Cannot get computer to recognize 2nd Monitor

[Vegieburrito]

HP Pavillion Gaming Desktop PC Tg01-2000i

Computer does not detect 2nd monitor when plugged into HDMI spot near the top of the desktop in rear.  There was a sticker there on purchase that said Do not use, and other further down that said Use this one. Is it possible that the 2nd port is not activated?  If so, does anyone know if it can be activated?  I did not anticipate there being a problem on what I assumed was a new computer.  Purchased through Amazon what was advertised as a new computer.  

[Max3Aj]

@Vegieburrito, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

It sounds like you're encountering some confusion regarding the HDMI ports on your HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-2000i.  Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how to resolve it:

⚠️ TL;DR

The HDMI port located near the top of your desktop (near the motherboard’s I/O) is connected to the integrated graphics (iGPU). When a dedicated graphics card (GPU) is installed and active, the integrated GPU is typically disabled in the BIOS, which is why that port is not functional and has a sticker saying "Do not use." The HDMI and DisplayPort ports located lower down are part of the dedicated GPU and are the only ones active by default.

🔍 What’s Happening

Your PC likely has a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card installed. When this dedicated GPU is active, the integrated GPU (which powers the top HDMI port) gets disabled in the BIOS settings to prioritize the more powerful graphics card.

🛠️ Can It Be Activated?

In some systems, it is possible to re-enable the integrated GPU in the BIOS, allowing you to use both GPUs simultaneously (which can be useful for multiple monitors). However, many HP desktops, especially the Pavilion Gaming series, often lock out this option to avoid compatibility issues.

Here’s What You Can Try:

1. Enter BIOS Setup:
   • Restart your computer and press Esc, Del, or F10 repeatedly during startup (usually F10 for HP).
2. Look for Settings:
   • Navigate to settings like:
     • Integrated Graphics or IGFX Multi-Monitor
     • Display Adapter settings under the Advanced or Chipset menu.
   • If there’s an option like "Enable Integrated Graphics," toggle it ON, save, and exit.

⚠️ Important Note

Many HP desktops (especially the Pavilion Gaming series) do not allow enabling the integrated GPU if a discrete GPU is installed. In that case, the top HDMI port cannot be used unless you physically remove the dedicated GPU, which defeats the purpose of having a dedicated graphics card.

✅ Best Solution

Use the HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI ports on the dedicated graphics card (located lower on the case in a horizontal layout). If you need a second monitor:

• Use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter if there’s no second HDMI port on the GPU.
• Alternatively, use both HDMI and DisplayPort if available.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support