How to Fix a Windows Black Screen With Only Mouse Pointer
When using a computer, users will encounter the problem of computer black screen with only mouse arrows. This article will introduce you to several effective solutions to help you restore your computer to normal operation.
1. Check the External Devices
First of all, make sure that there are no external devices (such as monitors, televisions, projectors, etc.) affecting the display of the computer. If you have more than one monitor connected, you can try to press 'Windows + P' shortcut to switch the display mode. Sometimes the computer may incorrectly output the display to another device, resulting in a black screen on the main monitor. Make sure to select "PC screen only" mode to see if the problem is solved.
2. Safe Mode Startup
If the problem persists after reboot, you can try to enter Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows loads only the necessary system files and drivers to prevent third-party software or drivers from interfering with system startup.
Press 'F8' (or 'Shift + F8' or 'F11' for some systems) at computer startup to access advanced startup options.
Select "Safe Mode" to start your computer.
If you can successfully enter the Safe Mode, the problem may be due to a driver or software. You can further investigate and fix the problem in this mode.
3. Update the Graphics Card Driver
Graphics card driver issue is one of the common causes of computer black screen. To solve this problem, you can try to update or reinstall the graphics card driver using Driver Sentry.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
Once the scan is complete, it will display which drivers are not installed or need updates. Find the graphics driver in the results list and click the "Upgrade" button.
After the update, it's advisable to restart your computer to ensure the new drivers take effect.
4. Restart your Computer
If you suddenly experience a black screen and only the mouse arrows are displayed during use, the easiest solution is to try restarting your computer. Long press the power button to force the computer to shut down and then restart it. Sometimes, the operating system has a temporary error or lag that prevents the interface from loading properly, and a reboot may restore it to normal.
5. Check the System Files
Corrupted system files are also a common cause of black screen.Windows provides built-in tools to check and repair system files. You can use the command prompt to execute some commands to repair system files.
In the search box, type "Command Prompt", right-click it, and choose "Run as administrator".
In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
The system will begin scanning and repairing files, which may take several minutes.
Once complete, restart your computer to apply the repairs.
6. Check For Hardware Problems
If no problem is found on the software side, the black screen may be related to hardware failure. For example, a malfunctioning graphics card, poor contact with the memory stick or problems with the hard disk may cause the system not to display properly. You can try the following steps to troubleshoot hardware problems:
If you are using a discrete graphics card, unplug the card and plug it back in to ensure good contact.
After powering off your computer, unplug and reinsert the memory stick to rule out a loose memory stick.
If you have the conditions, you can try to use another computer to check the hard disk, or replace the hard disk to see if the problem is solved.
7. Reset or Reinstall the System
If none of the above methods solve the problem, you may need to consider resetting or reinstalling the operating system. A reset will keep your personal files but remove applications and settings, while a full reinstall will erase all data.
Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery" > "Reset this PC".
A fresh installation can be done by creating a Windows installation media.
The above is the solution for computer black screen with only mouse arrows, hope it helps you.
See also:
Fix a Crashed Windows Computer
8 Methods to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working
