Windows 11 Black Screen After Login – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Seeing a black screen after logging into Windows 11? You’re not alone. Many users report that after entering their password or PIN, the desktop fails to load — leaving only a blank or black display. This issue often appears after Windows updates, driver changes, or system corruption.

This complete guide explains why Windows 11 shows a black screen after login and provides proven step-by-step fixes that actually work.

Good news: In most cases, your files are safe and the issue can be fixed without reinstalling Windows.

Why Does Windows 11 Show a Black Screen After Login?

The black screen problem usually happens because Windows fails to load the desktop (Explorer.exe) properly. Common causes include:

• Corrupted Windows update
• Graphics driver issues
• Display driver conflicts
• Startup service failure
• Fast Startup glitches
• Corrupted system files
• Explorer.exe not launching

Quick Fix First (Try This Before Anything Else)

Restart Windows Explorer

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. If Task Manager appears, click File → Run new task.
3. Type explorer.exe and press Enter.

If your desktop appears — problem solved.

Fix 1: Force Restart Your PC

Sometimes Windows fails to load properly after an update.

1. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Turn your PC back on.

This clears temporary glitches.

Fix 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers.

How to Enter Safe Mode:

1. Force shutdown your PC 3 times during boot.
2. On the 4th restart, Windows will open Automatic Repair.
3. Select Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
4. Click Restart.
5. Press 4 for Safe Mode.

If Windows works in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by a driver or startup program.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Graphics Driver

Outdated or corrupted display drivers are the most common cause.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Open Task Manager → File → Run new task.
3. Type devmgmt.msc.
4. Expand Display adapters.
5. Right-click your GPU → Select Update driver.

If updating doesn’t work:

1. Right-click GPU → Uninstall device.
2. Restart your PC.

Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Fix 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes break the login process.

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type control and press Enter.
3. Go to Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
6. Save changes.

Restart your PC.

Fix 5: Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)

Corrupted system files can cause black screen errors.

1. Open Task Manager.
2. Click File → Run new task.
3. Type cmd and check “Create this task with administrative privileges”.
4. Run this command:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.

Fix 6: Run DISM Command

If SFC doesn’t fix it, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs the Windows image.

Fix 7: Disable Startup Programs

1. Open Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup tab.
3. Disable unnecessary programs.
4. Restart your PC.

Fix 8: Uninstall Recent Windows Update

If the issue started after an update:

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History.
2. Select Uninstall Updates.
3. Remove the latest update.

Fix 9: Create a New User Account

Sometimes the user profile gets corrupted.

net user NewUser /add

Restart and try logging in with the new account.

Fix 10: Perform System Restore

If nothing works:

1. Boot into Recovery Mode.
2. Select System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point before the issue started.

When Should You Reset Windows?

If all fixes fail, you may need to reset Windows:

1. Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Click Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files.

This keeps your personal files safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does black screen mean my PC is damaged?

No. In most cases, it’s a software or driver issue.

Can a virus cause black screen after login?

Yes, but it’s rare. Run Windows Defender scan to be safe.

Will I lose my files?

No, unless you choose full reset with file removal.

How long does it take to fix?

Usually 10–30 minutes depending on the cause.

Final Thoughts

The Windows 11 black screen after login problem is frustrating but usually fixable. In most cases, restarting Explorer, updating display drivers, or running SFC resolves the issue.

If the problem appeared after a Windows update, uninstalling that update often fixes it.

Follow each step carefully, and your desktop should return to normal.

Still stuck? Contact us through the Winoxify support page and describe your issue in detail.