By Ellie / Last Updated December 14, 2023

Why is AnyDesk showing a black screen?

 

I have been facing one weird issue since yesterday. When I try to connect to a remote machine, I get this black screen. Not sure why is AnyDesk black screen happening. Any ideas to fix it?”

- Question from Reddit

AnyDesk Black Screen

How to fix AnyDesk black screen [5 solutions]

Encountering an AnyDesk black screen on the remote computer post-connection can be quite irksome. However, fret not. Here are five tested solutions to assist you in resolving this issue.

Solution 1. Fix Display Settings on the remote computer

Firstly, verify the display settings in AnyDesk to ensure the correct configuration. Follow these steps to access the display settings:

Step 1. Open AnyDesk and locate the menu in the top-right corner.

Step 2. Click on "Settings" to access the AnyDesk Settings window.

https://www.anyviewer.com/screenshot/others/anydesk/settings.png

Step 3. Within the Settings window, select the "Display" option.

Step 4. Adjust the settings for "Quality" to "Balanced". Under "Hardware Acceleration," opt for "OpenGL."

OpenGL

Step 6. Close AnyDesk and then reopen the application to apply the changes.

Solution 2. Update an outdated graphics driver

An outdated graphics driver may lead to performance issues and, worse, system crashes. So, another solution is to update an outdated graphics driver.

Step 1. Open Device Manager by typing its name into the search box.

search device manager

Step 2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters section, listing all integrated and dedicated graphics drivers.

Step 3. Right-click on the display driver you wish to update and select Update Driver.

Update Driver

Step 4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will scan for available driver updates and download them.

Search Automatically for Graphics Drivers

Solution 3. Reinstall AnyDesk

When AnyDesk showing black screen, another easy solution might be to reinstall that program entirely. Sometimes a fresh install is the best solution for black screen and other errors.

Step 1. Open Control PanelPrograms > Programs and Features, and right-click AnyDesk > Uninstall.

Uninstall AnyDesk

Step 2. Download AnyDesk from its official website.

Solution 4. Connect a Monitor Emulator

Another cause of this issue is that you're connecting to a device without a working display or one that's turned off. AnyDesk mentions that when there's no monitor detected, display drivers shut down, causing the black screen or "Waiting for image" error.

If you don't want to connect an actual monitor, here's a workaround: hook up a headless Monitor Emulator to your device. This tricks the computer into thinking there's a display connected, keeping the display drivers active and preventing the black screen hassle.

Headless Monitor Emulator

Solution 5. Resort to an AnyDesk alternative

The final option for you is to choose an AnyDesk alternative. Similar to AnyDesk, AnyViewer is a free remote desktop program that enables safe, stable, and worldwide access to any device from anywhere. But the most significant difference is that AnyViewer is free for personal and business use, while AnyDesk charges for commercial uses. Whether using AnyViewer to provide remote support to your family or clients, you can get free services.

Besides, AnyViewer offers many impressive features:

✍ 
Quick installation.
▪ Fast connection speed.
▪ One-click for unattended remote access.
▪ Mobile support is for both iOS and Android devices.
▪ Remote sound support.
▪ File transfer support.
▪ Remote control Android from PC.
▪ Mirror iOS & Android screen to PC.
▪ Support controlling multiple computers at the same time.
▪ Multi-monitor and monitor switch supported.
▪ Chat is available in the remote session.

Now, download the AnyDesk alternative, free remote access software - AnyViewr, and walk through how it works.

Download Freeware Win PCs &  Servers
Secure Download

Step 1. Install and launch AnyViewer on both computers. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Log in AnyViewer

Step 2. Fill in the signup information and click Sign up to create an AnyViewer account. 

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Free Editions

Step 4. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two computers. Then you can achieve a one-click connection by clicking One-click control after going to Device and clicking the computer that you want to access. 

Connect to My Devices

Step 5. During the remote session, you can change the resolution by clicking Screen. If you don't know the appropriate screen resolution, you can also click Adaptive to adapt automatically.

Screen

Step 6. You can also click Mode to change the image qualities.

Mode

Notes:✎...
It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan bring to you:
More devices will be allowed to be assigned to the same account for unattended access.
More connection channels for more devices to be able to start remote connection at the same time.
Transfer larger files at a faster speed.
Black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click to protect privacy.
Create groups for enterprise devices to manage large numbers of devices conveniently.

 

The bottom line

In this post, the main focus is on presenting five solutions to tackle the AnyDesk black screen issue. If the initial four remedies prove ineffective, consider opting for the best alternative, AnyViewer. For those seeking a remote access program that delivers free, reliable, and secure remote access, give AnyViewer a shot without delay.