black screen when i turn it on

Hi,

I understand how worrying this can be, especially when your computer was working fine earlier.

To better understand the issue, could you please share a screenshot of what you’re seeing on your screen? Also, when you mentioned “I went to the 3 dots for incognito,” could you clarify where you clicked this (for example, in a browser)?

It would also help to know:

• Were there any changes made to your computer before this happened (updates, installs, etc.)?
• Are you using Windows 10 or Windows 11?
• What type of license do you have, and where was it purchased?

In the search bar, type 'Command Prompt' and run it as administrator.

Then, copy and paste the command below and press Enter. A pop-up will appear; please share a screenshot of that window.

slmgr.vbs /dlv

I’ll be here for your update and ready to help until this is resolved. Click "Add comment" below to reply.

Follow these steps to address both the black screen and the “not genuine” message.

1. Wake or reset the display
   1. Make sure the PC and monitor are powered on and all cables are firmly connected.
   2. On the keyboard, press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B once. The screen should flicker or a beep may be heard; this resets the graphics driver.
   3. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del. If a blue security screen appears, select Task Manager, then restart the PC from the power icon in the bottom-right.
   4. Press Windows logo key + P, tap P once, then press Enter to cycle display modes in case Windows is sending the picture to the wrong display.
   5. If the screen stays black, hold the power button for about 20 seconds to force the PC off, then power it on again.
2. Turn off any black/white or high-contrast display change If the screen is on but looks wrong (for example, grayscale):
   1. Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + C to toggle color filters (if that shortcut was enabled before).
   2. When the desktop is visible, open Settings → Accessibility → Color filters and make sure all options are turned Off.
3. Fix the “Windows is not genuine” message The message usually appears if Windows is not properly activated, even if the copy is genuine.
   1. When the desktop is visible, click the notification that says Windows is not genuine or open Settings → System → Activation (or Control Panel → System on older versions).
   2. Follow the on-screen steps to activate Windows. This may involve:
      • Re‑entering the original product key that came with the PC, or
      • Using the built‑in digital license if Windows was preinstalled.
   3. If Windows fails validation after a repair or reinstall, re‑enter the original product key used when the PC was new. If that does not work, a genuine Windows license may be required.
4. Common reasons the “not genuine” message appears
   • Windows was reinstalled or repaired and activated with a different key than the original.
   • The same product key was used on more than one PC.
   • The installed Windows is counterfeit.
   If the copy of Windows came preinstalled from a trusted seller and the original key or Certificate of Authenticity is available, use that to reactivate. If Windows still fails validation, follow the activation prompts to repair or purchase a genuine copy.

If the problem persists (black screen or activation), contact the PC manufacturer or Microsoft support using official support channels, not any phone numbers or pop‑ups that appear on the screen.

References:

• Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows
• Troubleshooting black or blank screens in Windows
• About Genuine Windows
• Windows is not genuine error