This video informs you of the options for connecting your device to a second display using Windows 10. Depending on the age of the devices available, you can connect to a second screen by a VGI, DVI, HDMI, or Mini Display Port. As you will see, the easiest way to project the screen is by pressing the Windows and P buttons simultaneously, and then selecting how you want to project your image. The options available are PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only. You will want to choose the PC screen only option if you only want the image shown on your device and not the second display. You choose the Duplicate option if you need to see the same image on both displays. You may want the Extend option if you want the image extended on the second display so that you can use both images as a single desktop, giving you the ability to move windows from one screen to the other. With Second screen only, you will only see the image on the projected screen of choice. To remove the second screen option, simply disconnect from the second display or choose the Windows and P buttons again, and select the PC screen only option.
On Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a new Remote Desktop app, which you can download from the Windows Store, and it aims to make it easier for anyone to connect to another computer over a local network or an internet connection.
However, the app is just one piece of the puzzle. In order to successfully connect to other Windows devices remotely you must properly configure the computer you're trying to access and forward the correct port on your router.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to configure your computer and network to allow remote connections, and the steps to use the Remote Desktop app to start a remote session.
How to allow remote connections on your PC
Using the Remote Desktop app is a straightforward process, but the setup you'll need will depend if you're trying to initiate a remote desktop connection over the local network or the internet.
How to enable remote connections on your PC
If you're trying to start a remote connection inside your local network, you only need to make sure the computer you're trying to access is configured to allow to handle remote desktop.
Important: Windows 10 Home doesn't include support for remote desktop connections, you can only enable this feature on Windows 10 Pro and business variants of the operating system.
To allow a remote PC to accept remote connections, do the following:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on Allow remote access.
- Under Remote Desktop make sure to select Allow remote connections to this computer.
- Click OK.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK to complete the task.
After you completed the steps, your computer will allow remote desktop connections, and Windows 10 will even add the necessary rules in the firewall.
If you're setting up a remote desktop using an internet connection, you can continue with the steps below. If not you can skip to How to start a remote desktop connection.
How to set up remote access over the internet
If you're planning to access your computer remotely over the internet, in addition to configuring the system properties, you'll need to set up your local router to allow remote connections to past through. And you will need to know your public IP address to contact your device over the internet.
How to set a static IP address for your PC
Most computers inside a private network are assigned dynamic IP addresses, which can change at any time. If you'll be using remote desktop regularly, it's recommended to configure your computer with a static IP address, so you don't have to reconfigure the port forwarding settings every time your device gets a new IP address.
- Open Control Panel.
- Click on Network and Internet.
- Click on Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left page, click the Change adapter settings link.
- Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Click the Properties button.
- On the General tab, select the Use the following IP address.
- Enter a valid local IP address that is outside of the DHCP scope to prevent IP address conflicts in the network. For example, 10.1.2.150. (You can find this information in the DHCP settings section on your router).
- Enter a subnet mask for the network. On most home networks, the subnet mask usually is 255.255.255.0.
- Enter the default gateway information, which is the IP address of your router. For example, 10.1.2.1.
- Under 'Use the following DNS server addresses', remember to enter the IP address of your DNS server, which in most cases is the IP address of your router. (If you can't connect to the internet, you may want to try using Google Public DNS addresses: 8.8.4.4 and 8.8.8.8.)
- Click OK.
- Click Close to complete the task.
Quick Tip: You can find your IP address information using the ipconfig command in Command Prompt.
How to find your public IP address
If you're trying to access your computer remotely over the internet, you'll need to know your public IP address in order to contact your device.
The easiest way to find your public IP address is by opening your web browser, and while in Bing.com or Google.com, do a search for 'What's my IP'. Your public IP address should be the first result.
Keep in mind that most internet providers offer dynamic public IP addresses for residential customers, which means that your public IP address may change from time to time.
Of course, there are many services out there that offer DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) services that can help you track when your public IP address changes, such as NoIP and DynDNS. Alternatively, you can contact your internet service provider to get a static IP address for an additional fee to your internet bill.
