Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, has introduced a range of new features and improvements. However, like any complex software, it is not immune to issues. One such problem that users have encountered is the blank screen issue during Windows Update. This issue can be particularly frustrating as it prevents users from accessing their system and completing the update process.
The blank screen issue typically occurs when the system is attempting to install a new update. Users may notice that their screen goes blank, and they are unable to see any display output. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including display driver conflicts, corrupted system files, or incompatible hardware.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
One of the first steps you should take when encountering a blank screen issue is to boot your system into Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. This can help you determine if the issue is related to third-party software or drivers.
To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems) before the Windows logo appears. From the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Safe Mode. If you can successfully boot into Safe Mode, it suggests that the issue may be related to a driver or software conflict.
Step 2: Update or Roll Back Display Drivers
Display drivers are often the culprit behind blank screen issues. If your display drivers are outdated or incompatible with the latest Windows Update, it can cause the screen to go blank. To resolve this, you should update your display drivers to the latest version.
To update your display drivers, right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your display driver, and select Update driver. If updating the driver does not resolve the issue, you may need to roll back to a previous version of the driver. This can be done by selecting Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues related to Windows Update. Running this troubleshooter can help identify and resolve problems that may be causing the blank screen issue.
To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 4: Perform a System Restore
If the blank screen issue started after a recent Windows Update, performing a System Restore can help revert your system to a previous state where the issue did not exist. System Restore allows you to undo system changes without affecting your personal files.
To perform a System Restore, boot into Safe Mode and open the Control Panel. Navigate to Recovery > Open System Restore. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and restore your system. This process can take some time, so be patient.
Step 5: Check for Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can also cause the blank screen issue during Windows Update. To check for and repair corrupted system files, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This tool scans your system for corrupted files and attempts to repair them.
To run the SFC tool, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. The tool will begin scanning your system. If any corrupted files are found, they will be repaired automatically. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot
If none of the above steps resolve the blank screen issue, you may need to perform a clean boot. A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a background program is causing the issue.
To perform a clean boot, open the System Configuration tool by typing msconfig in the Run dialog box. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all. Next, go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items, then restart your computer. If the issue is resolved, you can gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the culprit.