Question Problem with black screen after restart, enter Windows 11 right away

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Perene

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Oct 12, 2014
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I have this system:

CPU i5 11400
CPU cooler: NOCTUA, NH-U12S, chromax.black

Motherboard: MSI Z590-A Pro
Video card: RTX 3060
RAM: 2 slots, 16 GB each (#2 and #4), Vengeance CMK16GX4M2D3000C16

PSU: Corsair 650W, 80 Plus Gold, Semi Modular, TX650M
CASE: Lancool 216 (Lian Li)

Monitor: LCD Acer XV280K-B (4K native)

*****
Main SSD where Windows 11 is installed: WD_BLACK SN850X (2 TB NVME)
2nd SSD: Samsung 870 EVO, 4 TB
************
Plugged into the USB-C: External Blu-ray burner, ASUS SBW-06D5H-U
************

I noticed two things:

- After getting these SSDs (both new/formatted), if I plug into this 4K monitor, no image. I had to use it in my TV which is not 4K (1080p). And I tested for the LCD monitor in both HDMI ports, from the motherboard and video card.

- Once Windows 11 was installed, I am now facing a new problem (which I don't remember happening before): when the PC restarts or is turned on for the 1st time, no image. Black screen, even the monitor says "NO IMAGE" after trying the Displayport and HDMI. Then Windows 11 starts (still no image). Seconds later, the monitor seems to turn itself on.

So, I can't see the boot image (DOS-like style) from the motherboard anymore.

Is this some sort of Windows bug, problem with the motherboard, or video card itself? I can't decide which one to blame.
 
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Perene

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Oct 12, 2014
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I asked that question to ChatGPT:

*****************
When Windows restarts
or
The PC is turned on for the 1st time

The monitor turns itself off (no display). Then Windows 11 starts normally. Aside from that, no problems. The issue here is that without seeing anything before entering the operational system, we can't for example visit the BIOSHow do I fix this? What could it be? It was showing image before, prior to entering Windows 11.
*****************

And the reply was:

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It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with your monitor not displaying anything during the initial boot process, including the BIOS screen. This can be a bit tricky to diagnose, but here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

  1. Check Monitor Connections: Ensure that your monitor's HDMI cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the RTX 3060 graphics card on your PC. Sometimes, loose connections can lead to display issues.
  2. BIOS Settings: Since you mentioned that this issue started after a BIOS update, it's possible that some BIOS settings were changed. Check if there are any settings related to initial display output in the BIOS. You may want to set it to "Auto" or "PCI-E" if available.
  3. Monitor Settings: Access your monitor's on-screen display (OSD) settings. Look for any power-saving or sleep settings that might cause it to turn off during boot. Adjust these settings if necessary.
  4. Graphics Driver: Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed for your RTX 3060. Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes cause display issues.
  5. Reseat GPU: If you're comfortable doing so, try reseating the RTX 3060 in its PCIe slot. Sometimes, poor contact can cause display problems.
  6. RAM Check: It's a long shot, but if you recently added or changed RAM, reseating it or testing with different RAM modules might help.
  7. Clear CMOS: If none of the above steps work, you might consider clearing the CMOS settings on your motherboard. This will reset the BIOS to its default settings. Refer to your motherboard's manual for instructions on how to do this.
  8. Monitor Firmware: Check if there is a firmware update available for your Acer monitor. Sometimes, manufacturers release updates to address compatibility issues.
  9. Monitor Test: If you have access to another monitor or TV, try connecting your PC to it to see if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem is with the monitor or the PC.
  10. Professional Assistance: If the problem still persists after trying these steps, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional technician who can diagnose and resolve hardware issues.
Remember to be cautious when making changes to BIOS settings, as incorrect configurations can lead to other problems. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to seek help from a knowledgeable friend or technician.
*****************

I don't remember changing anything on the BIOS. Could this be related to the GPU drivers? It doesn't make sense because the BIOS screen should be separated from whatever Windows 11 is doing.

If I plug this PC into a 1080p TV, I'll probably see the BIOS screen before entering Windows 11.
 
Last edited:
mikeymikec

mikeymikec

Lifer
May 19, 2011
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@Perene

I need to confirm that I understand your problem correctly:

This is a brand-new computer build? I'll presume so (though you did say "I don't remember this problem happening before").
When you first booted it: with the 4k monitor attached, the monitor reported no display signal? Or was the screen's backlight on with the display blank?
In order to try and make progress, you connected a 1080p TV which did give you a display sufficient to install and boot Windows 11, however when you boot the computer the display doesn't come on until Windows 11 has mostly finished booting.
The 4k monitor is working correctly once Windows has mostly finished booting?
Does the computer work perfectly normally once Windows has finished booting?

