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Likely fix

Fix: Laptop shows logo then black screen

If the laptop shows a logo then goes black, it is usually powering on but failing during Windows startup, graphics driver loading, display mode switching, or disk startup.

Quick answer

Disconnect accessories, restart, try automatic repair or safe mode, then remove recent updates or graphics drivers if needed.

Important warning

If the laptop repeatedly fails to boot, protect your files before attempting risky repair steps.

Try this

  1. 1 Disconnect USB devices, docks, and external monitors.
  2. 2 Hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to shut down.
  3. 3 Turn the laptop on again.
  4. 4 If it fails repeatedly, let Windows Automatic Repair start.
  5. 5 Try Startup Repair if available.
  6. 6 Try Safe Mode if you can access advanced startup options.
  7. 7 Uninstall recent graphics drivers or updates if the issue started after an update.
  8. 8 Back up important files if startup problems continue.

Common causes

Windows startup problem.

Graphics driver issue.

Recent update problem.

External display mode problem.

Storage drive errors.

What to check next

  • Check whether the logo appears every time.
  • Check whether Windows Automatic Repair appears.
  • Check whether Safe Mode works.
  • Check whether the issue started after a driver or Windows update.
  • Check whether the drive makes unusual noises.

FAQ

Why does my laptop show the logo then go black?

The laptop is powering on but may be failing when Windows, graphics drivers, or display settings load.

Should I try Safe Mode?

Yes. If Safe Mode works, the problem may be a driver, update, startup app, or display setting.

Can a graphics driver cause a black screen?

Yes. A bad or incompatible graphics driver can cause a black screen after the startup logo.

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