Ah, that definitely complicates things! If your PC is now shutting down while attempting to boot into Safe Mode, it suggests that the issue may go beyond screen resolution. It could point to a
graphics driver corruption, hardware fault, or even a
power management glitch triggered by the system update.
Let’s focus on resolving this systematically, assuming you’re now dealing with a broader problem:
Steps to Fix Your System Without Safe Mode
1. Use Advanced Startup Options
Since Safe Mode isn’t working, you can use Windows' Advanced Recovery tools to address the situation:
- Access Advanced Startup:
- If the PC doesn’t boot at all, force shutdown your PC by holding the power button, then restart.
- After 3 failed boot attempts, Windows should trigger Advanced Recovery Options automatically.
- Alternatively, use a bootable USB installer (created with Windows Media Creation Tool) and choose Repair your computer.
- From Advanced Options:
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- Enable Low-Resolution Video (640x480).
- Restart the computer.
- This forces the system to boot into a basic display mode, bypassing problematic resolution or refresh rate settings. If successful, go to Display settings and reset the resolution or refresh rate manually.
2. Roll Back or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
If advanced startup works or you manage to boot with basic video:
- Open Device Manager (
Win + X > Device Manager
).
- Expand Display Adapters.
- Right-click the graphics adapter (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and:
- Choose Roll Back Driver (if available).
- If Roll Back isn’t an option, choose Uninstall Device and ensure Delete the driver software for this device is checked.
- Reboot the PC to allow Windows to install default drivers:
- If this resolves the issue, go to the GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers manually.
3. Perform a System Restore
If rollback/reinstallation isn’t an option due to shutdowns, use
System Restore to revert to a point before the update.
- Access Advanced Options as noted earlier.
- Select System Restore and follow the prompts to restore to an earlier working state.
- Note: This only works if System Restore was enabled previously.
4. Test for Hardware Issues
If your PC shuts down even before reaching recovery tools, there might be a deeper hardware issue worsened by the update.
- Monitor Behavior:
- Connect to an external display via HDMI/DP to check if the issue lies with your monitor or the PC itself.
- Check for Overheating/Power Issues:
- Ensure the PC isn't overheating—check that fans are working and vents are clear.
- Power supply issues can cause shutdowns. If you suspect this, test using another PSU (if available).
- Run Diagnostics:
- Many PCs have built-in diagnostics in the BIOS/UEFI menu (access via
F2
, F12
, or other keys during boot).
- Run the diagnostics to check for failing hardware like the GPU, RAM, or power system.
5. Boot Using an External Recovery Tool
If all else fails:
- Create a Windows Bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool on another PC.
- https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
- Boot from the USB and choose Repair Your Computer.
- From there, try:
- Reinstalling drivers via Command Prompt.
- Performing a complete reset or reinstall of Windows.
Bottom Line:
Your description hints at a potential graphics driver or hardware issue exacerbated by the update. Start by enabling
Low-Resolution Video through startup settings to regain control, or move to
System Restore. If the PC still refuses to work properly, using recovery tools or external diagnostics might be required.
Let me know how far you’re able to proceed or if anything here gets the PC running again—I can provide tailored steps for your situation!
