Why are videos showing up black?
You may see a black screen while playing a video due to a corrupted or outdated graphics card driver, unsupported hardware (in case you are playing a high-quality video like 4K), etc. In addition to this, the black screen while playing the videos also occurs if the video codec is not supported by the media player. Whatever the cause is, the solutions provided below will help you fix this issue.
Fix Black Screen while playing a video on Windows 11/10
If you see a black screen while playing a video on Windows 11/10, we suggest you use the following fixes to resolve the problem. Let’s see all these fixes in detail.
1] Install the latest Windows Update
First of all, make sure that your system is not missing the important updates released by Microsoft. Microsoft also recommends installing the latest Windows Updates. Open Windows 11/10 Settings, go to the Windows Update page and check for Windows Update manually. If an update is available, install it and then open the video. If you see the black screen again, the problem lies somewhere else. Use the other fixes.
2] Run Video Playback Troubleshooter
Windows 11/10 has built-in troubleshooters. Each of these troubleshooters is developed to address different types of issues. Running the Video Playback Troubleshooter can fix video-related problems on a Windows device.
Follow the steps written below: Do not interrupt the troubleshooting process. If the Video Playback Troubleshooter finds any problem, it will fix it.
3] Turn on Accelerated Graphics
This trick worked for some users. It may work for you. Follow the steps written below to turn on Accelerated Graphics and see if it brings any changes. Now, play the video and see if the black screen goes away or not. If not, you can revert the changes and try the next solutions.
4] Install HEVC Video Extensions
One possible cause of the black screen while playing videos is the unsupported hardware. If you have unsupported hardware, you may see a black screen while playing some high-quality videos, whereas the issue may not happen while playing low-quality videos. HEVC Video Extensions are the solution to this problem. The HEVC extensions provide software support to play HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) videos on unsupported hardware. These extensions also let you encode HEVC content on devices with no hardware-based video encoder. You can install HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store. This should work.
5] Update or reinstall your graphics card driver
If you still see the black screen while playing videos, the problem may be associated with your graphics card driver. Open the Optional Updates page of your Windows 11/10 Settings and see if an update for your graphics card driver is available. If yes, install it. Alternatively, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the graphics card driver. Go through the following instructions:
6] Try another Media Player
It is possible that the Media Player that you are using to play the video does not support the video format or does not have th required video codecs. Try another Media Player and see if it helps. You can use VLC or any other Media Player.
Can hear video but not see it?
A black screen while playing a video means you cannot see anything on your screen but hear the audio and captions (in some cases). You can fix this issue by running a video playback troubleshooter, updating or reinstalling your graphics card driver, etc. Read next: Black screen when playing games on Windows 11/10.
