10 Simple Ways to Fix a Lenovo Laptop with a Black Screen

PDF download Download Article
What to do when your Lenovo laptop's screen doesn't turn on
PDF download Download Article

What do you do if you've powered on your Lenovo laptop but the screen is black? Fortunately, there are simple troubleshooting steps you can use to fix your Lenovo laptop's black screen yourself before seeking professional help. This wikiHow article lists easy fixes for a Lenovo laptop with a black screen, including Thinkpad models.

Things You Should Know

  • Before you do anything, try restarting your laptop.
  • If the screen is still black, refresh your display connection by pressing Win + Ctrl + Shift + B.
  • Disconnect any connected accessories like, theAC adapter, mice, keyboards, and other devices in case they are interfering with the display.
1

Restart your laptop.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To restart , press and hold your Lenovo laptop's power button until it turns off. Then, power it back on.
    2. Advertisement
2

Reset the display mode.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to refresh your display.
3

Remove connected devices.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    USB mice, keyboards, or anything else you have plugged into your laptop might make the screen bug black, so removing them might help. If simply unplugging them doesn't work, try unplugging them and restarting your laptop.
    • Also check to make sure you have the latest drivers for your plugged-in devices – open the software that was installed along with the mouse to see if there are driver updates.
    2. Advertisement
4

Hard reset your Lenovo.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If restarting didn't work, you may need to up the ante by performing a full power cycle. To do this, shut down your Lenovo and unplug it from the wall. Next, remove the battery as well as any plugged-in mice or other devices, and wait for about 30 minutes to make sure the laptop loses power completely. With everything still disconnected and the battery removed, press and hold the Power button for about 60 seconds.
    • Finally, replace the battery and plug it back into a wall outlet before turning it back on.
5

Connect to an external monitor.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    By plugging into an external monitor or TV, you can determine if they are broken or malfunctioning. Connect with a VGA or HDMI cable, then restart your laptop. If the screen works, you could have a damaged or faulty LCD screen or cable.
    2. Advertisement
6

Update your graphics drivers.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Update your driver in Control Panel > System and Security > Device Manager > Display adapters and right-click your graphics card. Finally, select Update driver and allow Windows to update it automatically.
7

Update Windows.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Windows updates can solve any bugs or glitches appearing in earlier software versions. To update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates . [1]
    2. Advertisement
8

Restart the "explorer.exe" process.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The "explorer.exe" process runs on every Windows computer and laptop and manages the most important tasks on your system, like the desktop and taskbar.
    • Restart this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click Details if you see it, then locate "explorer.exe" and select End Task.
    • Finally, restart your laptop to see if that fixed your black screen.
9

Factory reset your Lenovo laptop.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    But, this might be your only option if the screen remains black even after you've tried all the other steps. If a corrupted file is the cause of the black screen, factory resetting it will definitely fix the issue.
    • If you can see the screen enough , go to Settings > Update & Security/Recovery > Get Started (under Restart) > Remove everything > Reset .
    • You can also use BIOS to boot into Safety Mode if malware or a suspicious file is causing your screen to go black. In Safety Mode, go to Settings > Update & Security/Recovery > Get Started > Remove everything > Reset .
    • You might be able to find a small pinhole on the back of your Lenovo laptop that, when pushed with a pin or straightened-out paperclip for about 15 seconds, automatically resets your system to factory settings.
    2. Advertisement
10

Schedule a repair.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Lenovo-Laptop-Black-Screen-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Almost everything on this list is doable without professional help and might get your laptop's screen displaying again at a fraction of the cost! However, if you've tried everything and the screen is still black, or if you connected to an external display and figured out your LCD screen or cables are malfunctioning, contact a repair shop.
    • Check your paperwork to see if your laptop is still under warranty and if it could be fixed for free!

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      11 Simple Ways to Fix a Dell Laptop with a Black Screen
      4 Easy Ways to Enter the BIOS on a Lenovo Laptop
      How to
      Reformat a Laptop
      How to
      Repair a Laptop Key
      How to
      Check the Temperature of Your Laptop
      10 Simple Ways Keep Your Laptop from Overheating
      What to Do If You’ve Spilled Water on Your Laptop
      How to
      Fix a Laptop Screen
      How to
      Reset a Toshiba Laptop
      Simple Steps to Solve Screen Bleeding on Laptop
      How to
      Take Good Care of Your Laptop Computer
      How to Reset a Dell Laptop: 2 Ways to Restore Your PC
      How to
      Repair Dell Laptop Keyboard Keys
      How to Fix a Shadow on Your Laptop Screen
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about troubleshooting computers and printers, check out our in-depth interview with Blain Gunter .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht508747-black-screen-issue-with-windows-10

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,525 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement