Fix Black Desktop Background on Windows

Various reasons, such as incorrect display, power settings, and display driver issues, may lead to a black desktop background in Windows. To resolve the issue, we can follow the steps detailed below.

Fix the Black Desktop Background on Windows PC

1. Change Desktop Background color from Personalization
2. Configure display settings from Ease of Access
3. Run SFC and DISM
4. Perform Clean Boot
5. Change Power Settings

1] Change Desktop Background color from Personalization

Missing background image on the desktop can be a primary cause of the issue, which may lead to a black desktop background. Also, if the black color has been chosen as the background color, the desktop would not show any background image and would appear black. Hence, the first step to resolve the issue would be to change the background image from the Personalization settings. To change the background:

• Open the Settings app by typing the same in the Desktop Search Bar.
• Click on the Personalization tab and from the menu options available.
• Click on the drop-down menu under Background and select the pictures or solid colour option.

2] Configure display settings from Ease of Access

The Ease of Access feature in Windows helps specially-abled individuals easily navigate the OS. However, if the high-contrast mode is enabled or the Show Desktop Background option is disabled, the background image may not appear, leading to the problem. Hence, re-configuring the display settings may help resolve the issue if it occurs, as mentioned above. To change the display settings:

• Press Win +U to open the Ease of Access Centre.
• Scroll down and click on Make the Computer easier to see.
• Uncheck the options Turn off all unnecessary animations and the Remove Background images.

3] Run SFC and DISM

Errors in the system files may also be responsible for the said error, and hence, running the system file checker and the DISM can help potentially identify and fix any such errors. To run the SFC and DISM:

1. Open the Windows Terminal by typing cmd in the Desktop Search Bar.
2. Type sfc /scannow to start the check and fix errors, if any.
3. Once the System File Checker process is completed, we can run the DISM by entering the below-mentioned commands in the Windows Terminal Prompt in the given order:

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4] Perform Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot can help eliminate third-party software interferences or driver conflicts, which might be one of the possible causes of the error. To perform a clean boot:

• Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows +R keys together and then type msconfig before pressing Enter.
• In the System Configuration Utility window, click the General tab and select the Selective Startup option.
• Uncheck the option Load Startup items.
• Navigate to the Services tab and click on Hide all Microsoft Services, and then click Disable All.
• Restart the system and check if the error has been resolved.

5] Change Power Settings

The power-saving options may be configured in the system to automatically dim or turn off the display when it’s left idle for a certain period. Such power-saving modes may also cause the screen to go black; disabling the power option or adjusting the display timeout settings may help resolve the issue. To change power settings:

• Open the Settings app by typing the same in the Desktop Search Bar.
• Click on System -> Power and Battery
• Click to expand the Screen and sleep option

• Set the options On Battery power, put my device to sleep after and When plugged in, put my device to sleep after to NEVER.

I hope this helps.