Dual monitor issue

[SapphireSkies]

I have two old but great DVI monitors that I need to work properly with my new desktop PC. The one I've set as the main monitor (monitor 1) is attached with a DisplayPort to DVI cable, and the other uses an HDMI to DVI cable. The PC has only one port of each type. When I turn on the PC with both monitors attached, both go into power saving mode after monitor 1 displays the HP logo. But if I detach the DisplayPort connector to monitor 1, the other monitor comes up as the main monitor. I can then plug the DisplayPort connector back into the PC and monitor 1 comes alive as the main monitor and the other works as the extended display. From then on, everything's fine, but I shouldn't have to go through this every time I boot up the PC. Any idea what's wrong and how to fix it? Thanks in advance for any help!

[Michelle365 · Accepted solution]

Hello! I'm sorry about your issue!

Ensure your system is up-to-date.

HP periodically releases BIOS updates that can fix hardware compatibility issues. Go to the HP support website for your specific PC model and check for the latest BIOS and graphics drivers. Updating both can sometimes resolve the issue by improving the way your PC initializes the video outputs.

Change the primary display in the BIOS.

This is the most common and effective solution. Access your PC's BIOS setup. You can do this by pressing a specific key, usually F10, immediately after turning on your PC.

In the BIOS menu, navigate to the Advanced or Graphics Configuration section.

Look for an option called Initial Display Output, Primary Display, or something similar.

Change this setting from "Auto" or "DisplayPort" to HDMI. This will force your PC to prioritize the HDMI-connected monitor during boot, which you know works reliably.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Once the PC starts up, the BIOS will initialize the monitor on the HDMI port, and when the operating system loads, it will recognize and activate the second monitor on the DisplayPort.

If you cannot change the BIOS settings, the issue is almost certainly your cable. You are likely using a passive DisplayPort to DVI adapter. While these are cheaper, they simply re-wire the signals and rely on the graphics card to be in "DisplayPort Dual-Mode" to send a DVI signal. The BIOS often has trouble with this.

The solution is to purchase an active DisplayPort to DVI adapter. An active adapter has a built-in chip that converts the digital DisplayPort signal to a DVI signal, providing a more reliable and stable connection that the BIOS can properly detect during startup.

Upgrading to an active adapter will provide a permanent fix and is the recommended solution if the BIOS changes do not work.

Let me know how everything goes!

[SapphireSkies]

Thanks for the suggestions. My BIOS and graphics driver are up-to-date. Unfortunately, my BIOS Setup Utility does not have an Advanced or Graphics Configuration section. I went through all the available sections and options, and could not find anything related to the display. I guess I'll have to buy an active DisplayPort to DVI adapter. Can you recommend a brand? Mixed reviews for several on Amazon.

[Michelle365]

I would recommend this one: http://amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Eyefinity-Technology/dp/B00EDT01TO

[SapphireSkies]

Thanks. I didn't see that one because I really need it to arrive tomorrow, and that cable wouldn't get here until Thursday. I only have through Wednesday to return the PC to Best Buy and decide on a few related items. While I doubt I would actually return it after spending most of the past 10 days installing software and data files, I'd feel a lot better about the my first HP PC if it was working like my old Win 10 PC, which can't be updated to 11. I ordered the Tripp Lite active adapter at twice the price, which arrives tomorrow. It's returnable, so if it works, I might buy the one you suggest and, if that one works, return the Tripp Lite . Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Michelle365]

Okay, I wish you all the luck!

[SapphireSkies]

The active DVI to DisplayPort cable did the trick! Thanks very much for taking the time to provide detailed suggestions and letting me know about active vs. passive cables. I'd never heard of that before and would not have tried it without your help.

[Michelle365]

Your welcome! Thats suprising considering im not even staff or whatever lol. Just a normal HP guy