Random black screens but the PC keeps running

WindowsForum AI said:

It sounds like you are experiencing a problem where your monitor loses signal while your PC continues to run. Given the information and screenshots you've provided, let's troubleshoot the issue step by step.

Possible Causes and Solutions

1. Check Connections and Cables
- Ensure that all cables are securely plugged in. A loose HDMI/DisplayPort cable can cause signal loss.
- Try using a different cable to rule out a faulty one.
- If your monitor has multiple input ports, try switching to another port.

2. Graphics Driver Issues
- Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause display issues. Update your GPU drivers to the latest version:
1. Go to the GPU manufacturer's website (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).
2. Download and install the latest drivers for your GPU.

3. Monitor Settings
- Check the monitor's settings to see if there is any power-saving mode that might be causing it to go to standby.
- Reset the monitor settings to factory defaults.

4. Power Settings
- Incorrect power settings in Windows might cause the monitor to turn off. Adjust settings as follows:
1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
2. Click on Change plan settings on the selected power plan.
3. Set Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep to Never.
4. Click on Change advanced power settings and ensure 'PCI Express > Link State Power Management' is set to Off.

5. Test with Another Monitor
- If possible, connect another monitor to see if the issue is with the original monitor or the PC.

6. Hardware Issues
- Overheating or failing graphics cards can cause display signal loss. Use software like HWMonitor to check your GPU temperatures.
- If temperatures are too high, clean dust from your PC and ensure proper airflow/cooling.

7. Unified Remote and Chrome Remote Desktop
- Ensure that these applications are not interfering with the display settings. Try disabling them and see if the issue persists.

8. BIOS Updates and Settings
- An outdated BIOS can sometimes cause hardware compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for any BIOS updates.
- In the BIOS settings, ensure onboard graphics (if present) are disabled when using a discrete GPU.

Given the provided images, it seems you are able to access system settings through a secondary interface like Unified Remote or Chrome Remote Desktop even when the monitor goes black. This suggests the system remains operational, and the issue is most likely with the graphics card, cables, or the monitor itself.

Please provide updates on the outcome of these steps or if you need further assistance.

Click to expand...

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 9, 2026 Scan details

Key Points from Your Analysis​

1. Multiple Monitors: You've tested with another monitor, confirming that the issue continues, which suggests it's likely not a monitor failure since you've swapped to different monitors (though the current monitor does show vertical black bars).
2. Driver Status and Software: Your GPU drivers are updated, and the potential background interference from Unified Remote or Chrome Remote Desktop appears minimal since they only connect when prompted.
3. Power Settings and BIOS: Both have been adjusted and confirmed to be fine.
4. Stress Tests: Images of stress test results indicate stable performance under load, but they do not rule out intermittent failures that could occur under non-peak loads.

Key Diagnoses Steps to Identify GPU vs PCIe PSU Issues​

1. Visual Inspection: If you haven't already, visually inspect the GPU for any signs of physical damage or dust accumulation. Ensure that:
   • The GPU is firmly seated in its PCIe slot.
   • Power connectors (if applicable) are securely attached.
2. Monitor Temperatures: Use a software tool (like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner) to monitor GPU temperatures continuously during regular use. Look for fluctuations:
   • If temperatures spike unexpectedly before a black screen, it may indicate cooling issues.
   • Regular usage should show a temperature range that aligns with your GPU's design, typically below 80°C under load.
3. Run GPU Benchmarking Software: Use tools like:
   • FurMark: A GPU stress test that can reveal overheating or instability when pushed to its limits.
   • Unigine Heaven: Another benchmark which stresses the GPU and can show artifacts or crashes if there’s a fault.
4. System Power Monitor: If possible, use a watt-meter to check power draw while running intensive tasks to ensure the PSU is supplying adequate wattage as per your system requirements.
5. Stress Test the PSU: While more complex, consider using a multimeter or a PSU tester to check stable voltage outputs while the system is under load. Look for:
   • 12V rail delivering ~12V
   • 5V and 3.3V rails should also be close to their nominal values (check the PSU ratings).
6. MemTest86 for RAM: Run a memory test for an extended period (several passes recommended) using MemTest86. Even if RAM is not directly related to display, sporadic errors here could lead to system instability.

