How to Fix Black Screen While Playing Games on Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

Have you noticed, the Monitor screen goes black for a few seconds while playing games on Windows? You are not alone, a few Windows 11 users report that since installing the latest Windows update Getting random black screens while playing games, or the screen goes black but they are able to hear the game playing in the background. And the most common reason for Black screen while gaming on Windows 11 could be the display (graphics) driver, either it’s outdated or not compatible with the current Windows 11 version 24H2. Again, Hardware Compatibility Issues, your PC (Windows version) doesn’t support this game, or some additional software is missing, like the dot net Framework, that prevents the game from running smoothly.

Whatever the reason, If your screen goes black each and every time you start playing a new game, you can try the following troubleshooting methods to fix this issue and resume playing your games.

Why Does My Screen Go Black When Playing Games

A black screen while gaming can be caused by various issues, including software problems like outdated or incompatible drivers, hardware problems like overheating, or even faulty connections. Based on user reports and expert insights, here are the primary reasons for a black screen during games:

• Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers: Incompatible or old drivers often cause display issues, especially with modern games.
• Windows 11 Updates: The 24H2 update has been linked to GPU management issues, causing black screens or FPS drops.
• Overheating: High CPU or GPU temperatures can trigger a black screen to protect hardware.
• Hardware Incompatibility: Your PC may not meet the game’s minimum requirements, or the graphics card could be faulty.
• Software Conflicts: Background apps, overlays (e.g., Discord, Steam), or Game Mode settings may interfere with games.
• Power Settings: Incorrect power plans can limit GPU performance, leading to display issues.

Check Your PC’s Hardware Compatibility

Okay, so if you are a hardcore gamer and like to play bulky games on your Windows 11 computer, then you are likely going to face a black screen a lot. So, if you don’t want to stop your gaming session because of these errors, then you should remember the following solutions. The first thing we recommend check your game’s minimum requirements and see if your PC’s hardware is ok to play the game.

• Verify Game Requirements: Check the game’s official website or Steam page for minimum CPU, GPU, RAM, and Windows version requirements.
• Check Your PC Specs: Go to Settings > System > About to view your CPU, RAM, and Windows version. For GPU details, navigate to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display.
• Action: If your hardware is below the requirements, lower in-game graphics settings (e.g., resolution, texture quality) or upgrade your components.

Use tools like Can You Run It to automatically compare your PC specs with game requirements.

Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version

Windows updates often include bug fixes for display issues. The 24H2 update, for instance, has caused black screens due to GPU management changes, but subsequent patches may resolve this. Here’s how to update:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update.
• Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
• Restart your PC and test the game.

If the black screen started after a recent Windows 11 update, consider rolling back a recent update:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.
• Select the latest update and click Uninstall.

Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are the most common cause of a Windows 11 black screen during games. If this is the problem with your computer, then you can easily fix it by updating your drivers using Device Manager.

Update drivers using Device Manager

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon) and select Update Driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and install any updates.
5. Restart your PC.

For the latest drivers, you can download and install them directly from the manufacturer:

• NVIDIA: Visit NVIDIA’s official website, enter your GPU model, and download the latest driver.
• AMD: Go to AMD’s driver page and select your GPU.
• Intel: Check Intel’s support page for integrated graphics drivers.
• Uninstall existing drivers via Device Manager (right-click GPU > Uninstall Device).
• Install the downloaded driver and restart your PC.

Also, Tools like Driver Booster or GeForce Experience (for NVIDIA) can automate driver updates, reduce the risk of errors.

Note: If the issue started after a driver update, use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove the driver and perform a clean install.

Monitor and Prevent Overheating

Overheating can cause your GPU or CPU to throttle, resulting in a black screen.

• Monitor Temperatures: Use software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to track CPU and GPU temperatures during gameplay. Safe GPU temperatures are below 80°C; above 85°C may cause issues.
• Clean Your PC: Dust buildup can block airflow. Use compressed air to clean fans and heatsinks.
• Improve Cooling: Ensure fans are working, reapply thermal paste if needed, or add case fans.
• Lower Game Settings: Reduce graphics settings to lessen the load on your GPU.

If overheating persists, consult a technician to inspect your cooling system.

Adjust Power Settings for Optimal Performance

Windows 11’s power plans can limit GPU performance, causing black screens. Switching to a high-performance plan ensures your GPU receives adequate power during gaming.

• Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
• Go to Power Options.
• Select High Performance or create a custom plan.
• Click Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings.
• Expand PCI Express > Link State Power Management and set it to Off.
• Apply changes and restart your PC.

Disable Game Mode and Full-Screen Optimizations

Windows 11’s Game Mode and full-screen optimizations can sometimes conflict with games, causing black screens. Let’s Disable Game Mode and Full-Screen Optimizations and test the game to see if the issue is resolved.

Disable Game Mode:

• Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
• Toggle Game Mode to Off.

Disable Full-Screen Optimizations:

• Right-click the game’s executable file (e.g., in the game’s installation folder).
• Select Properties > Compatibility.
• Check Disable fullscreen optimizations and click Apply.

Disable Overlays and Background Apps

Overlays (e.g., Discord, Steam, NVIDIA ShadowPlay) and background apps can interfere with games. Disable them and check if this helps fixthe  Windows 11 black screen issue while gaming.

Turn Off Overlays:

• In Discord, go to User Settings > Game Overlay and toggle it off.
• In Steam, go to Settings > In-Game and uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay.

Close Background Apps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• End tasks for non-essential apps (e.g., browsers, chat apps).

Repair Game Files or Reinstall the Game

Corrupted game files can cause a black screen. Most gaming platforms allow you to verify and repair files:

• Steam: Right-click the game in your library and select Properties. Go to Installed Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• Epic Games: Click the three dots next to the game and select Manage > Verify.
• Xbox App: Right-click the game, select Manage, and choose Files > Verify and Repair.

If this doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the game.

Perform a System Restore or Reset Windows 11

If none of the above fixes work, a recent system change (e.g., update, app installation) may be the cause. Try these last-resort options:

System Restore:

• Search for Create a Restore Point in the Start menu.
• Click System Restore and select a restore point before the issue started.
• Follow the prompts to restore your system.

Reset Windows 11:

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep My Files and follow the instructions to reinstall Windows.

If the black screen persists, hardware issues may be to blame.

• Test with Another Monitor: Connect your PC to a different monitor to rule out a faulty display
• Check Power Supply: Ensure your PSU delivers enough power for your GPU. Test with a higher-wattage PSU if possible
• Test Graphics Card: If you have a spare GPU, swap it in to check if the issue persists
• Contact Support: Reach out to your PC or GPU manufacturer’s support team or consult a technician for hardware diagnostics.

FAQs About Black Screen While Gaming on Windows 11

Q: Why does my screen go black but the game audio continues?

A: This usually indicates a graphics driver crash or GPU issue. Update your drivers, check for overheating, or lower game settings.

Q: Can Windows 11 updates cause black screens?

A: Yes, updates like 24H2 have been linked to black screens due to GPU management changes. Install the latest patches or roll back the update.

Q: How do I prevent black screens in the future?

A: Keep Windows and drivers updated, monitor temperatures, avoid overclocking, and ensure your hardware meets game requirements.