How to forward a port on a local router
To allow remote connections over the internet to a particular computer within a private network, you'll need to forward the TCP port 3389 on your router.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig
- Note the IPv4 Address information, which is the address that identifies your computer on the local network. Also, note the Default Gateway, which is the IPv4 address of your router.
- Open your web browser.
- Type the IPv4 address of your router and press Enter.
- Sign in to your router with your username and password.
- Browse through the available settings and find the Port Forwarding section.
- Make sure Port Forwarding is enabled.
- Under the port forwarding list add the required information, including:
- Service name: This mane is only for reference, you can use any name you want.
- Port Range: Enter the TCP port number 3389.
- Local IP: Enter the IPv4 address of your computer. For example, 10.1.2.150.
- Local Port: Enter the same TCP port number 3389.
- Protocol: Select TCP.
- Make sure to add the new rule to the router.
- Save the configuration to apply the new settings.
It's important to note that most routers their own interface; check your router's user manual to find out where to change the Port Forwarding settings.
How to start a remote desktop connection
Once your computer and network are configured properly to allow remote connections, starting a remote desktop session is a piece of cake.
- On the device you'll be using to connect to your computer remotely, open the Remote Desktop app. (If you don't have the app, you can get it from the Window Store
- Click the add (+) button in the top-right corner.
- Click the Desktop option.
- Enter the IP address (recommended) or the name of the PC you're trying to connect:
- If you're trying to connect to a PC inside a private network, then enter the local IP address of the PC you're trying to connect.
- If you're trying to connect to a PC over the internet, then enter the public IP address of the PC you're trying to connect.
- Click Add account.
- Enter the information to sign-in on the remote computer:
- If the remote computer is using a Microsoft account, then enter that Microsoft account sign-in information.
- If the remote computer is using a local account, then enter the local username and password to sign-in.
- Click the Save button.
- Click the Save button again to add the connection to your list.
- On the list of available connections, click the computer to which you want to connect to start a remote desktop connection.
- If you get a certificate warning from a trusted computer, check the Don't ask about this certificate again option.
- Click Connect to complete the task.
If everything is working correctly, you will now be connected remotely to your computer inside a private network or over the internet.
You can also click the gear button in the top right corner to access additional settings, including account and session settings, such as options to start a new connection in full-screen mode, change the size of the display, and keyboard options.
When you need to change settings for a particular connection, you can right-click the computer from the list, and click on Edit.
On Edit a Desktop, you can update the IP address and user account. If you click More, you'll be able to configure additional options, including display name for the connection, gateway information, and you can choose whether the audio from the remote computer plays on your device. Additionally, you will get the option to connect to an admin section and switch mouse buttons.
How to troubleshoot a remote desktop connection
In most cases, after everything has been configured, you'll be able to start a remote desktop connection without problems. However, if you can't connect, below you'll find some troubleshooting steps that may help you to resolve the connection issue.
While enabling remote connections to you computer also configures the Windows Firewall automatically, you want to make Remote Desktop is allowed to pass through the firewall. You can check this setting on Control PanelSystem and SecurityWindows FirewallAllowed apps.
If you have a third-party firewall or antivirus, you may want to disable these applications to see if you can connect.
It's unlikely, but if you're trying to connect over the internet, it's possible that your internet service provider is blocking the port to allow remote desktop. If this is the case, you may want to contact your provider to see how you can open the specified port.
Stick to IP address and don't use computer name, as it could cause problems if not configured correctly. When adding a new computer to the list on Remote Desktop, make sure you enter the correct IP address: Local IP address to connect inside a private network or public IP address to connect over the internet.
Remote Desktop Connection vs. Remote Desktop app
If you've used remote desktop in the past, you may also be familiar with the Remote Desktop Connection utility built in Windows 10, and now you're probably wondering if there is any difference with the Microsoft Remote Desktop app you get from the Windows Store.
While both applications have the same functionality, the new Remote Desktop app offers an entirely new interface that matches the new app design language on Windows 10, and it's available across platforms, including Windows 10 PCs, Windows 10 Mobile, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Remote Desktop Connection utility (left), Remote Desktop app (right)
You can also save your remote connections for faster access to a device, and you get options to quickly connect to Azure RemoteApp and Remote Resources.
