Windows Black screen shortly after boot, main menu still operational though (Windows 11, dedicated graphics)

[Danweel]

I think I've really borked something up. I've been hunting around for a while but nothing seems to work. I assume now I'm just overlooking something. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

• explain the issue (including any pattern you noticed about when it happens);

The game boots and the music plays, including graphics (IE the flying birds) up until the pan-up to the game title, which I never get to. There are three audio clicks I can hear after the screen goes black (I realized this is the sound of main menu options 'appearing'). I can select things blindly so the game otherwise seems to be running.
The game works in compatibility mode- I played a couple of in-game days but there was some jumping and lagging (it's just enough to be rather unpleasant). Given my system is x64 and relatively modern I'd like to play the way it's intended.
It's been smooth and good in the past (on the same system). I haven't played in a little while. I may have missed an update or two. (I think I played last in May). It was fine then.

• full error text (if any); Does not throw an error as far as I know, let me know if it's capturing logs in the background somewhere.
• what OS you are using; Windows 11 Home/Steam
• in-game language; en
• single-player or multiplayer; Single player. Haven't tried multiplayer before.
• if you're using controller or keyboard/mouse; Keyboard/mouse, though I do have controllers connected for other games.
• your version number; I haven't played in a little while, but I should be freshly updated to the 'current' version via Steam, though I can't get in game long enough to see.
• anything else you think might be relevant;

I've deleted the Settings file. (startup_preferences, I think)
I've set the game to use the dedicated graphics card via Windows settings.
Updated every driver I can think of
Several other things suggested here and there, but I'm willing to try whatever again! At this point, I assume I've overlooked something.
*I did install SMAPI at a certain point but never did much with it. Only its two 'default' mods were active. I removed this, reinstalled it, uninstalled it all to very little avail. Never had an issue with this being installed alongside before.

• please upload your save file! I tried to attach this but it says it doesn't have an allowed extension! Let me know what I need to do to it first.

Thanks all!