One thing - the monitor connections that are connected directly to the motherboard are not normally usable while you have a graphics card connected; with a graphics card connected you must always have the displays connected directly to the graphics card (the only exception I'm aware of is that sometimes some hardware allows one to do a 'hybrid' setup between on-board graphics and the graphics card, but it appears to be very rarely used).

If my understanding of your situation is correct, I would confirm that Windows is running in UEFI mode (given it's 11 I'd be surprised if it wasn't but anyway): In Windows, right-click on the Start button, select 'Run' then type in msinfo32 and run that program. There will be a line in the output saying 'BIOS mode' which should say UEFI. While I was there I'd check the 'secure boot state' entry too and see that it says 'enabled', but AFAIK that isn't important to this situation, just something to maybe fix later.

One other thing I would consider trying is to shut down the PC and disconnect all storage devices, so that when your computer is next switched on it won't have an OS to boot to. It would eliminate the possibility that neither display is reacting quickly enough to show you anything during the BIOS stage of booting, because without a boot device the computer should either dump you at the main BIOS screen or at a black screen saying "no boot device" or something similar. If you do manage to get into the BIOS in that situation, then in future you'll just have to be aware that to get into the BIOS you'll either have to press whatever key is used to access the BIOS configuration the moment that you see your keyboard's caps lock light flash during boot-up or access the BIOS by holding down Shift while holding down the 'restart' option in Windows, at which point you'll soon be presented with a menu of boot options and (under 'troubleshoot' I believe) click the option to enter UEFI BIOS setup or a similar-sounding option.
 
Brainonska511

Brainonska511

Lifer
Dec 10, 2005
27,457
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If you're seeing stuff in Windows, I'm inclined to think there isn't really anything wrong, hardware-wise. You could have FastBoot or some ultrafast boot setting enabled, so you never end up seeing the pre-Windows stuff. Follow mikeymikec's advice in the last paragraph if you need to get into the UEFI BIOS.

As for the 4K monitor, I noted in the other thread: is your HDMI cable relatively new? You may a new HDMI cable rated for 4K at a higher refresh rate for the display to work (or use DisplayPort). (This advice probably doesn't apply if you had the monitor working before this new build). Don't bother with the motherboard's video outputs if you are using a dedicated graphics card.
 
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Perene

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Oct 12, 2014
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FASTBOOT was enabled.

It's now disabled. Nothing changed.

All drivers are up-to-date. Also, the "NVIDIA GPU Firmware Update Tool for DisplayID" didn't help either. It says it's already updated (proof). Even so, it didn't apply to HDMI.

The HDMI cable was replaced, and that didn't help either.

It looks like this 4K monitor is not being recognized by the motherboard, somehow. But oddly, I can use Windows 11 100%. I just have to wait for it to enter. And it didn't help to hold shift and hit RESTART, I can't see anything once the PC is showing the BIOS or anything besides Windows.

P.S.Msinfo32 says:

Secure boot = enabled
BIOS mode: UEFI

mikeymikec said:
The 4k monitor is working correctly once Windows has mostly finished booting?
Does the computer work perfectly normally once Windows has finished booting?
Click to expand...
Yes... the problem is before it finishes booting. No image there...
 
Last edited:
Brainonska511

Brainonska511

Lifer
Dec 10, 2005
27,457
11,756
136
Can you try a different monitor input combination like DisplayPort? The fact that you can use a different display for the BIOS, and Windows displays fine suggests there just might be some minor compatibility issue with the current HDMI arrangement and the 4k display.
 
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Perene

Member
Oct 12, 2014
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Brainonska511 said:
Can you try a different monitor input combination like DisplayPort? The fact that you can use a different display for the BIOS, and Windows displays fine suggests there just might be some minor compatibility issue with the current HDMI arrangement and the 4k display.
Click to expand...
Even if I try a different monitor and everything works, by showing the BIOS, that doesn't answer me why this Acer XV280K-B is not recognized outside Windows.

Also, remember what I told earlier: I installed this entire setup, and was going to use a pendrive to install Windows 11. Note: both SSDs formatted, since they were both brand new.