In addition, unlike the Remote Desktop Connection utility, you can't manually adjust the connection speed experience and certain resources, but most of these features are handled automatically using the Remote Desktop app. And if you used remote desktop in the past, you'll notice that the image quality in the new app isn't the same as the old utility. However, it's good enough to remote in a PC and get your work done.
Wrapping things up
In this guide, we walked you through all the necessary steps to connect to your PC remotely inside a private network and through the internet. However, it's important to note that allowing remote desktop connections to your PC (in particular through the internet) carries its security risks.
You should always be aware that configuring remote desktop and opening ports on your router could allow malicious individuals to get unauthorized access to your device. Use this guide with caution, always use strong passwords, and disable the remote desktop and port forwarding on your router when they aren't needed.
Do you usually connect remotely to your computer? Tell us in the comments below.
More Windows 10 resources
For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:
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We always like to keep attractive desktop background on our PC. Desktop background Slide Show on the PC is not a new feature and makes the desktop look more beautiful. But sometimes users might not like to have the slide show on PC as it sucks battery and slow down PC Speed a bit. If you are a Windows 10 user and disable desktop background slide show then follow the tips we are writing here to enable or disable.
Enable or Disable Desktop Background Slide Show on Windows 10
Through Power Options
1. Write Control Panel in the Start menu Search box and click on Control Panel in Search result.
2. Click Power Options link in Control Panel.
3. Tap on Change plan settings link which resides just beside your chosen power plan.
4. Hit on Changed advanced power settings link to open the new window entitled Power Options.
5. Double Click Desktop background settings to expand it downward and open a new option named Slide Show.
6. Double click on Slide Show. You find here links Paused or Available in On Battery and Plugged conditions.
7. Here you need to change the setting as per your need. If you want to enable Desktop background slide show then change both links to available and if you want to disable change the links to Paused.if you need to customize it according to the power whether it is electric power or battery you can do this from here.
8. If you need to customize it according to the power whether it is electric power or battery you can do this from here.
On battery – Paused to disable Slide Show.
On battery – Available to Enable Slide show.
Plugged in – Paused to disable Slide Show.
Plugged in – Available to Enable Slide Show.
Finally, click on Apply and OK.
Now you can sign-out and sign-in to save the changes which you have done on your Windows 10 PC and enjoy it.
Through Settings
Nowadays, Windows 10 facilitates to Enable furthermore Disable Desktop Background SlideShow pretty snugly via Settings.
Step 1 – Gently press the pair of Win & I keys to bring the Settings interface on the screen.
Step 2 – Locate Personalization and execute a click on it.
Step 3 – Navigate to the right-hand side, click on the Drop down just underneath Background and choose Slideshow.
Step 4 – Hit Browse button right underneath the headline Choose albums for your slideshow.
Step 5 – Once Select folder window comes, click the location where you accumulate beautiful photos and hit Choose this folder.
Screens Connect Windows 10
Step 6 – If you prefer to disable Slideshow then choose another option in the Drop down.
Step 7 – To determine the frequency of Slideshow pictures click the drop down below Change picture every. Choose a favorable time interval for the transposition of the photos.
Step 8 – If you like to Shuffle the Slideshow Pictures, pull the slider below Shuffle in the forward direction.
Step 9 – Do you Allow Slideshow when on battery power? If yes then pull the toggle under the concerned heading towards On.
Step 10 – Subsequently, locate the heading Choose a fit and click the drop down. Pick out the fit from the choices Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, Center, Span.
Once you apply these settings, you will view the Slideshow as per your preferences.
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Throughout the life of your Windows 10 device, you'll come across many problems, but none of them may be as annoying as the black screen because you won't get an error code or message giving you a hint of where to start troubleshooting.
On Windows 10, a black screen can happen for a number of reasons. It could be related to an issue with a recent graphics driver update or physical connection between the display and video adapter. Also, you may experience this behavior while upgrading to a new feature update or applying a new cumulative update. Or it can just happen out of the blue.
