Graphics · high

How to fix Black screen with "No signal" after turning on the PC

Error code: GPU-BLACK-SCREEN

What this error means

The PC turns on, fans spin and lights come on, but the monitor stays black or says "No signal". The monitor is not receiving a picture, either because the cable or input is wrong, or because the PC never finishes its startup self-test (POST) and so never sends one. Graphics card, RAM and power connections are the usual suspects. If you do see the manufacturer logo and the screen goes black later in Windows, that is a different problem; see the Windows section in step 7.

Updated

Applies to
Desktop PCs with a dedicated graphics card; laptops: steps 1, 2 and 7 apply
Difficulty
Beginner to intermediate
Before changes
Requires switching off and unplugging the PC before touching internal parts

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-30 · Checked against Microsoft's blank screen troubleshooting guide; motherboard indicators differ by model, so use your manual.

Before you begin

Switch off and unplug the PC before each hardware check. Ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case before handling components. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Check the monitor input and where the cable is plugged in

The most common cause is the simplest: the monitor is looking at the wrong input, or the cable goes into the motherboard while the graphics card is installed.

  1. Use the monitor's menu or input button to select the input the cable is actually connected to (for example DisplayPort 1 or HDMI 2).
  2. On a desktop with a graphics card, the cable must go into the ports on the graphics card (lower down at the back), not the ports near the USB sockets on the motherboard.
  3. Make sure the monitor is switched on and its power cable is firmly connected.
What to expect

The picture appears.

If it does not help

If the monitor still says "No signal", continue.

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02Try another cable, port and monitor

A failed cable or port gives exactly the same symptom as a failed graphics card.

  1. Try a different DisplayPort or HDMI cable.
  2. Try every video output on the graphics card.
  3. If possible, connect a TV or another monitor.
What to expect

The picture appears on another cable, port or screen.

If it does not help

Replace the faulty cable or have the monitor checked. If nothing shows a picture anywhere, the PC is probably not finishing its startup; continue.

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03Read the motherboard's debug lights or beeps

Most motherboards show where startup stopped, which tells you whether to look at the CPU, RAM, graphics card or boot drive.

  1. Look for small LEDs labelled CPU, DRAM, VGA and BOOT near the RAM slots or the 24-pin connector, or a two-digit code display.
  2. Note which light stays on, or which code is shown, and look it up in the motherboard manual.
  3. If the board has a speaker, count the beep pattern and look it up in the manual.

After changing memory settings or installing new RAM, the first start can take several minutes while the board tests the memory. Wait at least 5 minutes before assuming it is stuck.

What to expect

You know which part stopped the startup: VGA points to the graphics card, DRAM to the memory.

If it does not help

Continue with step 4 for a VGA indication and step 5 for DRAM. With no indicators, do both.

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04Reseat the graphics card and its power cables

A card that is not fully in its slot or is missing a power cable cannot output a picture.

  1. Unplug the PC, remove the screws holding the card, release the slot latch and take the card out.
  2. Reinsert it firmly until the latch clicks and screw it back in.
  3. Connect every PCIe power connector the card has, pushed in completely.
  4. If the processor has integrated graphics, remove the card, connect the monitor to the motherboard's video output and start the PC as a test.

Never connect or disconnect components while the PC is plugged in.

What to expect

The PC starts with a picture, or the test with integrated graphics works.

If it does not help

If integrated graphics works but the card does not, test the card in another PC or a different slot before replacing it.

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05Reseat the RAM and test one module

Memory problems stop the PC before it shows anything, and the fans spinning makes it look like a display problem.

  1. Remove all RAM modules and reinstall one module in the slot the manual recommends for a single module.
  2. Press it in until both latches click.
  3. Start the PC. If there is still no picture, try the other modules one at a time in the same slot.
What to expect

The PC starts with one module. Add the others back one at a time.

If it does not help

If one module stops the PC from starting, it is faulty or incompatible. The memory test errors guide on this site explains the next checks.

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06Reset the BIOS (clear CMOS)

A setting such as a memory profile or a disabled graphics output can prevent startup, and you cannot reach the BIOS to change it.

  1. Unplug the PC.
  2. Use the Clear CMOS button or jumper described in the motherboard manual, or remove the coin battery for a few minutes.
  3. Reconnect power and start the PC. Allow extra time for the first start.
What to expect

The PC starts with default settings and shows the manufacturer logo.

If it does not help

Re-enable settings such as XMP/EXPO one at a time. If nothing helps, test with a known-good power supply, then contact the motherboard or PC manufacturer.

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07If the screen goes black only in Windows

If you see the logo or BIOS but the screen goes black after Windows starts, the hardware works and the cause is in Windows or the graphics driver.

  1. Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver, and Win + P to cycle display modes in case Windows is sending the picture to another screen.
  2. If the screen stays black, force the PC off and on three times to open the recovery environment, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
  3. In Safe Mode, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters and update or roll back the graphics driver.
What to expect

Windows shows a picture again after the driver is fixed.

If it does not help

If the problem started after an update, use System Restore from the same recovery menu.

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Possible causes

  • Monitor on the wrong input, or the cable plugged into the motherboard instead of the graphics card
  • Faulty or loose display cable
  • Graphics card not fully seated or missing PCIe power
  • RAM not seated or not compatible, so the PC never finishes POST
  • BIOS settings the hardware cannot start with (for example a memory profile)
  • Failing graphics card, motherboard or power supply

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

devmgmt.msc
msinfo32

Sources & further reading