Question:

How can I fix the grey screen issue after downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

I recently reverted to Windows 10 from Windows 11, but now my PC is not functioning properly. After logging in, I only see a grey screen with a movable cursor. The start menu appears when I press the windows key, but nothing else responds. I cannot access the task manager or any other applications. This is a new problem that I have never encountered before. What could be the cause of this issue and how can I resolve it?

Answer:

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, which offers a new user interface, improved performance, and enhanced security features. However, some users may prefer to stick with Windows 10, either because their hardware does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, or because they are more comfortable with the familiar layout and functionality of Windows 10.

If you are one of those users who decided to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, you may encounter some problems during or after the process. One of the most common issues reported by users is the grey screen issue, where the PC displays a blank grey screen with a movable cursor after logging in. The start menu may appear when the windows key is pressed, but nothing else works. The task manager and other applications cannot be accessed, and the PC becomes unusable.

This article will explain what causes the grey screen issue, and how you can fix it using some simple methods.

What causes the grey screen issue?

The grey screen issue is usually caused by a corrupted or incompatible driver, especially the graphics driver. When you downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, the system may not install the correct driver for your graphics card, or it may install a driver that is not compatible with Windows 10. This can result in a conflict between the driver and the operating system, leading to the grey screen issue.

Another possible cause of the grey screen issue is a faulty or loose connection between the monitor and the PC. If the cable that connects the monitor to the PC is damaged or not plugged in properly, the PC may not be able to detect the monitor and display the correct output. This can also cause the grey screen issue.

How can I fix the grey screen issue?

There are several methods that you can try to fix the grey screen issue. Here are some of the most effective ones:

• Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode and update the graphics driver. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to start Windows with only the essential drivers and services. This can help you troubleshoot and fix various issues, including the grey screen issue. To boot into Safe Mode, follow these steps:
• Restart your PC and press the F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo appears. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
• Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter. This will boot Windows into Safe Mode with internet access.
• Once you are in Safe Mode, open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows + R keys, typing devmgmt.msc, and clicking OK.
• In the Device Manager, expand the Display adapters category and right-click on your graphics card. Select Update driver from the context menu.
• In the next window, choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver for your graphics card.
• After the driver is installed, restart your PC and check if the grey screen issue is resolved.
• Method 2: Uninstall the graphics driver and reinstall it manually. If updating the graphics driver does not work, you may need to uninstall it and reinstall it manually. This can help you remove any corrupted or incompatible driver files and install a fresh and compatible driver for your graphics card. To uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver, follow these steps:
• Boot into Safe Mode as described in Method 1.
• In the Device Manager, right-click on your graphics card and select Uninstall device from the context menu. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
• After the driver is uninstalled, go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest driver for your graphics card model and Windows 10 version. Save the driver file to a convenient location on your PC.
• Run the driver file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver for your graphics card.
• After the driver is installed, restart your PC and check if the grey screen issue is resolved.
• Method 3: Check the monitor and cable connection. If the grey screen issue is not caused by the graphics driver, you may need to check the monitor and cable connection. Sometimes, a faulty or loose connection can prevent the PC from displaying the correct output. To check the monitor and cable connection, follow these steps:
• Turn off your PC and monitor and unplug them from the power source.
• Disconnect the cable that connects the monitor to the PC and inspect it for any damage or wear. If the cable is damaged, replace it with a new one.
• Reconnect the cable to the monitor and the PC and make sure it is plugged in securely and firmly. You may also try a different port on the PC or the monitor if available.
• Plug in your PC and monitor to the power source and turn them on.
• Check if the grey screen issue is resolved.

Conclusion

The grey screen issue is a common problem that can occur when you downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10. It is usually caused by a corrupted or incompatible graphics driver, or a faulty or loose monitor and cable connection. You can fix the grey screen issue by booting into Safe Mode and updating the graphics driver, uninstalling and reinstalling the graphics driver manually, or checking the monitor and cable connection. These methods can help you restore the normal functionality of your PC and enjoy Windows 10.

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hope this article is helpful for you. Please note that this is not a professional or verified article, but a creative content generated by Copilot. I do not guarantee the accuracy or effectiveness of the information or methods provided in this article. Use them at your own risk. Thank you for using Copilot. 😊