[Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Device Boot Failure or No Display After Boot (Black Screen)

Applicable Products: Notebook, Desktop, All-in-One PC, Gaming Handheld, MiniPC

 

To provide you more detailed instruction, you can also click ASUS YouTube video link below to know more about Notebook cannot power on and shows black screen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADSvlvRuiGI

 

If your computer encounters issues with booting or displays a black screen after booting, please refer to the following solutions based on your situation: 

  • Scenario 1: Prior to experiencing the problem, if you had disconnected the battery interface, replaced the memory, or performed an embedded controller reset (EC reset/Hard reset), please click here for the solution.
  • Scenario 2: Prior to experiencing the problem, if you had updated the BIOS and encountered a failed BIOS update (such as a forced shutdown), resulting in the inability to access the Windows operating system during startup, please click here for the solution.
  • If you haven't encountered the aforementioned scenarios, please click here for other common troubleshooting methods for boot failure.

 

Scenario 1: Boot Failure Due to Memory Training

The following troubleshooting steps are only applicable if your computer doesn't display anything upon booting, but the power indicator is lit. If you have performed any of the following steps prior to encountering this issue, please refer to the instructions below：

  • Disconnecting the battery interface or replacing the battery
  • Replacing memory modules with different capacities or brands
  • Perform a CMOS reset to restore the hardware in your computer to its default state. You can refer to the following articles to learn how to clear the CMOS:            
    Notebook/All-In-One PC: How to Perform an Embedded Controller (EC) Reset / Hard Reset.           
    Desktop: How to clear CMOS.

 

If you have performed any of the above three operations, your computer will need to undergo a complete memory training during the next boot-up.           
During the memory training process, your computer will not display anything, and the training duration is approximately 1-3 minutes, depending on the size of your computer's memory.           
During this period, please ensure that your computer is connected to the power source and refrain from forcefully shutting it down, allowing the computer to complete the memory training and wait for the display to appear.

 

If you have waited for more than 3 minutes and still don't see any display, please click here to access common troubleshooting methods for boot failure."

 

 

Scenario 2: Failure to Boot Due to Improper BIOS Update and Failure

If you have encountered a situation where your computer is unable to enter the Windows operating system upon booting due to a failed BIOS update (such as a forced shutdown), please refer to the three different boot screens below to continue the BIOS update process. Once the BIOS update is completed, you will be able to enter the Windows operating system smoothly.

Please note: During the BIOS update process, ensure that your computer is connected to a power source and avoid forcefully shutting it down to prevent any abnormal issues.

 

Screen 1: If you encounter the following screen, it indicates a failed BIOS update. Please wait for 60 seconds or click 'Yes' on the screen to initiate an automatic BIOS update. (Ensure that your computer is connected to the power source)

 

Screen 2: If you encounter the following screen, it indicates a failed BIOS update. Please follow the steps below to complete the BIOS update: 

  1. Use another computer to visit the official ASUS website and download the corresponding BIOS file for your specific model. Once downloaded, place the BIOS file in the root directory of a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32. You can refer to this article to learn How to convert a USB flash drive to the FAT32 format and save the downloaded BIOS file to the USB flash drive.           
    Note: If your computer displays a recommended BIOS version, please download that version. If not, download the latest version of the BIOS. Learn more: How to search for and download BIOS files.
  2. Turn off the computer displaying the above screen. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds until the power indicator goes off.
  3. Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer and ensure that the power cable is connected.
  4. Power on the computer, and the system will automatically complete the BIOS update process.           
    Note: If the computer directly enters the EZ Flash screen after restarting, you can refer to this article to learn How to update the BIOS file using EZ Flash (For desktop computers, please refer to ASUS Motherboard EZ Flash 3 introduction).

 

Screen 3: If you are experiencing a black screen after booting (power indicator is lit, but no text is displayed), due to a failed BIOS update, you can try performing a CMOS clear to resolve the issue:

Notebook/All-In-One PC: How to Perform an Embedded Controller (EC) Reset / Hard Reset.

Desktop: How to clear CMOS.           
 

 

Other Common Troubleshooting Methods for Boot Failure

In the case of computer startup failure (unable to power on), you may encounter the following scenarios: 

  • Pressing the power button results in no display and no power indicator light: Please refer to Solution 1.
  • Pressing the power button results in no display but the power indicator light is on: Please refer to Solution 2.
  • After pressing the power button, a white text on a black background screen appears: Please refer to Solution 3.
  • After pressing the power button, the computer displays the startup screen but goes blank after entering the desktop: Please refer to Solution 4.