Whatever the reason it may be, there are several ways in which you can determine the cause and solve this problem whether you have access to the desktop or not.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through a series of instructions to troubleshoot and fix black screen problems on your computer.
How to fix black screen troubleshooting connection problems on Windows 10
When you come across a black screen, there could be a lot of reasons, including problems with hardware, software, or a combination of both. In the instructions outlined below, you'll find troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.
Checking connection issues
If your device is experiencing a black screen before you can even sign into your account, then it could be a connection problem between the display and your computer.
In this situation, re-check the connection and make sure both ends of the signal cable are connected correctly, the monitor is receiving power, and it's using the correct input. (You can check your manufacturer support website for more specific details.)
If you have multiple video outputs, try to switch the connection to a different port. A lot of times a driver update could include changes that for unknown reasons can send the video signal to the wrong port (DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, Thunderbolt, VGA).
Also, if you're working with a system that includes a discrete and integrated graphics card, you can switch to the integrated video processor to confirm whether the problem is with the discrete card.
Another troubleshooting step that you can try includes connecting the monitor to a different computer to see if you're dealing with a broken display.
Detecting display
In many cases, you'll see a black screen on your device, because Windows 10 lost its connection to the display. When this happens, you can use the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B keyboard shortcut, which restarts the video driver and refreshes the connection with the monitor.
On tablets (such as the Surface Pro or Surface Go), you can wake up the screen pressing the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously three times.
Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + P keyboard shortcut to bring up the 'Project' menu, then hit the P key, and hit the Enter key to switch between the different display modes to see if the black screen disappears. Repeat the steps four times to allow cycling through all the settings.
Disconnecting non-essential devices
Peripherals connected to your device could be the reason of a black screen or a black screen with the spinning dots during startup.
If you're experiencing something similar, disconnect all the peripherals (such as printers, cameras, removable drives, Bluetooth, and other USB devices) from your computer.
Start your computer one more time, and if everything works normally, then you have a problem with one of your peripherals. You can find out which one is causing the problem by reconnecting one peripheral at a time until you stumble upon the one causing the conflict.
Once you know the device causing the issue, disconnect it, restart your computer, and then do a search online to see if there's a fix, or contact your device manufacturer for assistance.
How to fix black screen with desktop access on Windows 10
If you see a black screen after signing into your account, and you're still able to use the mouse pointer, then it could be a problem with the Windows Explorer experience.
To resolve Windows Explorer process issues, use these steps:
- Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.
- Click the More details button (if using the compact mode).
- Click the Processes tab.
- Right-click the Windows Explorer service, and select the Restart option.
After completing the steps, you should be able to access the desktop again.
Terminating and restarting explorer.exe
Alternatively, if the above steps didn't work, you can terminate and start the process again using these steps:
- Use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.
- Click the More details button (if using the compact mode).
- Right-click the Windows Explorer service, and select the End task option (if available).
- Click the File menu.
- Select the Run new task option.
- Type the following command and click the OK button.
explorer.exe
Once you've completed the steps, you should be able to use your device normally.
How to fix black screen using safe mode on Windows 10
In the case that there's a software related issue, and you don't have access to the desktop, you will need to boot your computer in safe mode to troubleshoot and fix the black screen problem.
Accessing Advanced startup using three-fail boot method
To launch the Advanced startup settings, use these steps:
- Power on your computer.
- As soon as the Windows logo appears on your screen, press the power button to interrupt the boot sequence.
- Repeat steps No. 1 and 2 two more times.
After the third interruption, Windows 10 will open into the Advanced Startup environment, and then you can continue with the steps below to boot in safe mode.
Accessing Advanced startup using bootable media
Alternatively, you can use a USB installation media to get to the Advanced startup settings environment using these steps:
- Start your computer using a USB installation media.
- Quick Tip: If your device isn't starting from the USB flash drive, you'll need to change your system's BIOS settings to make sure it can boot from USB. Usually, you can access the BIOS by powering up your device and pressing one of the functions, Delete, or ESC keys, but make sure to check your manufacturer's support website for more specific details.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Repair your computer link in the bottom-right corner.
Once you've completed the steps, continue with the safe mode instructions.
