Fixing Black Screen Console Sessions for Certain Users on Windows 2019 Server

Fixing Black Screen Console Sessions for Certain Users on Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 is a popular choice for many organizations due to its advanced features and security enhancements. However, some users may encounter issues when trying to access the console sessions, specifically a black screen. This article will cover the possible causes and solutions for this problem, focusing on a global audience and providing detailed context on the topic.

Understanding Console Sessions

A console session is a local session on a Windows Server, which allows users to interact with the server directly, as opposed to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. Console sessions have higher priority and resources compared to RDP sessions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that console sessions function correctly.

Identifying the Problem

Users may encounter a black screen when trying to access the console session using the VMWare Web Console or other remote management tools. This issue is specific to certain users, and other users may be able to access the console session without any problems.

Possible Causes

Several factors may cause this issue, including:

• Group Policy Settings
• User Profile Corruption
• Driver Issues
• Service Failures

Fixing Black Screen Console Sessions

Check Group Policy Settings

Group Policy settings can restrict access to console sessions. Follow these steps to check the Group Policy settings:

1. Press Windows key + R and type gpedit.msc to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
3. Check the settings for "Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session" and "Limit number of connections." If either setting is enabled, it may cause the issue.

Create a New User Profile

User profile corruption may cause the black screen issue. Follow these steps to create a new user profile:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts and then click on Family & other users.
3. Click on Add someone else to this PC and follow the prompts to create a new user account.
4. Log in using the new user account and check if the issue persists.

Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted device drivers may cause the black screen issue. Follow these steps to update the device drivers:

1. Press Windows key + X and click on Device Manager.
2. Expand the categories and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
3. Right-click on the device and click on Update Driver.
4. Follow the prompts to update the driver.

Start Remote Desktop Services Service

The Remote Desktop Services service may have failed, causing the black screen issue. Follow these steps to start the Remote Desktop Services service:

1. Press Windows key + R and type services.msc to open the Services console.
2. Scroll down and look for Remote Desktop Services.
3. Right-click on the service and click on Start.

• Console sessions are local sessions on a Windows Server that allow users to interact with the server directly.
• Users may encounter a black screen when trying to access the console session using the VMWare Web Console or other remote management tools.
• The issue may be due to Group Policy settings, user profile corruption, driver issues, or service failures.
• Users can fix the issue by checking Group Policy settings, creating a new user profile, updating device drivers, or starting the Remote Desktop Services service.

References

• RDP Black Screen Issue
• RDP Black Screen After Logon
• How to Fix Black Screen Issue on Windows 10