If you’re experiencing an issue where your HP laptop turns on, but the screen remains black, it can be frustrating and unsettling. There could be a number of potential causes for this issue, but fortunately, many of them are relatively easy to troubleshoot and fix. Here’s a guide on how to troubleshoot and fix an HP laptop that turns on but has a black screen.
Step 1: Check the connection between the laptop and the monitor
If you’re using an external monitor with your HP laptop, the first thing you should check is the connection between the two. Make sure that the cable connecting the laptop to the monitor is securely plugged in at both ends, and that the monitor is turned on and set to the correct input source. If the connection between the laptop and the monitor is loose or faulty, this could be causing the black screen issue.
Step 2: Check the power supply
Another potential cause of a black screen on an HP laptop is a problem with the power supply. Make sure that the laptop is plugged in and that the power cord is securely connected at both ends. If the laptop is plugged in but still not turning on, try using a different outlet or power strip to rule out any issues with the power source. If the laptop still doesn’t turn on, the problem could be with the battery or the charging port.
Step 3: Check the battery and charging port
If the power supply and connections to an external monitor are both working properly, the next thing to check is the battery and charging port. First, try removing the battery from the laptop and reinserting it to see if that fixes the issue. If the laptop still doesn’t turn on, try using a different battery to see if that helps. If the problem persists, the charging port on the laptop may be damaged or blocked, preventing the battery from charging. In this case, you may need to take the laptop to a repair shop to have the charging port fixed.
Step 4: Check the display
If the battery and charging port are both working properly, the next thing to check is the display itself. There could be a problem with the display driver, the graphics card, or the screen itself. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try booting the laptop in Safe Mode to see if the screen works in that mode. To boot in Safe Mode, press the F8 key repeatedly as the laptop starts up until you see the “Advanced Boot Options” screen. Now, select “Safe Mode” and press Enter. If the screen works in Safe Mode, it’s likely that there is a problem with the display driver or the graphics card. You can try updating the driver or replacing the graphics card to fix this issue.
Step 5: Check for physical damage
If none of the above steps have fixed the issue, there could be a problem with the hardware on the laptop. Check the laptop for any physical damage, such as cracks or dents on the case or screen. If you notice any damage, it’s possible that this could be causing the black screen issue. In this case, you’ll need to take the laptop to a repair shop to have the damaged parts replaced.
Step 6: Perform a system restore
If none of the above steps have fixed the issue and you can’t find any physical damage on the laptop, the next thing to try is a system restore. This will restore the laptop to its default settings, which may fix any software issues that could be causing the black screen. To perform a system restore, you’ll need to boot the laptop in Safe Mode and follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type “rstrui.exe” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- Click “Next” on the System Restore window that appears.
- Select the most recent restore point from the list, then click “Next.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the system restore process.
It’s important to note that a system restore will delete any files and programs that were installed after the selected restore point. Be sure to back up any important files before performing a system restore.
Step 7: Check for malware or virus infections
If a system restore doesn’t fix the black screen issue, it’s possible that the laptop could be infected with malware or a virus. Run a full scan of the laptop using antivirus software to check for and remove any malicious software. You can also try using a malware removal tool to scan for and remove any malware that may be causing the issue.
Step 8: Factory reset the laptop
If none of the above steps have fixed the issue, the final thing to try is a factory reset. This will erase all of the data on the laptop and restore it to its default factory settings. To factory reset an HP laptop, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Update & Security,” then click on “Recovery” in the left menu.
- Next to “Reset this PC,” select “Get started.”
- Choose whether you want to keep or remove your personal files, then click “Next.”
- To finish the factory reset procedure, follow the prompts.
It’s important to note that a factory reset will erase all of your personal files, so be sure to back up any important data before resetting the laptop.
Step 9: Check the BIOS settings
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing a black screen on your HP laptop, it could be an issue with the BIOS settings. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls the boot process and hardware settings on your laptop, and if the BIOS settings are incorrect, it could cause the black screen issue.
To check the BIOS settings, you’ll need to restart the laptop and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS. This key will typically be displayed on the screen as the laptop starts up, and is often one of the following: F1, F2, F10, or Esc.
Once you’re in the BIOS, navigate to the “Boot” or “Startup” settings and make sure that the correct boot device is selected. You may also want to check the “Power” settings to ensure that the laptop is set to automatically power on when the power cord is connected.
Step 10: Check for hardware issues
If none of the above steps have fixed the black screen issue on your HP laptop, it’s possible that there could be a problem with the hardware. This could be anything from a faulty motherboard or CPU, to a damaged screen or graphics card.
To check for hardware issues, you’ll need to take the laptop to a repair shop for further diagnostics and repairs. A technician will be able to test the various components of the laptop to determine the root cause of the issue and provide a solution.
Keep in mind that hardware issues can be more difficult and costly to fix, so it’s important to exhaust all of the other troubleshooting steps before considering this option.
Conclusion
If your HP laptop turns on but has a black screen, there are a number of potential causes and solutions you can try. From checking the connections to the monitor and power supply, to checking for physical damage or malware infections, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue. If none of these steps work, you may need to take the laptop to a repair shop for further diagnostics and repairs.