Guess what happened? No image, too. It didn't matter if I plug the HDMI cable into the onboard video from the i5 11400, or the RTX 3060.

And then, to my surprise, I tried a 1080p TV (not my other 4K TV). It worked! The technician that configured everything told me to use a low-res device to install Windows. I did, and it worked. So, what was my conclusion?

The MSI Z590-A Pro

www.msi.com

Z590-A PRO

PRO series motherboards, tuned for better performance by Core boost, DDR4 Boost, Extended Heatsink Design, M.2 Shield Frozr, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Lightning Gen4
www.msi.com www.msi.com

Most likely is incapable of showing anything in 4K resolution. it was like trying to install Windows 3.1 into a modern computer. The very fact it worked in a 1080p device proves my point there is something shady about this monitor or the motherboard itself. Or it is something else configured inside that BIOS I can't tell, if this isn't some Geforce driver causing problems.

Should I visit the BIOS and load (set everything to) default values? If there is such an option there? I wonder if this could break anything.
 
Last edited:
In2Photos

In2Photos

Platinum Member
Mar 21, 2007
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Perene said:
Most likely is incapable of showing anything in 4K resolution. it was like trying to install Windows 3.1 into a modern computer. The very fact it worked in a 1080p device proves my point there is something shady about this monitor or the motherboard itself. Or it is something else configured inside that BIOS I can't tell, if this isn't some Geforce driver causing problems.

Should I visit the BIOS and load (set everything to) default values? If there is such an option there? I wonder if this could break anything.
Click to expand...
Do you have the monitor plugged into the motherboard or the GPU?
 
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Perene

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I did a few more checkings today.

I was instructed in the NVIDIA forums to do the following (check the PASTEBIN message):
pastebin.com

Driver really should not have anything to do with POST environment.But, try - Pastebin.com

Pastebin.com is the number one paste tool since 2002. Pastebin is a website where you can store text online for a set period of time.
pastebin.com pastebin.com

And this is what I replied to them.

***********
No luck. Still no image after following all those steps, before Windows 11 starts.

I can only assume this is perhaps not an incompatibility between the RTX 3060 and the motherboard (MSI Z590-A Pro), but my 4K monitor, since I was also unable to show any image, with the 2 SSDs 100% formatted, while trying to install Windows from the pendrive.

I connected the PC into my 1080p monitor - voila! Images from Windows AND the boot. Everything worked as expected. I was able to visit the BIOS again. Note: HDMI cable plugged into the GPU, not the onboard video.

Is it possible this is a corrupt Windows 11 installation? Because I am willing to do another format for these 2 SSDs, yet I highly doubt this will solve my problem.

I have a few images of my PC running on this lower-res TV, and the whole process:


The only step I didn't understand correctly was this one:

Select NVIDIA SOFTWARE and DRIVERS (while running DDU)

As you can see from image 3333, there isn't such an option, and that's why in image 3334 it says PhysX is already installed, because it wasn't removed. I left the default options selected there, for the removal.

This is what I think it is:

- It can't be the OS fault, because I had no image, too, when the SSDs were formatted, they are brand new. I remember having deleted all partitions prior to the format and installing Windows 11. And if this isn't the OS fault, it must be the hardware - so, in this case, the RTX 3060 Asus Dual O12G / V2 (GeForce). Because I never had NO IMAGE before buying this GPU, with the onboard video plugged into this 4K monitor, via HDMI. This is a new problem.

The monitor in my case is the Acer XV280K-B. Using 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz. Serial number MMTJLAA0020441DF154200

If you go to Acer's page, it will only say the drivers are probably from 2019 and limited to Windows 10-64 bit.

Product Support | My Site

www.acer.com www.acer.com

While the manual is in portuguese, it's not so much different from similar 4K (and Acer) models. The current options I enabled for it are:

OverDrive - NORMAL
FreenSync - ON
Ultra-Low Latency is ON, but greyed out

Input, HDMI #1 (2.0) - looks like it has two of these ports
AutoSource = ON
DPFormat = DP 1.2
Wide Mode = FULL
DCC/CI = ON
HDMI Black Level = Normal

All the others are off, so no use mentioning BLUE LIGHT, ACM, HDR, SUPER SHARPNESS, REFRESHRATE NUM, AIMPOINT...