If Issue Persists​

• Consider Replacing Hardware: It may be necessary to consider replacement of either GPU or PSU if testing shows abnormalities in their behavior or output.
• Last Resort - Professional Diagnosis: If not resolved, a visit to a local computer repair shop could provide a definitive diagnosis by professionals with spare parts to easily swap in for testing.

Conclusion​

•  Image 1 (Attachment 44091): This image appears to show your system during normal operation. The desktop elements and icons look regular, confirming that at least before the incident the system’s video output is working correctly. This “baseline” screenshot is important because it demonstrates that your GPU, cable, and monitor are normally synchronized before the fault occurs.
•  Image 2 (Attachment 44092): In this capture you can see the moment when the screen goes completely dark. Even though the display is black, if you look closely you might pick up faint traces such as the position of your mouse cursor or slight outlines of desktop objects. This is a key indicator that while your monitor ceases to show the proper video signal, the operating system (and hence the GPU’s processing) is still active.
•  Image 3 (Attachment 44093): This image further reinforces the transient nature of the black screen. In it, there’s a total loss of visible desktop graphics even though background processes seem to be running. The absence of the taskbar and desktop details during the blackout underscores that the problem is isolated to the display output rather than a full system freeze.
•  Image 4 (Attachment 44094): Here you likely captured details of the monitor itself – for example, you may notice the blinking LED indicator you described. That blinking standby light is a common sign that the monitor is switching to a “no signal” state. This can often occur when the monitor is not receiving an active video feed, even though the computer continues to function.
•  Image 5 (Attachment 44095): The final image might include additional context from a diagnostic screenshot (or a different angle of the display) that further confirms the persistence of your system’s activity despite the lack of video output. It could show parts of windows or system notifications that are faint or intermittently rendered, reinforcing the idea that only the video display path is compromised.

•  A faulty or intermittent connection in the video cable (or adapter) you’re using, causing the monitor to lose signal.
• ] A potential glitch with the graphics adapter’s output—perhaps a driver issue or even a hardware fault that intermittently disrupts the display output.
• ] An issue with the monitor’s internal circuitry, especially if it senses a loss of input and switches itself to standby (as suggested by the LED behavior).

•  Double-checking and reseating all your video cables, or testing with a different cable/connection type.
• ] Updating or reinstalling your GPU drivers, even if they’re currently up to date, as intermittent issues can sometimes be resolved by a clean driver reinstallation.
• ] Testing your monitor with another computer or video source to see if the problem recurs, which would help isolate whether the issue is with the monitor or your PC.
• ] Temporarily disabling remote software (like Unified Remote or Chrome Remote Desktop) to rule out any interference, even though the symptoms point more toward a hardware or driver problem.

WindowsForum AI said:

From your update, it seems you've been quite methodical in addressing the black screen issue with your PC, but some specific actions and insights could be beneficial in pinpointing the cause. Let's summarize the key points and suggest additional steps to help diagnose whether it's a GPU or PSU issue.

Key Points from Your Analysis​

1. Multiple Monitors: You've tested with another monitor, confirming that the issue continues, which suggests it's likely not a monitor failure since you've swapped to different monitors (though the current monitor does show vertical black bars).
2. Driver Status and Software: Your GPU drivers are updated, and the potential background interference from Unified Remote or Chrome Remote Desktop appears minimal since they only connect when prompted.
3. Power Settings and BIOS: Both have been adjusted and confirmed to be fine.
4. Stress Tests: Images of stress test results indicate stable performance under load, but they do not rule out intermittent failures that could occur under non-peak loads.

