Guide: Fix ‘Computer Boots to Blinking Cursor Error’ Issue
When a computer boots up, some users may be met with a blank or black screen and blinking cursor instead of the familiar Windows logo animation and login screen. This can be alarming, but our solutions can help get your computer back on track.
Taking a deep breath and calming down is the first step to fixing the dreaded blue or black screen error. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix and most solutions will require either system recovery or reinstallation.
Different errors require different troubleshooting steps when dealing with a black screen featuring a blinking cursor.
1. Remove accessories
Your computer won’t start up because it’s looking for the necessary files on the wrong drive. To fix this, shut down your computer and remove all accessories, then press and hold the power button for a few seconds to force shutdown.
2. Safe mode
Booting your computer in Safe Mode is easy: simply hold down the power button for a few seconds while the machine starts up. Doing this three times will interrupt the boot process and shut down the PC, allowing you to enter Safe Mode.
Press the power button, then hold the on/off button for three seconds each time to turn off the device.
Upon booting your computer for the fourth time, you will be welcomed to Windows RE (Recovery Environment), an advanced user interface that allows you to repair, troubleshoot, fix and reset Windows 10 with a few clicks.
To restart your computer, navigate to the Advanced Options in Troubleshooting and select Startup Settings.
Press either 4, 5, or 6 to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
For those with newer laptops, pressing the F8 or F12 key during the boot process may not be an option due to SSDs and UEFI BIOS.
To troubleshoot computer issues, experts recommend entering safe mode and checking a few key settings.
Backing up your data is essential in case you ever need to restore or reinstall Windows OS - do it now.
Malwarebytes can help you detect malware and viruses that may be preventing your operating system from booting up.
Unfamiliar apps recently installed on your device may be causing a conflict - it’s best to remove them.
Recent driver updates may be causing issues with your computer. To fix the problem, uninstall any recent updates and, if necessary, remove the faulty driver.
Drivers that are out of date may be the cause of a blinking cursor error, so it’s important to make sure they’re up-to-date.
Restart your computer to see if the issue of the blinking cursor screen persists.
3. BIOS settings
To access the latest version of BIOS, press and hold the force button three times, then select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Users of Windows 10 can access the UEFI Firmware Settings by navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options in the Settings menu.
To boot into BIOS, use only a keyboard and the arrow and Enter or Esc keys to navigate. Instructions are provided at the bottom of the screen, but it is straightforward. Change the boot settings from Legacy to UEFI mode under Boot Options.
Ensure the boot order in the boot menu is set to prioritize the hard drive, followed by any external drives. Doing so will prevent any issues from arising if a pen drive is connected during startup.
Reboot your device and check if the error still exists after saving and exiting.
To make changes to your computer’s BIOS settings, locate the relevant options and adjust them accordingly. Be sure to save your changes before exiting.
4. Command Prompt
If you have Windows Setup Media, open the command prompt in safe mode and follow the instructions.
Execute each command separately.
Fixing the Master Boot Record, Boot Sector and BCD Store is essential for a successful computer boot.
5. Repair or reinstall
If all other attempts to fix your computer have failed, restoring it may be the best option. Reinstalling the operating system won’t delete your personal files, so don’t be afraid to try this solution. It’s been successful in nine out of ten cases.
If the initial method of resetting your computer fails, you can use an installation media disc or pen drive. Microsoft provides instructions on how to create one on their website, or you can visit a support center for assistance.
Always have a backupup
Backing up your data and creating restore points are two easy steps that can save you from future headaches. Storing your data in the cloud eliminates the need for manual backups, while creating a restore point before making major changes to your system, such as installing an app, can help you quickly undo any unwanted effects.
If you have a solution to the flashing cursor error in Windows 10, let us know in the comments!
OneDrive offers a powerful cloud solution, including the ability to restore older versions of files. Click the link below to find out how.
Fix ‘Computer Boots to Blinking Cursor Error’ Issue: benefits
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Final note
If you’re having trouble getting your computer to boot up, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out for assistance. And don’t forget to share the love by passing it along to friends.
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