Step by step
- On Windows, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
- If that fails, force a shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then turn the device back on.
- Boot into Safe Mode to uninstall recent updates or corrupted display drivers.
- On a phone, perform a force restart and charge the device for at least 15 minutes.
At a glance
| Device | Likely cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 | Graphics driver crash or bad update | Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B or boot Safe Mode |
| iPhone or Android | Frozen OS or drained battery | Force restart and plug into a charger |
| Any device after a drop | Loose display cable or broken panel | Connect an external monitor or visit repair |
Where to find it on your device
- Windows 11: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup
Related questions
Can the Black Screen of Death be fixed?
Yes, in most cases it is caused by a software or driver glitch rather than permanent damage. Restarting the graphics driver, rolling back a Windows update, or force-restarting a phone usually resolves it.
What is the difference between a Black Screen of Death and a Blue Screen?
A Blue Screen of Death displays an error code before restarting, while a Black Screen of Death leaves the display blank with no message, often because the graphics driver failed to output an image.
Does a browser black screen tool fix a crashed PC?
No. A browser tool only works when your operating system and browser are running, so use it only after your device boots normally to check for dead pixels or backlight issues.
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Updated November 14, 2026.