Booting in safe mode
To boot Windows 10 in safe mode, use these steps:
- Click the Troubleshoot option.
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Click the Startup Settings option.
- Click the Restart button.
- While in the 'Startup Settings,' press the 5 or F5 key to select the Safe Mode with Networking option.
After your device is in safe mode, there are several troubleshooting steps that can help you to fix the black screen problem, such as reinstalling the graphics driver, removing buggy updates, changing system settings, and more (as shown below).
Perform clean boot
When your device starts normally, Windows 10 loads many services, drivers, and applications, which remain running in the background, if one or more them is causing issues, it's possible that you will come across a black screen.
Using a clean boot allows you to instruct Windows 10 to start only with a minimal set of services, drivers, and apps, which can help you to figure out if something running in the background is the cause of the screen going completely black.
A clean boot is similar to safe mode, but it allows you to re-enable one service or software at a time, which can help to pinpoint the problem more accurately.
To perform a clean boot, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for msconfig, click the System Configuration result to open the experience.
- Click the Services tab.
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services option.
- Click the Disable all button.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the Startup tab.
- Click the Open Task Manager option.
- Click the Startup tab.
- Select each application, and click the Disable button in the bottom-right corner.
- Close Task Manager.
- Click the OK button in the 'System Configuration' experience.
- Restart your computer.
While this process won't fix the problem, it'll give you an idea of where to start looking to resolve the issue.
If after restarting your computer, you no longer see a black screen, you'll now know that there's a problem with a background process.
Troubleshooting black screen using clean boot
In this case, use these steps to re-enable the items (one-by-one), and restart your device to see which one is causing the black screen:
- Open Start.
- Search for msconfig, click the System Configuration result to open the experience.
- Click the Services tab.
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services option.
- Check one of the services.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Once you've completed the steps, repeat the steps again for every item until you can determine the item that's causing the problem.
If none of the services seem to be the issue, use these steps to re-enable startup items:
- Open Start.
- Search for Task Manager.
- Click the Startup tab.
- Select an app, and click the Enable button in the bottom-right corner.
- Close Task Manager.
- Restart your computer.
After completing the steps, repeat the steps for every item until figuring out the app that's causing the black screen.
If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to click the Enable all button, and on step No. 10, click the Enable button for each application that was previously enabled.
Reinstalling or rolling back graphics driver
Usually, a computer may experience a black screen due to a buggy or compatibility issue with a graphics driver, which might you have installed manually or through Windows Update.
Other times, the video driver update may not be the problem, but the one installed on your device may be corrupted, and as a result, you could be seeing a black screen.
To reinstall the graphics driver, while in safe mode, you can remove it and then allow Windows 10 to reinstall it automatically using these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
- Expand the Display Adapters branch.
- Right-click the video adapter and select the Uninstall device option.Quick Tip: Alternatively, you can also select the Delete the driver software for this device option to remove the driver from your device. Sometimes, this is recommended, but if Windows 10 can't find the driver online, you'll need to download the driver from your manufacturer support website manually.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Once your device restarts, Windows 10 should automatically reinstall the graphics driver, and hopefully, the black screen will disappear.
If you see a black screen after upgrading to a new version of Windows, you may need to download the compatible the latest driver from your device or graphics from your manufacturer's support website to resolve the issue.
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Rolling back graphics driver
Alternatively, if you recently installed an update, it may be possible to rollback to the previous version using these steps:
To roll back a device driver to an earlier version on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
- Expand the Display Adapters branch.
- Right-click the graphics card, and select the Properties option.
- Click the Driver tab.
- Click the Roll Back Driver button.
- Select a reason why you're rolling back (select any option).
- Click the Yes button to confirm.
- Restart your computer.
After completing the steps, Windows 10 will uninstall the driver, and the previous driver will be restored.
If the Roll Back Driver button isn't available, then Windows 10 doesn't have any previous driver to roll back. If you know that an earlier driver was working without splashing a black screen, you may be able to find and download an older version of the driver from your manufacturer's support website, and use their instructions to install the controller.
Disabling Fast Startup
Sometimes a black screen will appear because the fast startup feature is enabled on your computer.
