How to Fix Black Screen When Playing Videos on Windows 10/11?

Summary: A black screen error can be caused due to multiple reasons. The problem may be with your device’s hardware, software or the video itself. We have created a list of 7 solutions to fix black screen when playing videos. Refer to the table to know when to use which solution.  It’s so infuriating when you are trying to watch Netflix and the screen turns black. We all have encountered the video black screen error at least once.

It’s time to fix the problem. We have created a list of solutions to fix the black screen when playing videos. In the next 7 minutes, we will cover:

• 7 easy solutions to fix the black screen error
• Stellar Repair for Video compatibility
• 5 FAQs

Before you read the solutions, here is a table for which solution to use when.

Solution	When to use
Check internet connection	When the video stops playing or loads slowly
Disable ad blockers	When the video is playing on a browser and the screen goes black
Clear storage on your device	When the device storage is full and video stops playing
Check for hardware defects	When the video is playing smoothly on other devices
Scan for viruses in the video	When the video file is suspected to be infected with a virus
Ensure the video format is compatible with your device	When the video format is not supported by the device
Stellar Repair for Video software	When the above solutions related to the video don’t work.

7 Solutions to Fix Black Screen When Playing Videos:

1. Check internet connection

The most obvious way is to reconnect your WiFi, but here are some things people usually forget to check.

• Check that all cables are properly connected and there is no damage to the cables.
• Try connecting to a different network or using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
• Reset the network settings on your device

2. Disable ad blockers- Fix Black Screen When Playing Videos

You might use a plugin to block ads while browsing the internet. Sometimes these blockers can cause a black screen when playing videos.

To fix black screen when playing videos, disable the blocker:

• Check the browser extension or add-ons that you have installed. Disable/remove any ad blockers that you see.

• If the video is playing on a website, try disabling the ad blocker for that specific website.
• Some ad blockers have an option to “disable on specific sites” or “disable for videos”. If you have this option, you can use it to disable the ad blocker for the video you are trying to watch.
• If the issue persists, try disabling the ad blockers permanently, or use a different browser that doesn’t have ad blockers installed.

3. Clear Storage on your Device- Fix Black Screen When Playing Videos

A full storage can overburden the system. To fix this issue, go to the settings and check the storage capacity of your device. If the storage is full, free up some space.

You can:

• Delete unnecessary files, apps or programs that you no longer need.
• Empty the trash or recycle bin of your device.
• Move large files like videos, music or photos to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Clear cache, cookies, and temporary files of your browser.
• Run a disk cleanup utility to clear temporary files and other system files that are taking up space on your device.

4. Check for Hardware Defects

Check if there are any hardware issues with your device. Here are some signs that you might be having hardware issues and some fixes.

Sign of Hardware Issue	Solution
Device overheating	Allow the device to cool down before trying to play the video again. Check for dust or debris blocking the cooling vents.
Video playback is smooth on other devices	Check for hardware defects on the device having the issue. Check for the latest software, firmware, and driver updates.
Video output not working	Check if the video output port is working fine. Check the cable and the external display if the video is connected to an external display.
Video card not properly seated	Check if the video card is properly seated in its slot. Re-seat the video card if necessary.
Graphics card not functioning properly	Check if the graphics card is functioning properly. Check for the latest driver updates.

5. Scan for Viruses in the Video

A video file that contains a virus can cause a black screen error. Here is how you can scan your computer and fix black screen when playing videos.

• Scan your video for viruses. Windows 10 and 11 include Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection.

• If the anti-virus software finds a virus, it will give you the option to remove it. Follow the instructions provided by the anti-virus software to remove the virus.
• If the anti-virus software does not find any viruses, but the black screen error persists, try scanning the video with another anti-virus software.

6. Ensure the Video Format is Compatible with your Device- Fix Black Screen When Playing Videos

The black screen error may be caused by a problem in the video. Here’s how to fix the black screen when playing videos.

• Check the file format and the specifications of your device. For example, some devices may not support .mkv files.

• If the video format is not compatible with your device, convert the video into a compatible format.
• If the video is playing on a website, check if the website supports the video format you’re trying to play.

Also Read: How Do I Fix 0xc10100be Video Error?

