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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Video, Display and Touch
- Connecting 2 monitors to my HP Pavillon

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12-29-2023 07:23 PM
Hello - I have one Dell monitor connected to my HP Pavillon 590-p0201a using HDMI. I tried to connect a second Dell monitor via VGA/HDMI cable, but it wasn't successful. The VGA end was plugged into the desktop, the HDMI end into the monitor. I tried to go into Settings to setup the second monitor, but the Settings Icon sat in the taskbar and couldn't be opened. Things go wrong just when I plug the VGA cable into the desktop even before I plug the HDMI end into the monitor. Is there something in the desktop that isn't set up correctly to use two monitors.
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Accepted Solutions
01-02-2024 07:44 AM
Hi @GC1959 ,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It seems like there might be a few issues at play here. Let's troubleshoot step by step to help you connect the second monitor to your HP Pavilion 590-p0201a running Windows 11.
Check hardware connections:
- Ensure that the VGA and HDMI cables are securely connected.
- Make sure the monitors are powered on and set to the correct input source.
Identify correct ports:
- Confirm that the VGA and HDMI ports on the desktop are functioning. You might want to test each port with the working Dell monitor to ensure that the ports are not the issue.
Accessing Settings:
- If the Settings icon is not responding, you can try an alternative method to access display settings:
- Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
- Press the Windows + P keys on your keyboard to open the projection options and select "Extend."
Update Graphics Drivers:
- Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can do this through the Device Manager or by visiting the HP support website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific model.
Graphics Card Capabilities:
- Check if your graphics card supports dual monitors. Sometimes, less powerful graphics cards may only support a single display.
Check Windows Display Settings:
- Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."
- Scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section and make sure it is set to "Extend these displays."
Try Different Cable Combinations:
- If both monitors support HDMI, consider using two HDMI cables instead of combining VGA and HDMI.
Reboot:
- After making changes, restart your computer to apply the settings.
Monitor and Cable Testing:
- Test the second monitor with the HDMI cable on its own to ensure it is working properly.
- Test the VGA cable on its own with a different monitor if possible.
Check Power Settings:
- Some power settings may turn off inactive displays. In the Display settings, check the "Change when the computer sleeps" option to make sure the displays are set to stay on.
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!
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
01-02-2024 07:44 AM
Hi @GC1959 ,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It seems like there might be a few issues at play here. Let's troubleshoot step by step to help you connect the second monitor to your HP Pavilion 590-p0201a running Windows 11.
Check hardware connections:
- Ensure that the VGA and HDMI cables are securely connected.
- Make sure the monitors are powered on and set to the correct input source.
Identify correct ports:
- Confirm that the VGA and HDMI ports on the desktop are functioning. You might want to test each port with the working Dell monitor to ensure that the ports are not the issue.
Accessing Settings:
- If the Settings icon is not responding, you can try an alternative method to access display settings:
- Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
- Press the Windows + P keys on your keyboard to open the projection options and select "Extend."
Update Graphics Drivers:
- Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can do this through the Device Manager or by visiting the HP support website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific model.
Graphics Card Capabilities:
- Check if your graphics card supports dual monitors. Sometimes, less powerful graphics cards may only support a single display.
Check Windows Display Settings:
- Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."
- Scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section and make sure it is set to "Extend these displays."
Try Different Cable Combinations:
- If both monitors support HDMI, consider using two HDMI cables instead of combining VGA and HDMI.
Reboot:
- After making changes, restart your computer to apply the settings.
Monitor and Cable Testing:
- Test the second monitor with the HDMI cable on its own to ensure it is working properly.
- Test the VGA cable on its own with a different monitor if possible.
Check Power Settings:
- Some power settings may turn off inactive displays. In the Display settings, check the "Change when the computer sleeps" option to make sure the displays are set to stay on.
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!
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
01-02-2024 04:12 PM
Hi Gaya,
Thank you for the detailed and thorough options to work through.
What I learnt was that it is best to connect HDMI to HDMI and VGA to VGA and not to try a cross them over.
Once I did this the connections were made, and all is working now.
Thanks again
01-03-2024 03:01 PM
@GC1959 ,
That's great! Happy to hear that the issue has been resolved. If you need further assistance feel free to reach out to us.
If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accept as Solution and Kudos, Thumbs Up buttons on the public post, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!
Have a great day ahead!
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.