When the system starts for the 1st time (or WIN-11 restarts), it's funny how the monitor keeps switching between modes, and finally gives up and turns itself off. Only when Windows is really available, it turns itself on.
**********
 
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Perene

Member
Oct 12, 2014
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AAAAAAAAAAnd there you go, folks. Further proof this is not an isolated incident.

rog-forum.asus.com

New build won't post to BIOS with 4k monitor, Black Screen

Z690 Plus WIFI D4 with MSI 3080 GPU. Would not post to BIOS first time round. I had to de-rate the monitor from HDMI 2.1 to HDMI 1.4 to get it to post. After installing the NVIDIA drivers, I switched back to HDMI 2.1 and all was fine. Teething troubles with new stuff.
rog-forum.asus.com rog-forum.asus.com

So, this must be RTX 3060's fault.
 
T

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,798
471
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Sounds totally like a mode setting or timing glitch or issue, either on the part of the monitor or the 3060 vBIOS. Odd thing is that these issues most often happen with TVs, HDTV rather than computer monitors.

In the meantime, since it works when Windows is loaded, if you want to enter the UEFI BIOS, use the command (Run as Administrator command prompt):

shutdown /r /fw

-alternatively-

shutdown /r /fw /f /t 0

Enter, then restart. Should automatically start into UEFI BIOS Setup.
 
Last edited:
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Perene

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Oct 12, 2014
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Wait, what just happened?


After I updated the GeForce drivers from the RTX 3060 yesterday, to 537.34, released 3 days ago:

www.nvidia.com

GeForce Game Ready Driver | 537.34 | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 | NVIDIA

Download the English (US) GeForce Game Ready Driver for Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 systems. Released 2023.9.12
www.nvidia.com

Perhaps for the 1st time ever I could see something outside Windows... there was a DOS-like screen called WINDOWS BOOT MANAGER, showing Windows 11 (the only OS installed) and "Memory diagnostics" below...

www.elevenforum.com

Change Default Operating System to Run at Startup in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to change the default operating system to run at startup in Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you have more than on operating system installed on your computer, you will see a boot options menu at startup to Choose an operating system. The default boot entry is the...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

It's set to 30 seconds in the sysdm.cpl (System properties)

But this time, I turned the monitor on FIRST (not later) and only seconds after, I powered the PC case... this could mean there's some sort of bad setting inside the OS which is (or wasn't) showing the MSI screen there... ?

Now, the 2nd test: what happens if I restart Windows 11, once I am there? Should display the same boot manager screen, right? Instead of going directly to Windows, and turning the monitor OFF.

The problem is: no, it repeats the same pattern/bug I discussed before. The monitor turns itself off after checking for HDMI #1, #2, and DisplayPort, then black screen (NO DISPLAY), and we can only see any image after returning to Windows, seconds later.

Could this be a corrupt Windows 11 installation, somehow?
 
In2Photos

In2Photos

Platinum Member
Mar 21, 2007
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Honestly this sounds like the monitor is just really slow to turn on. Can you turn off AutoSource for the input select? Turn off power savings mode?
 
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mikeymikec

mikeymikec

Lifer
May 19, 2011
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Don't bother reinstalling Windows if Windows is working fine. Your hardware not showing you the BIOS screen is extremely unlikely be to do with anything Windows is doing.

Did you try accessing the BIOS through the method I suggested (shift + restart option in Windows)?
 
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Perene

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Oct 12, 2014
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PROBLEM SOLVED!

I didn't have to change these settings:

FreeSync and Ultra Low Latency are ON;
QUICK-START-MODE was already OFF;

But... AutoSource was ON. And that's why the monitor kept trying to detect Windows, despite the 30 second delay to show this screen:

IMAGE

Which I now changed to 15s. The issue here was that I was unable to see anything due to some sort of problem with the monitor knowing I already had HDMI plugged into the GPU, so it was delaying the checking. With AutoSource off, we are now telling it's all coming from the HDMI and that's it.

I am now able to visit the BIOS again, and also see that POSTIMG link image, after the MSI logo loads.

So it was never all this time a problem with the RTX 3060, or the OS. It was the Acer causing this.

The funny thing is that I never had to change this setting ever since I bought this 4K monitor. I had to now, because this is the first time I am using a GPU, it was only using the onboard video/chip from the INTEL CPU.

With a GPU, I understand now that we need to specify it's using the HDMI port, otherwise there will only be image once Windows 11 fully loads.

The solution was: keeping AutoSource off.
 
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