As I left work the previous night, I "Update and Shutdown" my computer as I have done so many times in the past. When I came in this morning, the PC was on already (not normal) and the screen was black, but all icons were active. I restarted a few times and the wallpaper is there for approx. a minute or two, then it flips to black - all icons still present and in working condition. I should also note that my external HD is not working suddenly (whole other can of worms)

I assume it's a driver related issue, but even after a system restore to before the window update, I am experiencing the same effects. 

Any thoughts or help on this? 
Shawn

Hi,

This is a personalization problem, please first go to Ease of access > Other Options >  Show windows Background "on".

If this step failed to fix your issue, please check following steps:

1. Open Control Panel, click on "Ease of Access", then click on "Ease of Access Center" and then click on "Make the computer easier to see" link.

Alternatively, you can directly open the page by running following command in RUN dialog box:
explorer shell:::{D555645E-D4F8-4C29-A827-D93C859C4F2A}\pageEasierToSee
2. Now disable "Remove background images (where available)" option and apply the changes.

Hello Kate,

thanks for your reply!

I checked and 'show windows background' is already set to 'on'. So I ventured on to your second option, and 'remove background images' was already disabled as well. 

If I refresh the screen, my background wallpaper comes back, then, if I hover over any icons, the square surrounding the icon goes black. If i click anywhere on the screen and drag, a black box fills that area as well. 

Not sure what the next step might be. 

Thanks for your help so far!

Shawn

Hi Shawn,

Now, I consider that this issue can be caused by un-activated system.

Would you please check if the activation status is still on?

Control panel -> System and Security -> System

Please check the Windows activation part on the open window.

Meanwhile, try the system file checker and DISM Zig mentioned about.