7. Use a video repair software

If you have used the above-mentioned methods to fix your video, but the issue still persists, you need video repair software. Use Stellar Repair for Video. The specialized software is designed to repair video corruption issues that other solutions may not be able to fix the black screen when playing videos.

Here is how you can use the software.

Also Read: How to Get Activation Key of Stellar Repair for Video?

1. Click on Add File

In this step, you can add your corrupted or erratic video file(s).

2. Select the option Repair

Once you do this, you’ll see the below screen, where the processing status will be shown.

3. Select ‘Save Repaired Files’

Next, you can preview your video files, and save them to the hard drive.

Perks of using Stellar Repair for Video:

• It can repair corrupt and damaged videos for both Mac and Windows.
• It can fix various types of corruption, repair multiple videos simultaneously and supports a wide range of file formats.
• It has an ‘Advance repair’ option using a sample file for severe video corruption.
• It also supports repairing videos from all cameras and storage devices.

Also Read: How to recover deleted videos from Flip Camera?

Using Stellar Repair for Video software can help you with a range of issues and fix the black screen when playing videos. But in some cases the issue may not be with your video but the device itself. In those cases, you should visit a service center.

Stellar Repair for Video compatibility

Stellar Repair for Video works for all major OS, photography device types, and file formats. Here’s the complete list.

Mac Version

• Fixes corrupt videos recovered from MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, & Mac Pro.
• Supports all storage drives/ media-Mac volumes, Time Machine, Fusion drive, SD card, USB flash drive, etc.
• Repairs videos created from iPhone, DSLR, Drones, Dash Cam, Point and Shoot Camera, Mirrorless Camera, Android Phones, etc.

Windows Version

Repairs corrupt video files from leading camera and smartphone brands, including:

• Canon®
• Sony®
• Go Pro®
• Olympus®
• Nikon®
• Fuji®
• Samsung®
• Panasonic®
• Apple®
• DJI®
• Parrot®
• Skydio®
• Blackmagic®
• Garmin®
• and many more

Repairs corrupted header and data of video and movie files Compatible with:

• high quality 4K/ 8K/ 12K 
• HD, UHD, Full HD
• H.265, HEVC, 360
• VR videos

Also Read: Guide to Fix a Corrupt H.265/ HEVC Video File

Supports video repair for popular file formats like:

• MP4, MOV, AVI

Also Read: How to Fix/Repair Unplayable or Corrupted AVI File?

• MKV, AVCHD, MJPEG
• WEBM, ASF, WMV
• FLV, DIVX, MPEG
• MTS, M4V, 3G2
• 3GP, and F4V

Also Read: How to Repair Corrupt MKV Video Files?

FAQs

1. How can Stellar Repair for Video fix black screen when playing videos?

Here is what Stellar can do for you.

• Fix videos corrupted during the shoot, file transfer, editing, converting, and processing, etc.
• Repair unlimited corrupt videos in one go.

Also Read: How to Repair Corrupt Video File due to File Transfer Error?

• Repair HD, UHD, 4k, 8k, 360° and VR videos.
• Repair videos from DSLR, drones, CCTV, smartphones etc.
• Rebuild video file header to open inaccessible videos.
• Fix corrupt data to repair black screen, color bands, or errors etc.
• Repair frames issues to restore jerky, grainy, broken, or out-of-sync videos.

Also Read: How to quickly fix Grainy Videos?

• Fix damaged sound sections that cause missing audio or video lag.
• Repair videos from all cameras and storage devices.

2. Can outdated or incompatible display adapter drivers cause a black screen when playing videos?

Yes, the device may not be able to display the video properly. Update the display adapter drivers to this issue.

3. Can I fix the black screen when playing videos on my own without using any software?

While there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue, such as checking internet connection, clearing cache and cookies, updating drivers, or scanning for malware, these steps may not always be successful, and a dedicated video repair software can be more efficient.

4. If I can hear the audio but the screen is black, is it still a black screen issue?

Yes, if you can hear the audio but the screen is black, it is still considered a black screen issue. This can be caused by a problem with the display or the graphics driver.

5. Is it possible to repair a black screen issue caused by a hardware defect?

If a black screen issue is caused by a hardware defect, it may be more difficult to repair it. We have mentioned some simple solutions in solution 4. However, you should consult with a professional technician or the device manufacturer to diagnose the problem.