Acer Laptop Black Screen: Main Causes & How to Fix It

We’ve received multiple complaints concerning the Acer laptop monitor turning on but getting a black screen. The issue occurs during startup, after sleep, or even when you’re using the laptop. In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes of the Acer laptop’s black screen and some ways to fix it.

Alternatively, HP laptops may also display black screens during use; as such, you can check out what to do if you encounter it.

How can I fix the black screen on my Acer laptop

1. Reinstall the graphics card driver

1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
2. Click the drop-down button against the Display adapters. Right-click on the graphics driver and select Uninstall device from the drop-down.

   

3. Check the box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
4. Go to the manufacturer’s official website and download the relevant driver software for your system.
5. Restart your PC and check if it helps resolve the error.

Automatic alternative: If you want to skip manual driver updates, you can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to scan, detect, and update outdated or missing drivers automatically. This ensures your graphics and other essential hardware components are always using the latest compatible versions, helping prevent black screen issues in the future.

2. Use the Function keys

1. Unplug all external devices from the PC.
2. Hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds to ensure the laptop is off. Then, press the Power button to turn on the laptop.
3. Press the F2, F9, F10, and Enter keys on your keyboard when you see the Acer logo or splash screen appear.

   

4. Select Exit, then Yes, and press Enter. The laptop should start and fix the black screen problem.

The above-listed dedicated keys will fix the Acer laptop’s black screen on startup and resolve startup issues grounding its functionality.

Read more about this topic

• Intel Says Arc G3 Extreme Beats ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X by 42% in Handheld Gaming
• Acer Unveils Predator Atlas 8 Gaming Handheld With Intel Arc G3 Extreme Processor
• Acer Unveils Predator Atlas 8 as One of the First Intel Arc G3 Handhelds
• Acer Launches TravelMate P4 and P2 Copilot+ PCs With Intel Core Ultra Series 3 SoCs

3. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow

   

4. Restart your PC to see if the black screen appears.

A System File Checker scan will check and remove corrupt system files on your Acer laptop and allow it to work correctly. Check what to do if nothing happens when you select run as administrator on Windows 10/11.

4. Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset helps clear temporary hardware glitches that can cause a black screen.

1. Shut down the laptop completely.
2. Disconnect the charger and remove the battery (if removable).
3. Hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual power.
4. Reinsert the battery, connect the charger, and turn on the laptop.

This simple step often resolves black screen issues on Acer laptops caused by static charge buildup.

5. Check the Display Brightness

Sometimes the screen appears black because brightness is set too low.

• Press the brightness up key (usually F6 or F7 on Acer laptops) and see if the display becomes visible.
• If using an external monitor, adjust brightness through the monitor’s controls.

6. Connect to an External Display

If the built-in screen is faulty, testing with another display can confirm the cause.

1. Connect your Acer laptop to a monitor or TV via HDMI.
2. Switch the display output using Windows + P and select Duplicate or Second screen only.
3. If the external display works, the issue is likely with your laptop’s LCD or internal display cable.

7. Adjust Power Settings

Incorrect sleep or hibernation settings can prevent the display from waking up.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to see if the security screen appears.
2. If it does, select Task Manager, then go to File > Run new task and type control to open the Control Panel.
3. Navigate to Power Options and set Turn off the display to a longer duration.

8. Reset BIOS to Default Settings

Corrupted BIOS configurations can cause startup display problems.

1. Turn off the laptop and press F2 repeatedly during startup to enter BIOS.
2. Locate the option to Load Setup Defaults (often under the Exit tab).
3. Save changes and restart the laptop.

If you can’t see the BIOS screen, the issue may be deeper and require professional service.

What causes Acer laptops black screens?

If the Acer laptop is turning on but displaying a black screen, there could be several reasons for this:

• Outdated graphics card driver – When the graphics cards running on your laptop are obsolete, they can cause the GPU to show signs of failing, like black screens. Also, If you recently installed a new driver, the black screen can happen due to incompatibility.
• Virus and malware infection – The Acer laptop screen can go black while the fan is still running due to virus infection. Viruses and malware impede the functionality of the core features on the laptop, preventing them from responding when required.
• Overheating – Your laptop can overheat due to an improper cooling system or poor ventilation inside the laptop case. Also, if you’re using a low-capacity laptop and overwork it, it can go blank till its temperature is down and stable.

These factors can vary on different Acer laptops. Regardless, you can fix them by following some troubleshooting steps enumerated below.

In addition, check ways to fix the black screen without cursor issues on Windows 11 for more troubleshooting steps.

Also, do not hesitate to read our article about the screen going black when the Alt-Tab shortcut is used.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.