Screen is black, flickering or broken
A black or flickering screen is worrying, but often the computer is fine and the screen just needs a nudge, a cable check or a restart.
Be careful: If the screen is cracked, don't press on it or use it with sharp glass showing. If you see smoke or smell burning, unplug it and get in-person help.
What to do
Pick your kind of computer:
Not sure? How to tell which computer you have
Step 1: Press the brightness up key a few times, as the screen may just be turned all the way down.
Step 2: Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B together. You'll hear a beep and the screen will reset.
Step 3: If it's a desktop, check the monitor is switched on and both ends of the screen cable are pushed in firmly. If the monitor says No signal, use the monitor's buttons to choose the right input (like HDMI).
Step 4: Press Windows key + P and choose PC screen only, in case it's sending the picture to another screen.
Step 5: Restart the computer. If the screen is black, hold the power button for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
Step 6: For flickering, install updates in Settings, then Windows Update, as they include display fixes.
Step 7: If the screen is cracked or has leaking color, you can plug in a TV or monitor to keep using it until it's repaired.
Step 1: Press the brightness up key a few times.
Step 2: Press a key or click the trackpad, in case it's asleep.
Step 3: If it's a desktop Mac or external display, check the cable and power are firmly connected.
Step 4: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it on again.
Step 5: For flickering, install updates in System Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Step 6: If the screen is cracked, you can connect an external display to keep using it until it's repaired.
Step 1: Press the brightness up key on the top row a few times.
Step 2: Close the lid, wait 10 seconds, and open it again.
Step 3: Do a hard reset: hold the Refresh key (the circle arrow) and tap Power.
Step 4: Check for updates in Settings, then About ChromeOS, if you can see the screen.
Still stuck? If the screen stays black or broken, take it to the maker's support or a trusted repair shop, as screens can usually be replaced.