Fast startup is just a feature that allows Windows 10 to boot faster, but if it's causing problems, you can disable it with these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Control Panel and click the top result to open the experience.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on Power options.
- Select the Choose what the power button does link on the left pane.
- Click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.
- Clear the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.Note: This feature isn't available on every installation, because it'll depend on your hardware configuration.
- Click the Save changes button.
- Restart your computer.
If fast startup was the problem, after restarting your device, you should no longer see a black screen.
Disabling high contrast
If you're using the high contrast feature, there's a chance that it may be the reason why you're getting a black screen.
To disable high contrast, while in safe mode, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Ease of Access.
- Click on High contrast.
- Turn off the high contrast toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, restart your device to see if disabling the features addresses the black screen problem.
Stopping RunOnce process
RunOnce allows you to specify commands that Windows 10 can run one time and then delete, but it can also cause the screen to go black on your device.
To stop the RunOnce process, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Task Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
- Click the Processes tab.
- Select the RunOnce process and click the End task button (if applicable)
- Click the Services tab (if the process wasn't in the 'Processes' tab).
- Right-click the RunOnce item, and select the Stop button.
- Restart your computer.
If the RunOnce process was causing the problem, you should be able to start using your device normally.
Uninstalling updates
In recent times, there have been many cumulative updates rolling out with bugs and other compatibility issues.
If you've recently updated your system, and you're experiencing a black screen, then removing the update may resolve the issue.
To remove a cumulative update, you won't be able to access the Update & Security settings, but you can still use Control Panel with these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Control Panel and click the top result to open the experience.
- Under the Programs items, click the Programs and Features option.
- Click the View installed updates option from the left pane.
- Select the most recent update.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Restart your computer.
If these steps fix the issue, you can refer to this guide to temporarily block the update from installing again until a new patch releases.
Removing security software
Although security software is meant to keep your device and data safe, they can also cause problems like a black screen.
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To uninstall an application, while in safe mode, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click on Apps & features.
- Under the 'Apps & features' section, select the security app.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Continue with the on-screen directions to remove the app.
- Restart your computer.
If you no longer see a black screen on Windows 10, you can reinstall them again, but if the problem re-appears, remove it again, and check your software vendor's support website for an updated version or additional support.
Creating new account
A problem with your account could also be the reason that you're experiencing a black screen.
To determine whether or not your account is causing problems, while in safe mode, you can create a new local account, and if it works, you should consider moving to the new account.
You can quickly create a new account in safe mode using these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
- Type the following command to create a new account and press Enter:
net user tempuser /add
In the command, make sure to change 'tempuser' for the name of the account you want to create. - Type the following command to change the account type to 'Administrator' and press Enter:
net localgroup administrators tempuser /add
- Restart your computer.
- Sign in with the new user account.
If your device is no longer experiencing a black screen, then the problem is something related to your old user account. Instead of spending valuable time troubleshooting the old account, you should refer to this guide to move your files, link your user profile with a Microsoft account, and delete the old account.
How to fix black screen using System Restore on Windows 10
Alternatively, you can also use the System Restore feature to undo system changes using a restore point potentially fixing the black screen problem. You won't lose your files, but depending on your current configuration, you may lose some settings, apps, and updates. However, this option will work only if you have previously enabled and configured the feature.
Accessing Advanced startup using three-fail boot method
When you see a black screen, you won't be able to use System Restore normally, as such you'll need to trigger the recovery environment manually using these steps:
- Power on your computer.
- As soon as the Windows logo appears on your screen, press the power button to interrupt the boot sequence.
- Repeat steps No. 1 and 2 two more times.
After the third interruption, Windows 10 will open into the Advanced Startup environment, and then you can continue with the steps below to use the System Restore.
Accessing Advanced startup using bootable media
Also, you can use a USB installation media to get to the Advanced startup settings environment using these steps:
- Start your computer using a USB installation media.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Repair your computer link in the bottom-right corner.
Once you've completed the steps, continue with the System Restore instructions.
Undoing changes using System Restore
To restore your computer to an earlier time to fix the black screen problem, use these steps:
- Click the Advanced Startup option.
