Troubleshooting Black Screen on Startup with No Cursor: Transitioning from Legacy to UEFI Mode

Switching from legacy mode to UEFI mode in the BIOS of your laptop can lead to unexpected issues, such as a black screen on startup with no cursor. This guide provides a comprehensive solution for resolving this problem while ensuring a swift and effective resolution.

Causes of the Issue

If you have experienced this issue, it may be due to the BIOS locking up, similar to what happened with my laptop last year. In such cases, visiting a repair shop can be a cost-effective and speedy solution. However, it is possible to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself.

Steps to Resolve the Black Screen Issue

1. Revert BIOS Settings

To start, enter the BIOS setup by restarting your laptop and pressing the appropriate key:

F2 F10 Delete Esc

Once in the BIOS setup, switch the boot mode back from UEFI to Legacy mode, save the changes, and exit.

2. Check Boot Order

In the BIOS setup, ensure the boot order is correctly set. The hard drive with your operating system should be the first boot device.

3. Enable UEFI Support

To ensure your operating system is installed in UEFI mode:

Check if the UEFI option is available in the BIOS. Verify the Windows installation is UEFI mode; usually, this requires a GPT partition scheme.

4. Repair Boot Configuration

Follow these steps if you need to fix UEFI mode:

Create a Windows installation media using another computer and the Windows Media Creation Tool. Insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Repair your computer.” Access Command Prompt: Navigate to Troubleshoot Advanced options Command Prompt. Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

n bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd

5. Check for Hardware Issues

If the issue persists, verify that all hardware components, especially RAM and hard drives, are properly seated and functioning.

6. Reset BIOS to Default

If the aforementioned steps are ineffective, you can reset the BIOS settings to default:

Look for an option to load default settings in the BIOS setup.

7. Reinstall Operating System

As a last resort, if you cannot recover the boot, reinstall your operating system in UEFI mode.

Additional Tips

Always ensure critical data is backed up before making significant changes to BIOS settings or reinstalling the operating system. If unsure about any step, consult the laptop's user manual or manufacturer support for guidance specific to your model.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the black screen issue after transitioning from legacy to UEFI mode.