PC often goes black screen after bios update
PC often goes black screen after bios update
Mobo is an MSI Z690 with DDR4 and Wi-Fi, but after the latest BIOS update my computer typically doesn't boot. Initially, the BIOS update was successful, yet about a week later the PC would usually display a black screen upon startup. Since then I've noticed:
- No error lights appeared on the motherboard
- Fans and case lights remained active during black screens
- Only my GPU was connected to the monitor
- The issue started right after the BIOS update (failed next start)
- No changes made to hardware or BIOS settings
- Occurs around 95% of the time, though not always
- Various tests were tried without finding a consistent pattern
- Some suggest disconnecting the power supply might help, but that didn't work for me
- Restarting the PC from within Windows always succeeded
- If I press the restart button on the case during black screens, the boot process was smooth 100% of the time
- The system works perfectly when powered on
Any advice beyond downgrading the BIOS would be appreciated. If needed, other specifications can be shared but likely won't matter.
When sharing a troubleshooting thread, ensure you provide complete system details. List specifications in the following format:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Also include the age of the PSU, along with its make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
Did you reset the CMOS after confirming the BIOS was updated to the latest version?
It might not be connected because it functions after a restart, but some motherboards remove outdated drivers to ensure compatibility with older CPUs. You should refer to your motherboard's manual.
No, I didn't touch the CMOS. Should I have? I installed the BIOS update from MSI and used the correct updater inside the BIOS. The process went smoothly until the next restart when the PC began displaying this issue (complete black screen, all fans running).
Details:
CPU: 13600k
CPU cooler: Phantom Spirit 120
Motherboard: MSI z690 wifi ddr4
Ram: Kingston FURY Beast 32GB (2x16GB) 3200MHz DDR4 CL16 (manually overclocked months ago, no problems)
SSD/HDD: two SSDs connected to the motherboard, one external on the front case USB port. Only one SSD has the GPU
GPU: AMD 6800 (undervolt applied in Adrenaline, no errors when PC boots)
PSU: Corsair RM650x
Chassis: Fractal Torrent
OS: Windows 11 Pro updated
Monitor: HP x24ih
You might consider a clear CMOS doesn't cause harm; you could attempt jumping it, consult the motherboard manual, or another simpler method is removing the small coin battery from your PC for a few seconds and reinserting it, making sure to power off or unplug the device beforehand.
Short update:
Last night I planned to perform a BIOS reset but while opening the case, I found my DP was on the second slot of my GPU. I tried moving it to the first one and the system started without issues. Now the issue came back, reinforcing my belief that yesterday’s solution wasn’t related to the GPU cable but to the PSU being disconnected before the reset.
Today I completed the BIOS reset and everything worked properly, though I’ll need a longer shutdown to verify if the problem is truly resolved.