Omen panel booting dark after firmware update

[C4Chris]

I've had this problem for over a year - I solved it by writing a script that resets the graphic driver - it's a simple batch file that switches the panel on and off by switching my monitor extension - use an ai to rewrite it to select and restore your current panel mode. Now with one click - it takes me 3s to restore functionality.

@echo off
:: Force panel re-initialization by simulating your manual fix

:: Step 1: External screen only
%SystemRoot%\System32\DisplaySwitch.exe /external

timeout /t 2 >nul

:: Step 2: Extend displays again
%SystemRoot%\System32\DisplaySwitch.exe /extend

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @C4Chris,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Omen laptop panel boots dark after a firmware update, and you’ve been using a script to reset the graphics driver to restore display functionality. Let’s go through a few steps to handle this.

a. Current Script Explanation

Your batch file essentially switches the display mode to external only, waits 2 seconds, and then restores extended mode, forcing the laptop panel to reinitialize.

This is why it temporarily fixes the dark boot issue.

b. Improving the Script for Current Panel Mode

To make it automatically detect and restore your current panel mode, you can use PowerShell or advanced scripting to read the active display configuration, switch to external, and then restore to the previously detected mode.

This avoids hardcoding “extend” mode and adapts if you normally use single display or mirrored mode.

c. Steps to Implement an Auto-Restore Script

Detect current display mode using Get-DisplayResolution or Get-CimInstance Win32_DesktopMonitor in PowerShell.

Save the current display setup.

Run DisplaySwitch.exe /external to force re-initialization.

Restore the original display mode dynamically based on saved settings.

Optionally, wrap it in a single-click batch file for convenience.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[C4Chris]

It's an elegant idea - but the failure of an automated fix to be posted is a bit disappointing. 

If you could come up with a script that identifies which mode the laptop is in, switches to something else and then reverts that could be useful - but more useful to me (I use extend, 2nd only and laptop only) would be something that sets one of these modes according to my preference - rather than having to script and restore/fudge etc.

I used to just change the frequency from 60Hz to 40Hz and back - that would be another possibility I guess - which wouldn't rearrange the icons too).

I'm involved in graphic design - so screen brightness is a critical part of my workflow/calibration. That makes the firmware issue worse than hugely annoying.

If past me were to come across my batch file script, I'd just paste it into chatgpt and ask it to finish with whatever my desired  graphics settings are. - easier than going into powershell etc. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @C4Chris,

Thank you for sharing your detailed explanation and workflow. I completely understand why this dark panel issue is more than just annoying, especially for your graphic design work, where brightness and calibration are critical.

It sounds like what you need is a script that not only forces a display reinitialization but also allows you to set your preferred mode directly, without having to fudge or restore your previous setup. Your batch file approach is clever, and it can indeed be enhanced.

Here’s the approach you could take:

a. Direct Mode Selection
 - Instead of detecting and restoring the previous mode, the script can be written to immediately switch to your preferred display mode, for example:
  - Laptop only
  - Extend
  - Second screen only

b. Optional Refresh/Reset Step
 - If you want, the script can still briefly toggle to an alternate mode (like you did with external) to force the panel reinitialization, then immediately apply your chosen mode. This avoids rearranging icons unnecessarily.

c. Frequency Adjustment Trick
 - Changing the refresh rate briefly (e.g., 60 Hz → 40 Hz → 60 Hz) is another clever way to “wake up” the panel without altering display layout, which can be built into the same batch or PowerShell script.

d. Single-Click Solution
 - All of this can be combined into a one-click script that applies your preferred mode and any panel refresh trick automatically, giving you consistent display brightness every time your laptop boots.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,