I recently installed a new SSD on my 5-6 year old Windows 10 PC and was trying to copy data over from the old HDD. However, upon restarting the PC, I am now only experiencing a black screen. Despite trying multiple troubleshooting methods such as leaving the PC on for extended periods of time, disconnecting and reconnecting cables, clearing the CMOS, and trying different SATA ports for both the HDD and SSD, the issue persists.
Additionally, I attempted using the key combinations Windows + B and Windows + V for a few minutes each with no luck. The PC continues to automatically restart every 20 seconds, and all fans seem to be running at maximum power.
I also attempted using a Windows 10 installation tool on a USB, but the PC doesn’t seem to be recognizing it. I am using a HP Pavilion h8-1360t PC and a XFX Radeon RX 480 graphics card.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, and let me know if more information is needed.
Thank you.
3 Answers
Introduction
A black screen on a Windows 10 PC can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially if you’re unable to access any of your files or programs. There are several reasons why this issue might occur, ranging from hardware failures to software conflicts. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of black screens on Windows 10 and provide some solutions that you can try to fix the problem.
Hardware issues
One of the most common causes of a black screen on a Windows 10 PC is a hardware failure. This can include issues with your graphics card, motherboard, or other components. If you recently installed new hardware, such as an SSD or graphics card, this could be the culprit.
To troubleshoot hardware issues, you’ll need to start by opening up your PC and checking for any visible signs of damage or malfunction. Look for loose cables, damaged components, or anything else that might be causing the problem. If you’re not comfortable working inside your PC, it’s best to take it to a professional for repairs.
If you suspect that your graphics card may be causing the issue, try removing it from your PC and using the onboard graphics instead. This will help you determine if the graphics card is the problem or if it’s something else.
Software conflicts
Another common cause of black screens on Windows 10 is software conflicts. This can happen when two or more programs are trying to use the same resources at the same time, causing a conflict that results in a black screen.
To fix software conflicts, you’ll need to start by identifying the programs that are causing the issue. Try booting your PC in Safe Mode and see if the problem persists. If it doesn’t, then you know that one of your programs is causing the issue.
Next, try uninstalling any recently installed programs or updates that might be causing the conflict. You can also try updating your drivers and running a virus scan to make sure that your PC is free of malware.
Power issues
Power issues can also cause black screens on Windows 10. This can include issues with your power supply, battery, or other components that are responsible for providing power to your PC.
To troubleshoot power issues, start by checking your power supply and making sure that it’s functioning properly. You can also try removing your battery (if you’re using a laptop) and using your PC while connected to a power source to see if that fixes the problem.
If you’re still experiencing issues, try resetting your PC’s power settings to their default values. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Restore default settings for this plan.
Windows updates
Windows updates can also cause black screens on Windows 10. If you recently installed a Windows update and are now experiencing a black screen, this could be the cause of the problem.
To fix Windows update issues, try booting your PC in Safe Mode and uninstalling any recent updates that might be causing the problem. You can also try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter to see if that fixes the issue.
Conclusion
A black screen on a Windows 10 PC can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but there are several solutions that you can try to fix the problem. Whether it’s a hardware failure, software conflict, power issue, or Windows update problem, there are steps that you can take to get your PC back up and running. If you’re still experiencing issues after trying these solutions, it’s best to seek the help of a professional to ensure that your PC is functioning properly.
It sounds like you’re running into a frustrating issue with your Windows 10 PC after installing a new SSD. A black screen can be caused by a variety of factors, so it’s good that you’ve already tried a few troubleshooting methods without success.
Here are a few more steps you can try to fix the problem:
- Try booting into Safe Mode by repeatedly pressing the F8 key during startup. This will load a minimal version of Windows and may help you identify any software-related issues that are causing the black screen.
- Check your graphics card driver. Make sure that it’s up to date and compatible with your version of Windows. If the driver is outdated or corrupt, it may cause a black screen.
- Check for any loose connections. Make sure that all cables, including the power supply, are properly plugged in and securely connected.
- Check your BIOS settings. Make sure that the boot order is set to boot from the SSD first and that the SATA configuration is set to AHCI.
- Try disconnecting all peripherals and external devices, including any USB devices, and try booting again.
- Run the ‘Startup Repair’ by booting your PC with a Windows installation media, and select the Startup Repair option.
- If all else fails, you may need to consider a fresh Windows installation.
I hope one of these steps helps you fix the issue and get your PC back up and running. Let me know if there is anything else that you need help with or if you have any other questions.
Based on the symptoms you’ve described, it sounds like your motherboard may have failed. The random and inconsistent behavior, such as the computer turning on sometimes but not others, and only being able to boot up with the SSD when the HDD is disconnected, are strong indications of a motherboard issue. Additionally, the inability to access the BIOS and the computer not recognizing an external flash drive are also consistent with a motherboard failure.
To troubleshoot the problem, I recommend the following steps:
- Check the number of RAM sticks in the computer. If there is only one stick, it’s possible that either the RAM or the motherboard is the issue.
- If there is only one stick of RAM, try replacing it and see if that resolves the problem. If it does, then the issue was with the RAM.
- If replacing the RAM does not fix the problem, then it’s likely the motherboard that needs to be replaced.
- If replacing the motherboard does not fix the problem, we may need more information to determine the cause.
I hope this helps and good luck with resolving the issue.