Windows: Black screen with mouse after start - you have to do that

An error in Windows can mean that you only see a black screen and the mouse pointer when you start it. The actual start screen is no longer displayed. Here's how to fix the problem and log back in to Windows.

Black screen on Windows - disconnect all devices

If you have been waiting for half an eternity, but nothing is still going on, you should turn off the computer by pressing the power button and leave it off for now.

1. Now unplug all devices from your computer one after the other - whether USB or LAN cable. If you have a PC, you should of course leave the screen and the power supply plugged in.
2. Then start up the PC again.
3. If a black screen appears again with the mouse, wait about 15 minutes.
4. When the login screen appears again, you can reconnect the keyboard and mouse and log in.
5. You should update the drivers so that the error does not reappear the next time you restart.

Windows login screen remains black on startup - import system repair data medium

Windows usually creates so-called system restore points at regular intervals. With a system repair disc, you can then reset your PC earlier. However, you need a second computer for this if you have not yet created a repair data medium.

1. This practical tip shows you how to create a system repair disc.
2. Then insert the CD into the drive and let the computer start from the CD.
3. A screen with various options appears.
4. Select the System Image Restore option.
5. The program now searches for possible system restore points.
6. You can now select a restore point from the list and start the repair.
7. The computer will then restart and you should be able to see the login screen again.

Windows 8.1: Repair black screen with mouse

Under Windows 8.1 there is another, more convenient way to repair the PC.

1. Open the advanced start options under Windows 8.1 by pressing the [F8] key when starting up.
2. Here you select the item Repair your computer.
3. You can now restore the Windows computer by clicking on "Computer repair options" in the lower left corner

To protect yourself from a major digital disaster with data loss, we'll show you how to make a Windows backup. These instructions apply to Windows Vista, 7 and 8.