Fix: HP Desktop / Laptop Not Detecting Second Monitor

Most of the time, people prefer to use a multi-screen setup with two or more displays by converting their laptops to external monitors where they can easily access them without hassle. However, connecting a Windows laptop to an external display or monitor is pretty simple; every user can do it with their laptop. However many users complained that they were unable to connect their HP laptops or desktops with their external monitor. If you are one of them, don’t brood. We’re here to help you.

The HP Laptop is a premium laptop, providing the best experience additional features, and ease of access for every user. Just like any other electronic device that comes across software issues and bugs, HP users encountered an issue with their laptops that is not detecting a second monitor. In this article, we will let you know the most effective ways you can troubleshoot the problem on your HP laptop/desktop. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it.

Why Is My HP Desktop/Laptop Not Detecting Second Monitor?

There could be a number of reasons why your HP laptop/desktop isn’t detecting a second monitor. Here are some primary reasons includes:

• Improper Connection: If you are unable to connect your HP laptop with an external monitor or second monitor, it could be due to connectivity problems between those devices. In that case, you have to check the connection between them.
• Outdated Graphics Driver: It is possible that there is an outdated graphics driver on your laptop, preventing you from being connected to the second monitor. Make sure to check the graphics driver on your laptop.
• Software Issues: There may be a chance that you are unable to connect your HP laptop or desktop to a second monitor due to software issues. Also, it could be due to incorrect settings or corrupted drivers.

Therefore, these were some of the primary reasons why your HP laptop or desktop is not connecting with the second monitor. However, it is also possible that there’s an issue with the second monitor itself, preventing you from connecting to a second monitor. Now, let’s focus on the troubleshooting strategies which are mentioned below in this article.

How to Fix HP Desktop/Laptop Not Detecting Second Monitor Issue

Try these below troubleshooting solutions if you are unable to connect your HP laptop or desktop with a second monitor. Make sure to pay attention to each and every solution in order to troubleshoot the problem. Following the solutions carefully may easily resolve the problem on your laptop or desktop.

Fix 1: Restart Your Laptop

Before attempting any other solutions, try restarting your HP laptop/desktop. Most of the time, restarting the device fixes several issues, including bugs and glitches. However, it could be possible that there is an issue with the software, preventing you from connecting to a second monitor. In such a scenario, restarting the laptop cam helps you fix the problem between the second monitor and your laptop.

Fix 2: Check the Monitor Connection

The next thing is you have to check the second monitor connection and your computer. However, if you have noticed that your connecting cable is loose or damaged, then your monitor goes to sleep when plugged in. For such a case, simply power off your system and check the video cable and ports for any external damages or tears on the cables. You can also try unplugging and replugging the cables and other power cord to check if it helps you.

Fix 3: Check the Display Settings

If your HP laptop or desktop isn’t detecting the second monitor, then you should try checking the display settings on your device settings. It is possible that they are properly configured with the second monitor, causing the problem between the second monitor and your laptop. Here’s what to do.

1. Press Windows Key + I on the keyboard to open the Settings.
2. Select System from the left side panel and click on Display.
3. Under the Display section, check the option for Multiple Displays.
4. If your laptop doesn’t detect the second monitor, the option will not show on the screen. In such a case, ensure the monitor is turned on and plugged into your video port.
5. Choose the correct source labeled on your monitor’s control.
6. Finally, click on the Detect option.

Fix 4: Run Hardware Troubleshooter

You can also try to run the hardware troubleshooter on your HP laptop or desktop to check if any issues appear. Generally, running the hardware troubleshooter fixes the hardware and software related issues as well as corrupted settings and bugs on your laptop. Here’s what to do.

1. Press Windows Key + I on the keyboard to open Settings.
2. Select System from the left side panel.
3. Scroll to Troubleshoot and click on Other troubleshooter options.
4. Click Run next to Hardware and related problems you have with your laptop.
5. Now your Windows OS will automatically search and resolve the problem if detected.

Fix 5: Update the Graphics Driver

An outdated graphics card might be the reason for causing the problem with the second monitor. In such a case, you have to check for display adapters under the device manager section and ensure it’s running on the most recent version. But if you are running on the oldest version, then you have to update it. Here’s what to do.

1. Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager section, locate the Display adapters and expand it by clicking the arrow next to it.
3. Right-click on the dedicated adapter and choose the Update driver from the pop-up menu.
4. Next, click on the Search automatically for drivers option.
5. Now your laptop will automatically search for available updates.
6. If an update is available, download and install it.
7. If there is no update available, simply close the window and move down to other solutions.

