Check Your Display Cables, Monitors, and Video Cards for Faults

Video card errors are another common cause of the Black Screen of Death. If the video has no output, it is always a black screen error. Windows may even display a Blue Screen of Death, but you will never see it. Check the video connection, making sure that both ends of the DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable are securely plugged in and that the cord is not damaged. If the screen is being upgraded, check the connection and resolution. (Note: Some versions of DVI and HDMI cannot handle resolutions above 1080p).

You may also be experiencing problems with your video adapter. Try removing the separate video card and switching to the integrated video on the motherboard. Check if the video card has a problem.

One way to check is to test it by connecting to another computer. Connect an active monitor to another PC and then look for a hardware error somewhere that is affecting the video card's ability to function. Some common causes of Windows black screen errors include the motherboard, power supply, or hard drive.