Black Screen With Cursor After Login Windows 11 Fix [2026]

Quick Answer: Black screen with cursor means Explorer isn't loading. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, File → Run new task → explorer.exe to restore desktop.

Symptoms

Login successful but black screen
Only mouse cursor visible
Can move cursor
Desktop doesn't appear
Started after update

Root Cause

Explorer.exe crash, corrupted user profile, or display driver failure.

Fix

Method 1: Restart Explorer

Ctrl+Shift+Esc → File → Run new task → explorer.exe

Method 2: Boot Safe Mode

Hold Shift + Restart
Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Enable Safe Mode
Update drivers or uninstall problematic apps

Method 3: Run SFC

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 4: Create New Profile

Safe Mode → Settings → Accounts → Family → Add account

How Againly Helps

Againly runs check_explorer_stability to detect Explorer failures and profile corruption.

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Instant Resolution

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Works on Windows 10 & 11 • No credit card required