Black Screen When/After Installing Graphics Card Driver [Fix]
Uninstalling and Reinstall GPU driver worked for most users ✅
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Key notes
- Corrupted GPU Driver or third-party software interference can trigger the black screen after installing graphics card driver issue.
- Uninstall and reinstall your GPU driver in Safe mode to fix the problem.
- Black screen after installing Intel HD graphics driver problem could also be triggered due to GPU or PSU hardware failure.
- Explore more troubleshooting tips to resolve the monitor black screen problems below.
Black screen issues usually occur due to a corrupted or outdated driver. Several users have reported a black screen when installing graphics card drivers.
In some instances, users have reported the computer has crashed with a black screen after installing a graphics card driver. Only after uninstalling the GPU driver in Safe Mode, the user can resolve the issue.
In this article, we have listed a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the black screen after installing the graphics card driver problem in Windows 10.
How do I fix the black screen when installing graphics card driver?
1. Uninstall and reinstall the GPU driver
1.1. Reinstall graphics drivers in the Device Manager
Once you have uninstalled the GPU driver, you can reboot the computer to reinstall the drivers and resolve black screen after installing graphics card issue.
1. Open Device Manager by typing it in the taskbar.
2. Locate your GPU driver, right-click on it and select Uninstall or Delete option.
3. Reboot your PC. Windows should automatically detect the GPU and reinstall the driver automatically.
4. Open Device Manager again and check if your GPU driver appears on the list.
Alternatively, you can use dedicated uninstaller software to completely remove your driver files and then manually reinstall them from the manufacturer’s website
Using efficient uninstaller software will offer many advantages. Apart from uninstalling the app, it also deletes leftover registry entries and system files and declutters them.
Next, open your GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the GPU driver. For Nvidia GPU, download and install Nvidia GeForce Experience to install the required drivers.
If the black screen after installing the graphics card driver Windows 10 issue occurs again, reinstall the drivers in Safe Mode.
1.2. Reinstall the GPU driver in Safe Mode
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Choose Update & Security.
- Click on the Recovery tab from the left pane.
- Scroll down to the Advanced Startup section and click the Restart Now button.
- In the Choose and Options window, click the Troubleshoot button.
- Next, click on the Advanced options.
- In the Advanced Options windows, click Start-up Settings.
- Click the Start button.
- Windows will restart and show multiple boot options.
- Press the 4/F4 key on your keyboard to choose the Enable Safe Mode option.
- Windows will restart in Safe Mode with minimal services and programs running.
Before you install your GPU driver in Safe Mode, make sure to uninstall the GPU driver and other related software. Next, download the latest version of the GPU driver.
Once in Safe Mode, uninstall the GPU driver, if not already uninstalled. Next, run the GPU driver installer and proceed with the installation. Once installed, reboot the computer, and it should start normally.
Third-party software conflict can trigger the black screen after installing AMD graphics drivers issue. In Safe Mode, Windows starts with minimal service and without third-party app interference.
To avoid any kind of GPU errors and save time as well, you can also use an automated assistant that can proceed with this process by scanning your PC for outdated drivers and instantly updating them with a single click.
2. Adjust CPU voltage / Update BIOS / Reinstall older BIOS version
If you have updated your Motherboard BIOS recently, check if the update has changed the default CPU voltage. Underpowered CPUs can cause a black screen while installing graphics card driver issues.
Third-party system resource monitoring software like CPU-Z can help you monitor if you are underpowering your CPU. Download and install CPU-Z and monitor CPU-related information.
If the motherboard undervotes your CPU, try updating your BIOS or reinstalling the older BIOS in case you have already updated the Basic Input Output System.
Updating your BIOS is easy. We have a detailed guide on how to update your BIOS in Windows 10. Refer to the article to install the latest version of BIOS available for your motherboard.
If the error started to occur after installing the BIOS, try to reinstall the earlier version of the BIOS.
3. Check for HDMI cable issues
At times, a defective HDMI cable going through your PC to the monitor can cause Black screen issues. Unplug the HDMI cable and leave the computer idle for a few minutes. Reconnect the HDMI cable and reboot the computer.
Additionally, also check for issues with your PSU. A defective PSU providing insufficient power to the GPU and CPU can cause the hardware to malfunction resulting in the black screen issue.
4. Check for GPU hardware problems
If the problem persists, check your GPU for hardware failure. In most cases, apart from the black screen, you may also notice blue lines that are across the screen.
While there are some workarounds that you can try to fix the hardware failure in graphics cards, it is recommended to consult your GPU manufacturer if the device is under warranty.
5. Reinstall Windows 10
As a last resort, try reinstalling Windows 10. A clean install can fix many issues such as corrupted system files and drivers that may have triggered the monitor’s black screen after installing the graphics driver problem.
Make sure to create a backup of your data before proceeding with a clean install. You can create a bootable USB drive or use Media Creation Tool to install Windows 10.
The black screen after installing graphics card driver problems usually occurs due to faulty GPU drivers and insufficient power supply. In some instances, you may have to troubleshoot your GPU for hardware failure as well.
