Press Win+Ctrl+Shift+B to reset the graphics driver and Win+P to change display mode. Then press Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Run new task → explorer.exe. If that works, fix the graphics driver or startup app in Safe Mode.

Why this happens

If a cursor moves, Windows is running but the desktop shell (Explorer) or the display output failed. A blank screen without a cursor points more to the graphics driver or display connection.

Symptoms

  • Black screen after the sign-in screen.
  • Mouse cursor visible but no desktop or taskbar.
  • Started after a driver or Windows update.

What causes it

  • Explorer.exe failed to start.
  • Graphics driver problem.
  • Wrong display or projection mode.
  • A startup app hanging the desktop.

Try these fixes

  1. Reset graphics and display modePress Win+Ctrl+Shift+B, then Win+P and choose PC screen only or Extend.
  2. Start ExplorerPress Ctrl+Shift+Esc, click Run new task (Windows 10: File → Run new task) and type explorer.exe.
  3. Safe ModePress Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then hold Shift while you click the power icon → Restart. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart and press 4. In Safe Mode, roll back or uninstall the graphics driver in Device Manager, then restart normally and install a fresh driver from the GPU maker.
  4. Disable startup appsIn Task Manager → Startup apps, disable recent additions.
  5. Uninstall a recent updateSettings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.
How to confirm the fix: The desktop and taskbar appear after signing in.

Avoiding it in future

Install graphics drivers from the GPU maker and avoid beta drivers.