How to Fix a Black Screen Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide

Recently, I downloaded a Windows 10 update on my Dell Inspiron 15 3558, and now all I see is a black screen with spinning dots. How do I solve this problem without taking my computer to a computer-repair shop or taking the computer apart?

The Problem

Another user has a similar issue with a 13-year-old Dell mini laptop. The laptop worked fine until the middle of this year, 2022, when the screen went black and stayed that way. The console laptop has a VGA output, and when connected to a TV, it functions well as a wide-screen monitor. This has allowed the user to access files on the laptop and consider using it as a media player for their TV. With the age of the laptop, it’s not worth having it repaired.

Diagnosing the Issue

So, if you are facing a black screen fault on your laptop, let’s start diagnosing it:

When you switch on your laptop, can you see an LED indicator on your on-off switch? Is your laptop battery fully charged? Is your laptop adapter ok? Remove your laptop battery and try to start the laptop using the adapter. If the condition remains the same, proceed to the next step. Observe the number of beep sounds. These can be codes that indicate specific issues. If you see the LED indicator, connect your laptop to a monitor or a smart TV using a VGA cable or HDMI cable. Switch on your laptop and observe the screen.

Common Causes of a Black Screen Error

This is a common Windows error that can be caused due to any of the following problems:

Broken Windows Update Incomplete Windows Installation Display Issues Power Supply Problems Overheating Software and Driver Errors

The best possible way to fix this issue is to update your device drivers and keep your system updated. If you are looking for the best driver updater software, you can refer to this blog.

Fixing the Black Screen Issue

Firstly, you need to update the graphics drivers on your device:

Update the graphics/display drivers in Device Manager on your Windows 10. Download a newer version of the graphics driver via the website of the manufacturer of your graphics card. Update the graphics driver with Driver Talent.

Another useful tip is to simply switch off your PC and leave it off for a few hours or a day. Maybe it needs a rest. Afterward, switch it on and you should be greeted with a home screen. Sometimes updates get pushed to your PC, and when you restart it might not successfully complete the update and get stuck. Even if an sfc /scannow shows no integrity violations, it might still be worth giving this solution a try.

These methods can help you tackle a black screen issue on your Windows 10 laptop without having to resort to professional repair services or taking your device apart.