Step by step
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- If Task Manager opens, click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.
- If nothing appears, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
- If it stays black, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart and boot into Safe Mode.
At a glance
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen with cursor | Explorer.exe crashed | Open Task Manager and run explorer.exe. |
| Black screen after login | Graphics driver hang | Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset it. |
| Black screen, no cursor | Display or cable issue | Check monitor power, cable, and input source. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Del fails | System freeze | Hold power button 10 seconds to hard reboot. |
Where to find it on your device
- Task Manager: Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Run new task > explorer.exe
- Graphics reset: Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B
- Safe Mode: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup
Related questions
Why do I have a black screen after login on Windows 11 or 10?
Usually explorer.exe did not load or a recent update or graphics driver conflicted during sign-in. Restarting Explorer or resetting the driver often restores the desktop.
What if there is a black screen without a cursor on Windows 11?
If even the cursor is missing, check that the monitor is powered on, the HDMI or DisplayPort cable is snug, and the right input is selected.
What if I cannot open Task Manager on a black screen?
Try Ctrl + Alt + Del first; if that also fails, hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down, wait a few seconds, and turn the PC back on.
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Updated November 14, 2026.