Learn why checking GPU drivers is the first step when a Windows laptop displays a black screen after login, as required for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam. Understand how corrupted or incompatible graphics drivers cause black screens and how Safe Mode can help resolve the issue.
Table of Contents
Question
A user’s Windows laptop shows a black screen after login. What should the technician check first?
A. The display settings
B. The user’s profile settings
C. The system’s RAM
D. The system restore settings
E. The device’s GPU drivers
Answer
E. The device’s GPU drivers
Explanation
A corrupted GPU driver can prevent Windows from displaying graphics after login. Booting into Safe Mode to reinstall the driver is a common fix.
A black screen after login on a Windows laptop is most commonly caused by corrupted, outdated, or incompatible GPU (graphics) drivers. This issue often arises after a driver update or Windows update, which can disrupt normal display output, leaving the user with a blank screen even though the system is running.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Boot into Safe Mode: Safe Mode loads Windows with basic drivers, bypassing problematic GPU drivers. If the display works in Safe Mode, it strongly indicates a driver issue.
- Update, Roll Back, or Reinstall GPU Drivers: In Safe Mode, open Device Manager, locate the display adapter, and either update, roll back, or uninstall the GPU driver. Restart the laptop to allow Windows to reinstall a compatible driver automatically.
- Reset the Graphics Driver: Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to attempt a graphics driver reset.
- Check for Recent Changes: If the issue started after a driver update, rolling back to a previous version can resolve the problem.
Community forums and official Microsoft documentation confirm that GPU driver problems are a leading cause of black screens after login, and Safe Mode is the recommended environment for resolving these issues.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam and earn CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification.