Black screen problems can be one of the most annoying things to deal with, especially when you’re excited to jump into a new game like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. You press play, wait for it to load, and then, nothing. Just a blank screen staring back at you. No visuals, maybe some audio in the background, and no clue what went wrong.

The cause of the issue might be a faulty HDMI cable, outdated graphics drivers, or even a damaged game file. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a tech expert to solve it, as there are several simple methods that can help fix the issue. To help you out, we’ll go over each method step-by-step!

Methods to fix the black screen issue in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

If the visuals are not back even after you’ve restarted the PC, then follow the methods mentioned below.

Check the HDMI or DP cable

A black screen issue isn't always caused by the game – it could be your monitor connection. If the HDMI or DisplayPort (DP) cable connecting your PC to the monitor is damaged, loose, or dirty, your screen might go black or flicker. Even small bends, cuts, or dust in the port can interrupt the signal and cause visual problems.

• Turn off your PC and monitor.
• Unplug the HDMI or DP cable from both ends.
• Inspect the cable for any visible damage like cuts, bends, or loose pins.
• If the cable looks damaged, try using a new one.
• Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean the HDMI or DP ports on both your PC and monitor.
• Reconnect the cable securely, making sure it's plugged in firmly on both ends.
• Turn your PC and monitor back on and check if the black screen issue is resolved.

Make sure the GPU drivers are updated

Outdated or broken GPU drivers can cause major display problems, including black screens while launching or playing games. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a new game, which means it needs up-to-date drivers to run properly. Updating your GPU drivers helps your graphics card communicate better with the game and fixes bugs that may be causing display issues.

There are two ways to update the drivers. First, you can head over to the official website of your GPU’s manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and download the drivers from there. Or, you can install an app like the Nvidia App or AMD Radeon Software, depending on your GPU, and use it to install the latest version.

Repair the game files

If the game files are broken, missing, or corrupted, it can cause a black screen when launching the game. This can happen due to bad updates, crashes, or installation errors. Thankfully, Steam includes a built-in feature that checks your game files and replaces any damaged ones. This is an easy and safe way to fix problems without reinstalling the entire game.

• Open Steam and go to your Library.
• Right-click on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
• Select Properties from the dropdown menu.
• Click on the Installed Files tab on the left.
• Click Verify integrity of game files.
• Wait for Steam to finish scanning. This may take a few minutes.
• If Steam finds any broken or missing files, it will automatically replace them.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.