- Click the Troubleshoot option.
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Click the System Restore option.
- Click the Next button.
- Select the most recent known working restore point that you think will resolve the current problem.
- Click the Scan for affected programs button to determine the apps that will be affected after the restore point was created.
- Click the Close button.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Finish button.
After completing the steps, System Restore will restore your computer to an earlier time removing system changes since the date of the restore point, which hopefully will resolve the black screen issue.
How to fix black screen rolling back to previous version of Windows 10
As a last resort, in the case that you're dealing with compatibility issues with a new version of Windows 10, you can rollback using these steps:
Accessing Advanced startup using three-fail boot method
If you see a black screen, you won't be able to use the recovery options using the Settings app, nor you'll be able to use safe mode, as such you'll need to trigger the recovery environment manually using these steps:
- Power on your computer.
- As soon as the Windows logo appears on your screen, press the power button to interrupt the boot sequence.
- Repeat steps No. 1 and 2 two more times.
After the third interruption, Windows 10 will open into the Advanced Startup environment, and then you can continue with the steps below to rollback.
Accessing Advanced startup using bootable media
Also, you can use a USB installation media to get to the Advanced startup settings environment using these steps:
- Start your computer using a USB installation media.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Repair your computer link in the bottom-right corner.
Once you complete these steps, continue with the instructions below to go back to an earlier version of Windows 10.
Uninstall the latest version of Windows 10
While in the Advanced startup settings, use these steps to roll back to a previous version:
- Click the Troubleshoot option.
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Click the Uninstall Update option.
- Select the Uninstall latest feature update option.
- Sign-in with your credentials.
- Click the Uninstall feature update button.
If rolling back to a previous version resolves the problem, you can block the feature update from installing again using these steps. (Just remember that there's a time limit to delay an upgrade.)
How to fix black screen during installation of Windows 10
If the black screen appears during an installation of Windows 10, depending on the hardware and amount of data, it's likely that the setup is still working in the background. Usually, when this happens, it could take several hours, but the process will eventually complete.
In this scenario, the best course of action is to wait around three to six hours to give the setup a chance to complete whatever it may be doing.
If after several hours, the installation continues to be stuck, then you should try to power off your computer. You can force a shutdown by pressing and holding the power button between five to ten seconds or until the device shuts down. Then unplug the power cable.
In the case that you're using a laptop, it's also a good idea to remove the battery (if possible).
After powering off the computer, disconnect the non-essential peripherals, including removable storage, printer, game controller, network cable, and secondary monitor. If you can, also turn off your wireless and Bluetooth adapters. Only leave connected the essentials, such as a mouse, keyboard, and display.
Wait an entire minute, reconnect the battery and power cable, but do not reconnect any of the peripherals, and power on the device.
If it was a non-critical error, the installation should resume and complete successfully. Once you're on the Windows 10 desktop, remember to reconnect the peripherals.
In the case that it was a critical error, and the system rolls back to the previous version, then don't reconnect your peripherals, and manually install the Windows 10 update one more time. If you were trying to upgrade to Windows 10, you could try to upgrade one more time, but this time you can try using a bootable USB flash drive to install Windows 10.
Were you able to fix the black screen problem on your computer? Let us know in the comments below.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories
Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.
Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse($72 at Amazon)
I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.
Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad($12 at Amazon)
If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.
Supernight LED light strip($20 at Amazon)
You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.
This video informs you of the options for connecting your device to a second display using Windows 10. Depending on the age of the devices available, you can connect to a second screen by a VGI, DVI, HDMI, or Mini Display Port. As you will see, the easiest way to project the screen is by pressing the Windows and P buttons simultaneously, and then selecting how you want to project your image. The options available are PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only. You will want to choose the PC screen only option if you only want the image shown on your device and not the second display. You choose the Duplicate option if you need to see the same image on both displays. You may want the Extend option if you want the image extended on the second display so that you can use both images as a single desktop, giving you the ability to move windows from one screen to the other. With Second screen only, you will only see the image on the projected screen of choice. To remove the second screen option, simply disconnect from the second display or choose the Windows and P buttons again, and select the PC screen only option.