Solving Black Screen Issues After Switching to UEFI in BIOS

When upgrading a system from Legacy mode to UEFI in the BIOS, it's not uncommon to encounter a black screen at boot. This can happen due to various reasons, including incorrect boot order, incompatibility issues, or even problems with the operating system itself. Here’s how to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this common issue.

Steps to Resolve the Black Screen Issue

1. Check Boot Order

The first step is to ensure that the boot order is correctly set in the BIOS. This is crucial because if the UEFI boot option is not prioritized, your system may not boot into the correct operating system.

Entry into BIOS: Typically, you can enter the BIOS setup by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC during startup. Navigate to Boot Settings: Look for the Boot menu or a similar option. Here, you should see a list of boot devices. Make sure that the UEFI boot option for your operating system, such as the Windows Boot Manager, is set as the first boot device.

2. Secure Boot Settings

Secure Boot can sometimes interfere with the boot process when switching from Legacy to UEFI. Disabling Secure Boot might resolve the black screen issue.

Navigate to Secure Boot options in the BIOS. Attempt to disable Secure Boot. Some systems may not boot with Secure Boot enabled after switching to UEFI.

3. Revert to Legacy Boot (Temporarily)

If you can’t get UEFI to work, you might temporarily switch back to Legacy mode CSM to boot your system. This can allow you to access your operating system and make further adjustments.

Navigate to the Boot Settings in the BIOS. Change the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy. This will revert the system to Legacy mode. Save and exit the BIOS settings.

4. Repair Boot Configuration

If you are using Windows, you can repair the boot configuration using a Windows installation media.

Create a Windows installation media USB or DVD. Boot from the media. Select "Repair your computer", then choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt". Run the following commands: bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd

5. Check for UEFI Compatibility

Ensure that your operating system installation is compatible with UEFI. If it was installed in Legacy mode, you may need to reinstall it in UEFI mode.

6. Update BIOS

Check if there is a BIOS update available for your motherboard. Sometimes, updates can fix compatibility issues with UEFI.

7. Reset BIOS Settings

As a last resort, reset the BIOS to its default settings. Look for an option to load default settings or reset BIOS.

8. Inspect Hardware Connections

Ensure that all hardware components, especially the display and graphics card, are properly connected. A loose connection can cause boot issues.

Additional Considerations

Backup Your Data

Ensure that your data is backed up if you need to reinstall the operating system or make significant changes.

Consult Documentation

Refer to your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions regarding UEFI settings and boot configurations.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the black screen issue after changing from CSM to UEFI. If problems persist, consider seeking help from a professional technician.