Likely fix
Fix: Laptop turns on but screen is black
A laptop that turns on with a black screen may have a display brightness issue, stuck sleep state, bad graphics output, failed internal screen, or external monitor mode problem.
Quick answer
Raise brightness, force a shutdown, restart, disconnect external monitors, then try an external display to see whether the laptop or screen is the problem.
Important warning
A laptop can be running even when the built-in screen is black. Do not assume it is completely dead if lights or fans turn on.
Try this
- 1 Press the brightness up key several times.
- 2 Disconnect external monitors, docks, and USB-C hubs.
- 3 Hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to shut it down.
- 4 Wait one minute, then press power once.
- 5 Listen for startup sounds or fan noise.
- 6 If the screen stays black, connect an external monitor or TV.
- 7 If the external screen works, the laptop screen, cable, or display backlight may need repair.
- 8 If no external screen works, the issue may be graphics, memory, or startup failure.
Common causes
Brightness is turned down.
Laptop is stuck waking from sleep.
External display mode is selected.
Internal display or backlight problem.
Graphics or memory startup problem.
What to check next
- Check whether keyboard lights or fans turn on.
- Check whether brightness is very low.
- Check whether an external monitor shows an image.
- Check whether the laptop logo appears briefly.
- Check whether caps lock or keyboard lights respond.
This might need a cable or adapter
If this fix points to a cable issue, check the related cable guide before buying the wrong one.
Check the related cable →