Understand and Resolve Screen Blackouts on Windows 10

Experiencing brief blackouts on your Windows 10 screen? Learn why it happens and how to fix it with our comprehensive troubleshooting guide.

By @CrystalLast Updated January 26, 2024

What causes your screen to go black for a second

Encountering brief blackouts on your Windows 10 screen can be frustrating and disruptive, especially during important tasks. A temporary black screen on your device can be caused by several factors, including:

  1. Graphics Driver Issues: Sometimes, graphics drivers can crash or experience issues, leading to a momentary black screen.

  2. Hardware Malfunction: Problems with your monitor, graphics card, or other hardware components can result in a brief loss of display.

  3. Software Glitches: Certain software applications or operating system processes may cause momentary disruptions in the display output.

  4. Cable Connection Problems: Loose or damaged cables connecting your monitor to the computer can intermittently disrupt the signal, leading to a black screen.

  5. Power Fluctuations: Sudden changes in power supply or voltage fluctuations can momentarily disrupt the display.

  6. Overheating: If your hardware components are overheating, they may temporarily shut down or malfunction, causing the screen to go black.

  7. Screen Saver or Power Saving Settings: Your computer or monitor may be configured to activate a screen saver or enter power-saving mode after a period of inactivity, causing the screen to go black.

  8. External Interference: Sometimes, external factors like electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic devices can interfere with the display signal, resulting in a black screen.

How to fix screen randomly going black for a second Windows 10

If your screen is randomly going black for a second on Windows 10, you can try the following steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

  1. Update Graphics Drivers:

    • Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer's website for your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and downloading the latest drivers.

  2. Adjust Power Settings:

    • Go to "Power & sleep settings" in the Windows settings.
    • Change the power plan to "High performance" to ensure that the system is not entering a power-saving mode that might be causing the black screen.

  3. Check for Windows Updates:

    • Make sure your Windows operating system is fully updated. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" and click on "Check for updates."

  4. Adjust Screen Refresh Rate:

    • Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."
    • Scroll down and click on "Advanced display settings."
    • Make sure the selected refresh rate is appropriate for your monitor. Trying a different refresh rate might help.

  5. Disable Fast Startup:

    • Go to "Control Panel" > "Power Options" > "Choose what the power buttons do."
    • Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable."
    • Uncheck "Turn on fast startup."

  6. Check Cables and Connections:

    • Ensure that all cables connecting your monitor to the computer are securely plugged in. Try using different cables if available.

  7. Disable Hardware Acceleration:

    • In some applications, especially web browsers, hardware acceleration may cause display issues. Try disabling hardware acceleration in the application settings.

  8. Scan for Malware and Viruses:

    • Run a thorough scan of your system using Windows Defender or a reliable third-party antivirus program to rule out the possibility of malware causing the issue.

  9. Adjust Power Options for Graphics Card:

    • For NVIDIA graphics cards, you can adjust power settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Right-click on the desktop, select "NVIDIA Control Panel," go to "Manage 3D settings," and set "Power management mode" to "Prefer maximum performance."

  10. Check Event Viewer for Errors:

    • Open the Event Viewer (you can search for it in the Start menu).
    • Look for any critical errors or warnings around the time when the black screen occurs. This may provide clues about the underlying issue.

Conclusion

Identifying the specific cause behind your screen going black for a second is the first step towards resolving this issue effectively. By examining factors such as graphics drivers, power settings, hardware integrity, software conflicts, system load, display settings, operating system stability, and external influences, you can pinpoint the root cause and implement appropriate solutions to restore smooth and uninterrupted display functionality.