Brand new desktop, HDMI not working

[Saddlebrooke10]

Just got it out of the box, hooked up HDMI monitor and nothing.  Swapped cables, tried another monitor, still nothing.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Saddlebrooke10,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

We're sorry to hear that you're having issues with your Desktop's HDMI connection. Before we get to that, could you please include your computer model here so we can research it for you?
 

Let's troubleshoot your issue step by step:

1. Check the basics:

• Make sure the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both the laptop and the TV.
• If possible, try using a different HDMI cable.
• Make sure your Monitor is set to the correct input source (usually labelled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).

2. Restart and reconnect:

• Restart your Desktop and Monitor.
• Once both devices have fully booted up, connect the HDMI cable again.

3. Display settings:

• Press Windows + P on your keyboard to open display settings.
• Select the appropriate display mode (such as Duplicate or Extend) to use the TV as a secondary display. Duplicate should be selected.

4. Update your graphics driver:

• Open Device Manager (search in the Windows search bar).
• Expand the Display adapters section.
• Right-click the display adapter and select Uninstall device. Check the box to remove the driver software.
• Restart your laptop, and Windows will automatically reinstall the graphics driver.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Saddlebrooke10]

Turns out there are two HDMI ports on the back of the desktop.  No direction from HP on which is live for monitor use

I initially used the one at the top left corner loudly marked HDMI.  No luck there.

But after searching around I found another one on a card slot lower on the back of the PC and it worked. 

So good for now but frustrated on the lack of guidance on something simple like this.

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Saddlebrooke10,

Thank you for sharing your experience — we completely understand how frustrating it can be when something that seems simple isn't clearly explained. We appreciate your patience.
 

To clarify:
On HP desktops that have a dedicated graphics card, the HDMI port on the graphics card (usually located lower on the back of the PC) is the active one for monitor use.

👉 The HDMI port near the top, which is part of the motherboard (integrated graphics), is automatically disabled when a dedicated graphics card is installed to ensure the best performance.
 

That’s why your monitor worked only when you connected it to the lower HDMI port on the graphics card.

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue; it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support