 

The key factor in determining startup issues lies in the power indicator light (the example below is based on a notebook computer). 

Note: The different computer models may have varying power indicator light behavior. For detailed information, please consult the user manual specific to your computer model. You can refer to this article to learn How to search for and download the user manual.

 

Solution 1: (No Power Indicator Light)

The absence of illumination in the power indicator light may stem from either the adapter’s inability to supply power or a malfunction in the primary components, resulting in the failure to boot. Please proceed with the following steps:

Kindly verify that the power cord, adapter, extension cord, and wall socket connected to the computer are securely and properly plugged in. If an extension cord is being utilized, ensure that its switch is in the open position.

  1. Please utilize the adapter and power cord that adhere to the original manufacturer's specifications and configuration.
  2. Inspect whether the adapter connector is loose, or consider replacing the extension cord and socket to troubleshoot the issue. Refer to Figure A (power cord end), Figure B (socket end), and Figure C (computer end) for guidance.           
    Note: Different computer models may exhibit variations in the style of their adapters. Please consult the User Manual for further instructions.     
  3. Examine the adapter cable for any signs of damage. If such damage is observed, it is advisable to seek replacement at an authorized service center.
  4. Remove all external devices, including keyboards, mice, external hard drives, printers, memory cards, optical discs inside the optical drive, and also the adapter cards in the card reader.           
    Note: Simultaneously detach all external monitors. In the case of a desktop computer, connect an external monitor initially to confirm whether the computer can boot properly and display the screen.
  5. Prior to the occurrence of the problem, have you installed any additional hard drives or memory? If so, please remove or restore that hardware to its factory default settings.
  6. Disconnect the adapter, then perform a CMOS reset to restore the hardware in your computer to its default state. You can refer to the relevant articles to gain a better understanding of how to clear the CMOS:           
    Notebook/All-In-One PC: How to Perform an Embedded Controller (EC) Reset / Hard Reset.           
    Desktop: How to clear CMOS.           
    Note: For the TP420IA and UX425IA notebook models, please do not remove the adapter (CMOS clearing should be performed while it remains connected). If you are unsure about your computer's complete model, please consult this article: How to Check Your Computer's Model Name.
  7. Reconnect the adapter, then press the power button to verify if the computer can boot up normally.

 

Solution 2: (Power Indicator Light in On)

The presence of illumination in the power indicator light signifies that the motherboard is receiving power. However, it is possible that certain devices are causing the inability to boot. Please follow the applicable troubleshooting methods based on the computer product you are using:

 

Notebook or All-In-One PC

  1. If you have an external monitor, attempt to connect the computer to it and use the Windows logo key + P shortcut to toggle the display mode, ensuring that the external monitor can display correctly. If you don't have an external monitor or if the external monitor also has no display, proceed to the next step.           
    If the external monitor is functioning properly, try downloading and installing the display driver from the ASUS website. Learn more about How to search for and download drivers.           
    Note: If your computer is equipped with two graphics cards (commonly known as integrated and dedicated, such as Intel and NVIDIA), you can view them in the Device Manager. Make sure both are updated to the latest version released on the ASUS website.    
  2. Try executing Microsoft's shortcut key: Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This shortcut key can restore display-related settings and sometimes resolve display issues.
  3. Remove all external devices, including keyboards, mice, external hard drives, printers, memory cards, optical discs inside the optical drive, and also the adapter cards in the card reader.           
    Note: Simultaneously detach all external monitors.
  4. Prior to the occurrence of the problem, have you installed any additional hard drives or memory? If so, please remove or restore that hardware to its factory default settings.
  5. Disconnect the adapter, then press and hold the power button for 40 seconds without releasing it to perform an Embedded Controller (EC) reset/hard reset. You can refer to this article to gain a better understanding of how to clear the CMOS: How to Perform an Embedded Controller (EC) Reset/Hard Reset.           
    Note: For the TP420IA and UX425IA notebook models, please do not remove the adapter (CMOS clearing should be performed while it remains connected). If you are unsure about your computer's complete model, please consult this article: How to Check Your Computer's Model Name.
  6. Reconnect the adapter, then press the power button to verify if the computer can boot up normally.

