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⚙️ Fixing Black Screen

Step-by-Step Guide: Fixing Black Screen Issue Using CSM (Compatibility Support Module) Settings in BIOS/UEFI

⚙️ Adjust CSM Settings for Legacy Boot and Secure Boot Compatibility​

To resolve black screen issues or enable Legacy (CSM) mode, you need to configure your BIOS/UEFI settings. Here's a step-by-step guide for different BIOS/UEFI brands.

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings​

To adjust CSM settings, you first need to enter your system's BIOS/UEFI interface:

  1. 🔄 Restart your computer.
  2. During startup, continuously press the BIOS/UEFI entry key until the BIOS/UEFI menu appears.
    • Common keys: Del, F2, F10, ESC, or F12 (varies by manufacturer).
  3. 📘 Tip: If you're unsure, check your motherboard's manual or look for a message like "Press [Key] to enter Setup" during startup.

2. Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)​

Once in BIOS/UEFI, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Boot or Advanced Settings tab using the arrow keys or mouse (if supported).
  2. Look for the option Launch CSM or CSM Support.
  3. Set Launch CSM to Enabled.
    • ⚠️ Note: If this option is grayed out, you may need to disable Secure Boot first (see step 4).

Enabling CSM allows the system to boot using traditional BIOS-based methods (Legacy Mode).

3. Set Boot Mode to Legacy or Legacy + UEFI​

To ensure compatibility with your bootable media:

  1. Locate Boot Mode Selection (may be called Boot Options or Boot Type).
  2. Set it to:
    • Legacy Only if you are booting from an older MBR-partitioned disk.
    • Legacy + UEFI for compatibility with both UEFI and Legacy bootable drives.

📝 Note:

  • MBR disks require Legacy mode.
  • GPT disks require UEFI mode.
  • If your USB drive is set up for Legacy boot but your system is in UEFI mode, a black screen may occur.

4. Disable Secure Boot (Optional, but Often Necessary)​

If Launch CSM is locked or not visible, Secure Boot may be the cause:

  1. Navigate to the Security or Boot tab.
  2. Find the Secure Boot setting.
  3. Set Secure Boot to Disabled.

🔎 Why Disable Secure Boot? Secure Boot only allows booting from signed and verified bootloaders. Most custom USB boot drives (especially Linux distros and older operating systems) may not be signed, causing boot failure.

5. Adjust Boot Order (Critical for USB Booting)​

To ensure your system boots from the correct device:

  1. Navigate to the Boot Priority or Boot Order section.
  2. Select your USB drive (or the drive with your OS) and move it to the first position in the list.
    • Use the + or - keys to move items up and down, or use your mouse if supported.
  3. Some BIOS/UEFI interfaces have a Boot Override option to temporarily select the boot device for the next restart.

6. Save Changes and Exit BIOS/UEFI​

Once you've made the necessary changes:

  1. Press F10 to save and exit, or select the Save and Exit option from the menu.
  2. Confirm the changes when prompted (usually by selecting Yes).
  3. Your system will restart.

7. Booting and Troubleshooting​

If your system is configured correctly, it should boot from the USB drive or selected disk. If the black screen issue persists, try the following checks:

A. Verify the Bootable USB Media​

  • Ensure your USB is created with a bootable tool like Rufus, Ventoy, or Etcher.
  • Correct Settings:
    • Legacy Mode: MBR partition scheme, BIOS/UEFI compatibility.
    • UEFI Mode: GPT partition scheme, UEFI compatibility.

B. Check for Corrupted ISO Files​

  • Verify the ISO file's integrity using a checksum (e.g., SHA-256) to ensure it was not corrupted during download.

C. Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware​

  • Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware update.
  • Follow their instructions to update (most offer built-in tools like EZ Flash).

D. Use nomodeset for Graphics Compatibility​

If you still see a black screen after the initial boot (especially with NVIDIA/AMD GPUs):

  1. In the boot menu, highlight the boot entry.
  2. Press E to edit the entry.
  3. Add nomodeset at the end of the linux line.
  4. Press Ctrl + X or F10 to boot.

8. Restore Default BIOS/UEFI Settings (If Necessary)​

If your system becomes unresponsive or fails to boot after changes:

  1. Re-enter BIOS/UEFI.
  2. Select Restore Defaults or Load Optimized Defaults (usually found under Exit or Save & Exit).
  3. Save the changes and restart.

9. Summary of CSM Settings for Black Screen Fix​

Following these steps, you should be able to boot successfully using Legacy (CSM) mode and resolve any black screen issues caused by UEFI/Legacy mode conflicts or Secure Boot restrictions.