Dual monitors on HP Pavilion Desktop - AMD Ryzen 5 5600G - Windows 11

[JohnH33028]

I wanted to setup my HP Pavilion Desktop - AMD Ryzen 5 5600G - Windows 11 with dual monitors. I already had the machine running fine with a single HDMI monitor. The machine has both VGA and HDMI ports, so I purchased a VGA to HDMI cable to use on the second port. The first time I plugged in the VGA cable to the machine, the machine automatically rebooted. So I turned it off, and and connected on monitor HDMI to HDMI, and the other monitor VGA to HDMI. When the machine boots up all I see is a black screen with the mouse moving around. 

Does the second monitor have to be on a VGA to VGA cable?

[TheOldMan]

That would be my suggestion.  A VGA port is analog while the HDMI port is digital.  Using a "VGA to HDMI cable" is probably not going to work unless it has an active capability.  It needs to be listed as an adapter.  If the monitor can also use a VGA input, then using a VGA to VGA cable should work.

If the monitor can only use HDMI as input you need an adapter.  Something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Converter-Adapter-Support/dp/B00IDFGK1W

Searching on Amazon for a VGA to HDMI adapter can be misleading, but the one above should work as it is an active adapter.

[JohnH33028]

Thanks, TheOldMan!

That solved it. Works great!

[TheOldMan]

You are welcome.  Glad to help.

[countyelectric]

I purchased the exact adapter that is linked. How does the hook up need to be in order to use dual monitors? I am either getting "check signal cable" or unable to detect monitor. I have tried hooking up with VGA cable, HDMI cable only and the VGA to HDMI adapter.

[TheOldMan]

Welcome to the forum @countyelectric .

In order to help further, please post the model number of the PC and then explain how things are connected.  It would also help to tell the model number and make of the monitors being used.

[countyelectric]

Model number is HP Pavilion Desktop - AMD Ryzen 5 5600G. Monitors are both Samsung 27" CF39 series curved. I have tried hooking up one using HDMI and the other one with the VGA/HDMI adapter. 

[TheOldMan]

Assuming the one that is connected with HDMI to HDMI is working and the one connected to the adapter is not?

Keep in mind that adapter needs to also be connected to the USB port to power the adapter.  Then open the display properties on Windows and choose the multiple display tab to detect the added monitor.