 

If you have tried the previous solutions and are still unable to resolve the booting issue, you can attempt to use the BIOS recovery mode to update the BIOS in your computer. Here are the detailed steps:

Note: You will need another computer to download the BIOS file and a USB flash drive (formatted in FAT32) to store the BIOS file. Learn more about converting the format of a USB flash drive to FAT32.

  1. Go to the ASUS Support website and download the BIOS file that matches your computer model. Learn more about How to search for and download BIOS files. (B9450FA model is used as an example below)    
  2. After the download is complete, right-click on the downloaded BIOS file① and select [Extract All]②.    
  3. Click on [Extract]③.    
  4. Once the extraction is complete, rename the file extension of the file to ".bin". Right-click on the extracted file④, select [Rename]⑤, and modify the extension after the model name to ".bin". (Example: B9450FAAS.305 → B9450FA.bin)    
       
  5. After renaming, connect the USB flash drive to your computer, right-click on the ".bin" file⑥, select [Send to]⑦, and choose your USB flash drive⑧. This will copy the BIOS file to the root directory of the USB flash drive.           
    Note: The USB flash drive should be formatted in FAT32. Learn more about converting the format of a USB flash drive to FAT32.    
  6. Connect the USB flash drive to the computer with the booting issue, then turn on the computer and press the shortcut key combination (Ctrl + R) repeatedly. If you successfully enter the BIOS recovery mode, the computer will restart and enter the EZ Flash screen.    
  7. Once in the EZ Flash screen, select the ".bin" file from the USB flash drive⑨.    
  8. Click on [Yes]⑩ to start the BIOS update.           
    Note: During the BIOS update, ensure that the computer has a battery charge of 20% or more, and keep the power connected without forcing a shutdown to avoid any abnormal issues.    
  9. After the BIOS update is complete, the computer will automatically restart. Please verify if your issue has been resolved.

 

Desktop or MiniPC

  1. Make sure the signal cable and power cable of the external display are correctly connected. If possible, try connecting the computer to another external display to determine if the issue is related to the display itself.           
    Desktop computers have different interfaces for connecting to built-in or dedicated graphics cards. Refer to your product's User Manual for detailed connection instructions based on the supported configuration of your computer.           
    Note: The support for built-in or dedicated graphics cards may vary depending on the model as mentioned in the user manual. 
    If you have confirmed the correct display output connection or do not have another external display for testing, proceed to the next step.    
  2. Try using the Microsoft shortcut key combination: Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This shortcut can reset display-related settings and sometimes resolve display issues.
  3. Remove all external devices, including the keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, printer, memory cards, optical discs from the optical drive, and adapter cards in the card reader, etc.           
    Note: If it's a desktop computer, connect only one external display to verify if the computer can boot properly and display the screen.
  4. Check if any hard disk or memory expansion was performed before the issue occurred. If yes, remove the hardware or restore it to its factory default state.
  5. Remove the power adapter, then perform a CMOS reset to restore the hardware in your computer to its default state. You can refer to this article: [Motherboard] How to Clear CMOS.
  6. Connect the power adapter, then press the power button to check if the computer can boot properly.

 

Solution 3: (Black screen with white text after booting)

If you see a black screen with white text after booting up your computer, first refer to Scenario 2: "Failure to Boot Due to Improper BIOS Update and Failure" section to see if it matches the screen displayed on your computer. If it doesn't match, proceed to the next step.

  • If the screen displays "S.M.A.R.T Status Bad," you can refer to this article to resolve the issue: "S.M.A.R.T Status Bad" error message at startup.           
  • If the error message prompts you to press F1 to enter setup during boot, it indicates that there is a hardware configuration problem detected by the BIOS during startup. The prompt on the screen will indicate which hardware setting is abnormal, and you can follow the instructions to correct it.           
    Additionally, you can try pressing F1 to enter the BIOS setup screen and restore the BIOS settings to their default state. You can refer to this article to learn how to restore BIOS settings: How to restore BIOS settings. (For desktop computers, refer to: [Motherboard/Desktop] How to restore BIOS settings)  

 

Solution 4: (Screen present during boot, but goes black after entering the desktop)

If you can see the Windows welcome screen during boot but the screen goes black after entering the desktop, it may be a problem caused by the graphics card driver. It is recommended to enter Safe Mode, and you can refer to this article for instructions on how to enter Safe Mode: How to enter Safe Mode when unable to enter the system.

Once in Safe Mode, reinstall the graphics card driver. You can refer to this article to learn How to search for and download drivers.

 

 

If the above steps do not resolve your issue, please contact your local ASUS customer service center for technical support.