Fix 6: Reinstall Graphics Driver

If you have updated the display adapters on your laptop and it doesn’t help you to solve the problem or the update isn’t available, then you can also uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver to check if it’s working for you. Most of the time, users fix their issues either by updating the outdated drivers or by reinstalling the drivers again. In case if the above solutions don’t work, you should try this method. Here’s what to do.

To uninstall the Display adapters on your laptop, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager section, locate the Display adapters and expand it by clicking the arrow next to it.
3. Right-click on the dedicated adapter and choose the Uninstall device option from the pop-up menu.
4. Now you have to confirm that you are uninstalling the display adapters driver.

Once you have uninstalled the display adapters driver from your HP laptop or desktop, then you have to download the display adapters driver from the manufacturer’s website. You can easily find the driver you’re looking for on the official HP website. Make sure to download and install the driver on your laptop. Once done, restart your computer and check if it’s detecting it on the second monitor.

Fix 7: Check for Windows Update

You also have to check whether you are running on the latest or outdated Windows version on your HP laptop. There may be a chance that an outdated Windows software version caused the problem from being connected to the second monitor. In such a case, you have to ensure to check for the Windows version on your laptop. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Press Windows Key + I on the keyboard to open Settings on your laptop.
2. Select Windows Update from the left side panel.
3. Click on the Check for updates.
4. If an update is available, click on the Download & Install button.
5. Once downloaded, restart your laptop.
6. Now check if your HP laptop is detecting the second or external monitor.

Fix 8: Check if the Second Monitor is Enabled

You also have to check whether your second monitor is enabled. Make sure it is properly connected to the cable and other power cord and there is no damage visible. While using the second monitor with your laptop, Windows allows the users to access up to four different options. However, depending on your need, you can select any of each to check if it’s working.

Alternatively, you can customize your second monitor as per your requirements with your Windows laptop which is pretty simple to do. Once you connect the second monitor with your laptop or desktop, then Windows will mirror the primary display on it. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press Windows Key + P on the keyboard.
2. Now you will see the project menu at the right side of the screen.
3. From the menu options, select the one that suits your purpose.

• PC Screen Only: It will allow you to see things on a single display on the external monitor.
• Duplicate Mode: The duplicate mode generally comes by default, allowing the users to access the primary display on the second one.
• Extend Mode: This mode will let you see the desktop across multiple screens where you can use two displays for multiple activities at a time.
• Second screen only: With the second screen only, you can see everything but only on the second screen.

Therefore, these were some of the different project’s windows that you can select as per your requirements to access the screen on the second monitor. Make sure to select one by one and check which one is working for you.

Fix 9: Reset Your Laptop

If you have tried the above solutions and it doesn’t work to fix the problem, it may be possible that there’s an issue with either the software or with the settings. In such a situation, you have to perform a factory reset and it surely helps you to fix the issue. Remember that a factory reset will completely wipe all your personal data including photos, videos, documents and applications from your laptop. Therefore, make sure to backup the important data first. After that, you can reset your HP laptop.

To factory reset your HP laptop, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows Key + I on the keyboard to open the Settings.
2. Select System from the left side panel.
3. Scroll down and click on the Recovery option.
4. On the Recovery page, click on the Reset PC option next to Reset this PC.
5. Lastly, confirm it by clicking on the Remove everything option and that’s it.

Now you have to wait for a moment until the factory process gets completed on your laptop. This may take around 5-10 minutes. Once the process is successfully done, then you have to set up your laptop by following the screen instructions. After that, try connecting your laptop to a second monitor or external display to check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 10: Contact HP Support Team

If none of the above workarounds helps you to solve the “HP Desktop/Laptop not detecting second monitor” issue, then you should contact the HP support team for help. They will probably suggest you with their best solutions and you can easily troubleshoot the problem you’re facing on your HP laptop. Make sure to provide the needed information if they asked, including the model number and what issue you’re facing with the second monitor.

Wrapping Up

A second monitor will definitely increase productivity and enhance the user’s experience to access their laptops on the full screen, especially when the users are trying to run multiple programs at a time. But it could be frustrating when the laptop isn’t detecting the second monitor. Fortunately, we have mentioned a list of compiled solutions that definitely works for you.

Make sure to pay attention to each and every single solution as we don’t know which works for you. In case if above mentioned solutions don’t work, you must contact the support team for assistance and help. We hope you have found this article helpful for you. Do let us know which one of the above solutions works for you.