If Windows Explorer appears black in Windows 11, it is usually due to system glitches, corrupted files, a faulty Windows update, or display and theme issues. Here are effective steps to fix the problem, tailored for black File Explorer windows or full black screens with only the cursor visible:
- Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Find Windows Explorer in the list, select it, then click Restart56.
If Explorer is missing, click File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter56.
2. Uninstall Recent Problematic Windows Updates
Some users report Windows Update KB5034765 can cause black screen or Explorer issues.
To uninstall:
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Click File > Run new task, type CMD, and check “Create this task with administrative privileges.”
In Command Prompt, enter:
Restart your PC1.
Afterwards, block the update temporarily to prevent recurrence1.
textwusa /uninstall /kb:KB5034765
- Check and Repair System Files
Run the following commands in Command Prompt (run as administrator):
sfc /scannow (System File Checker – repairs corrupted files)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (repairs Windows image)36.
4. Confirm Registry Settings
Ensure that the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon has the value of Shell set to explorer.exe34.
5. Update Graphics Drivers and Windows
Outdated display drivers or pending Windows updates can trigger such display issues.
Update drivers via Device Manager.
Install any available Windows Updates64.
6. Boot in Safe Mode or Windows Recovery
If the problem persists after login, try booting into Safe Mode or using Windows Recovery Environment.
In Safe Mode, repeat the above steps or uninstall problematic apps and updates4.
7. Additional Troubleshooting
For appearance issues (e.g., black section where it should be transparent), try toggling between dark and light themes, or changing your background68.
Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals.
Disable or uninstall third-party antivirus or other software that might interfere2.
If none of these fixes resolve the issue, as a last resort, consider performing an in-place Windows repair (keeps files and apps but reinstalls the core system)34.
Important caveats:
Some solutions (such as registry edits) require caution – always back up your system or important files first3.
If the problem began after a specific update or software installation, focus on undoing those changes.
These steps address both a black File Explorer window and a system-wide black screen related to Explorer in Windows 1113456.
File Explorer window is black in Windows 11 (even in light mode) - Microsoft Q&A(even
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnN9gWBWKg4
Windows File Explorer has DARK Text | Windows 11 Forum
[SOLVED] - Explorer Not Launching on Startup after W11 Windows Update | Sysnative Forums
Windows 11 Black Screen on Startup
Modern Hosting: Liquid Layer Networks
