskbar and the typical windows desktop to appear.
  7. Press Windows+R and type regedit. Click ok, then yes if you get a prompt.
  8. On the left side, navigate to Computer -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Control -> Session Manager -> Environment (click the environment folder).
  9. If you don’t see windir in the list on the right, add it. Right click an empty space on the right side of the menu, New -> String Value. Type windir, press enter. Double click windir. Under value data: enter C:\Windows
  10. Press ok, then restart your computer. After logging in the issue was resolved for me.

Turns out I was missing the windir environment variable. Hopefully this helps someone (the other threads out there are locked :’)

2 of 5
1

Hi Gray, Thanks for your post. Can you please open any actions as follows.

  1. Scan your PC with Windows Security or 3rd party antimalware software Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.
  2. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows; it can help identify if any third-party software is causing the issue. To boot Windows in safe mode, press and hold the Shift key, restart Computer, then Troubleshoot > Advanced option > Startup Settings > Restart.
  3. Check for Windows updates. Settings > Windows update > Check for Windows update.
  4. Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system-files-79aa86cb-ca52-166a-92a3-966e85d4094e
  5. Run Startup Repair. a. Boot Into Windows Recovery Environment. b. Next, under Choose an option, click on Troubleshoot. c. Next, click on Advanced options. d. Click on Startup Repair. Now it will start to diagnose your PC to find issues with the start-up. e. Next, select a user account and enter the password. f. Click Continue to begin Startup repair. This process may take some time, so wait till it is complete.

Best Regards,

Ian Xue


If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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Groovy Post
groovypost.com › how-to › how to fix a black screen on windows 11
How to Fix a Black Screen on Windows 11
March 21, 2024 - Whichever way you restart Windows Explorer, your screen will flicker briefly, and the black screen problem should be resolved. If you still have a black screen and cannot access the operating system, boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode.
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Lifewire
lifewire.com › fix-windows-11-black-screen-5442832
How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues
July 5, 2024 - Here's how to access BIOS from Windows 11 if you've never been in there before. Try a different monitor. If you’re using a desktop computer, if possible, try connecting it to a different monitor.
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ReclaiMe
reclaime.com › library › windows11-black-screen.aspx
Troubleshooting Windows 11 Black Screen on Startup
Another option is to attempt restoring Windows 11 system files. To do this, run cmd.exe as an administrator using "Run a new task" and execute the following commands: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth sfc /scannow · If a black screen persists after disabling Windows services, re-enable them using the services.msc command in the "Run New Task" window.
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TechTarget
techtarget.com › searchenterprisedesktop › tip › Steps-to-fix-a-black-screen-in-Windows-11
7 steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11 | TechTarget
Figure 8. You can use the bootrec command-line utility to rebuild the BCD store. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool and the System File Checker (SFC) can also be helpful when troubleshooting Windows 11 black screen issues.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/pchelp › windows 11 black screen after update. have restarted the computer to no avail.
r/pchelp on Reddit: Windows 11 black screen after update. have restarted the computer to no avail.
May 11, 2023 - If it's blinking, the install is running, so leave it alone and give it time to complete. Re-booting in the middle of it, will break your Windows. ... Thanks for this. It works. This comment should be pin. ... Updating to windows 11 now and had the black screen with cursor for 10 min before it finally started doing something.