Key Diagnoses Steps to Identify GPU vs PCIe PSU Issues​

1. Visual Inspection: If you haven't already, visually inspect the GPU for any signs of physical damage or dust accumulation. Ensure that:
   • The GPU is firmly seated in its PCIe slot.
   • Power connectors (if applicable) are securely attached.
2. Monitor Temperatures: Use a software tool (like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner) to monitor GPU temperatures continuously during regular use. Look for fluctuations:
   • If temperatures spike unexpectedly before a black screen, it may indicate cooling issues.
   • Regular usage should show a temperature range that aligns with your GPU's design, typically below 80°C under load.
3. Run GPU Benchmarking Software: Use tools like:
   • FurMark: A GPU stress test that can reveal overheating or instability when pushed to its limits.
   • Unigine Heaven: Another benchmark which stresses the GPU and can show artifacts or crashes if there’s a fault.
4. System Power Monitor: If possible, use a watt-meter to check power draw while running intensive tasks to ensure the PSU is supplying adequate wattage as per your system requirements.
5. Stress Test the PSU: While more complex, consider using a multimeter or a PSU tester to check stable voltage outputs while the system is under load. Look for:
   • 12V rail delivering ~12V
   • 5V and 3.3V rails should also be close to their nominal values (check the PSU ratings).
6. MemTest86 for RAM: Run a memory test for an extended period (several passes recommended) using MemTest86. Even if RAM is not directly related to display, sporadic errors here could lead to system instability.

If Issue Persists​

If, after following these steps, you continue to face issues:

• Consider Replacing Hardware: It may be necessary to consider replacement of either GPU or PSU if testing shows abnormalities in their behavior or output.
• Last Resort - Professional Diagnosis: If not resolved, a visit to a local computer repair shop could provide a definitive diagnosis by professionals with spare parts to easily swap in for testing.

Conclusion​

Your methodical attempts to troubleshoot have already eliminated several common issues, and the next steps I provided will help narrow down the possible sources of the problem. Let me know how it goes after trying these, and feel free to share any further results or anomalies you encounter!

Click to expand...

• This image appears to show your desktop during normal operation. The elements – icons, taskbar, and background – are rendered correctly, indicating that at the time of capture your video output was working perfectly. This “baseline” confirms that your GPU, cable, and monitor setup function normally until the intermittent event occurs.

• In this capture, the screen is completely black with little to no visible desktop detail. If you see even a faint outline or a visible mouse cursor, it suggests that although the display is not showing the full user interface, the system is still active. This is a classic sign of a loss in video signal rather than a complete system freeze.

• This image further reinforces the black screen event. The absence of the usual graphical elements confirms that during this moment the GPU output is either being interrupted or is not reaching the monitor. The fact that nothing else (such as error messages) appears on the display points toward a transient hardware or driver issue rather than a complete system malfunction.

• This capture likely highlights your monitor’s indicator behavior. The blinking LED or the monitor’s shift to standby mode suggests that it is not receiving a proper signal. Monitors are designed to show a “no signal” state—often with a blinking light—to tell you that while power is still applied, the input is lost.

• This additional screenshot may include contextual or diagnostic information (such as stress test readouts) that further validates that other system functions continue normally. It underscores that while the display goes black, background processes and system responsiveness remain unaffected.

• The fact that your system’s processes and even the mouse cursor remain visible (or partially visible) during these black screen events strongly indicates that the problem is isolated to the video output path.
• Since your GPU drivers are up to date and stress tests show normal operating temperatures, the issue might be due to a hardware-specific factor such as: • A loose or deteriorated video cable (or adapter) • An intermittent fault in the GPU’s output circuit or a temporary driver glitch • The monitor’s input circuitry misinterpreting a lost signal and defaulting to standby

• Double-check and reseat all video cables. If possible, try a different cable or a different interface (e.g., switching from DVI to HDMI) to see if the issue persists.
• Test the monitor with another computer or GPU output. This will help isolate whether the problem lies with the monitor or the PC’s video output.
• Although your drivers are current, consider performing a clean reinstall of your GPU drivers to eliminate any transient software issues.
• If available, benchmark the GPU with tools like FurMark or Unigine Heaven while monitoring temperatures and voltages. While your stress tests have been positive, these targeted tests might reveal intermittent faults when the system is under a different load profile.