External monitor via HDMI recognized but remains blank

[Spekk-IO]

Model: HP Envy x360 15m-cn0011dx
Serial: 8CG8486CD8
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

This system has an HDMI port. Connecting an external monitor, it is detected - However the external display is blank. I can change settings for it in the Display setting.

In Linux, the external monitor works just fine so we know it is not a physical port issues. However, I cannot use Linux for work. I have tried both Windows 10 & 11. Where this machine was shipped with Windows 10 and currently has 10.

I have tried all the Intel graphics drivers on the official HP support page. I have tried the latest drivers from Intel directly. i used Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to clean the installed drivers as I tried each driver 1 by 1.

I have tried different monitors and TVs that work with other devices.

I updated to the latest BIOS when all else failed - issue persist.

Much appreciated!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Spekk-IO 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It seems like you've already done a thorough job troubleshooting this issue—kudos for your persistence! 

Since the external monitor works fine in Linux, it’s likely a software or driver-related issue in Windows. Here are some additional steps you can try to resolve this:

 

🌟 Steps to Fix the Blank External Display Issue:

🖥️ Adjust Display Settings:

• Go to Settings > System > Display.
• Ensure the external monitor is set to Extend These Displays.
• Try changing the resolution and refresh rate for the external monitor to match its specifications.

🔄 Roll Back to a Stable Driver:

• Since you've tried multiple drivers, consider rolling back to the original driver that came with the laptop (if available). Sometimes, the latest drivers may not be fully compatible with older hardware.

⚙️ Use Intel Graphics Command Center:

• Download and install the Intel Graphics Command Center.
• Use it to configure the external display settings and ensure the HDMI output is enabled.

🔌 Test with a Different HDMI Cable:

• Even though the monitor works in Linux, try using a different HDMI cable to rule out any compatibility issues.

💾 Perform a Clean Boot:

• Boot your system in a clean state to rule out conflicts with third-party software:
  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  • Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
  • Restart your laptop and test the external monitor.

🛠️ Check for Windows Updates:

• Ensure your Windows 10 installation is fully updated. Sometimes, updates include fixes for display-related issues.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Spekk-IO]

Thanks for trying to help.

Adjust Display Settings:
I have done this - no go.

Roll Back to a Stable Driver:

Like I said, I have tried every driver possible. All the HP drivers provided on the support pages accessed by proving a serial number. I have also tried all the Intel drivers. There are no stable drivers to roll back to.

Use Intel Graphics Command Center:
I have done this, it is definitely enabled in the Intel Command Center.

Test with a Different HDMI Cable:
As I made note of, I have tried different cables and monitors. As well as other devices that work with these cables and monitors.

Perform a Clean Boot:
I have tried this, it did not help.

Check for Windows Updates:
I have already tried Windows 10 & 11 fully updated at least twice for each - no go. i even tried the optional Updates. I also updated the BIOS with the latest updated from the HP Support page.

[Hawks_Eye]

@Spekk-IO 

It sounds like you've been incredibly thorough in troubleshooting this HDMI issue with your HP Envy x360 15m-cn0011dx. 

Since you've already tried adjusting display settings, rolling back drivers, using Intel Graphics Command Center, testing cables, performing clean boots, and updating Windows and BIOS, let's explore some additional possibilities:

1. Check HDMI Port Configuration

• Some systems have specific settings for HDMI output in the BIOS. Since you've updated the BIOS, try accessing it again and look for any options related to Display Output or HDMI Configuration. Ensure the HDMI port is enabled.

2. Test with a Lower Resolution

• Sometimes external monitors fail to display if the resolution is set too high.
• Go to Display Settings and set the external monitor to a lower resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 or lower).
• Apply the changes and see if the monitor displays correctly.

3. Use a Different Refresh Rate

• In Display Settings, select the external monitor and adjust the refresh rate to 60Hz or lower.
• Some monitors may not support higher refresh rates, causing them to remain blank.

4. Check for Hardware Acceleration Conflicts

• Open Intel Graphics Command Center and disable Hardware Acceleration for the external monitor.
• Restart your laptop and test the monitor again.

5. Test with a USB-C to HDMI Adapter

• If your laptop has a USB-C port, try using a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the external monitor.
• This bypasses the built-in HDMI port and may resolve the issue.

6. Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart your laptop and press F2 repeatedly to access the HP Diagnostics menu.
• Run a test for the HDMI port and graphics hardware to check for any underlying issues.

Let me know how these steps work for you or if you'd like further guidance! 😊

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Spekk-IO]

1)There are absolutely no settings related to HDMI in the Bios. There was none before I did the update. And, there are none after.

2) I have tried multiple resolutions including lower. Also tried the native resolution..

3) As we tried before, it did not work. This time I tried every available refresh rate including the native.

4) Ive scoured everywhere for a Hardware Acceleration option but find nothing. Looked it up on google mentions a 3D  settings tab that this system does not have. It also mentions a troubleshoot button that this system does not have.

5) This laptop works with a USB-C to HDMI adapter on an external monitor, no issues, but I have several of these models in the office. People are going to constantly be hounding me about the HDMI port not working - we have multiple laptops that are this exact same model. They are just use to plugging into n HDMI port and it working. Even if they have the adapter, I will get those that will plug into the HDMI then make a ticket for me to fix it bc it does not work.

I knew this was the case before i posted this message, but was insisting on getting the HDMI port to work on these laptops to avoid issues with users.

6) HP diagnostics only has test for memory, storage, and hard drive - no hdmi.

I was like to reiterate that the HDMI port works great in Linux. Out of curiosity, I ran a game in Linux, Project Zomboid. It didn't run great due to lack of GPU capability, but none the less it ran on the external monitor.

[Hawks_Eye]

@Spekk-IO 

It sounds like you've done an impressive amount of troubleshooting already, and I can see why you'd want to resolve the HDMI port issue to avoid ongoing user complaints. 

Since the HDMI port works fine in Linux, this suggests the issue is software or driver-related in Windows. 

Here are some additional steps you can try:

1. Roll Back or Test Different Graphics Drivers

• Since you've tried multiple drivers, consider rolling back to the original driver that came with the laptop (if available). Sometimes, the latest drivers may not be fully compatible with older hardware.
• Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove existing drivers before installing a fresh version from the laptop manufacturer's website or directly from Intel/NVIDIA/AMD.

2. Adjust Display Settings

• Go to Settings > System > Display in Windows.
• Ensure the external monitor is set to Extend These Displays or Duplicate These Displays.
• Try changing the resolution and refresh rate for the external monitor to match its specifications.

3. Use Intel Graphics Command Center

• Download and install the Intel Graphics Command Center from the Microsoft Store.
• Use it to configure the external display settings and ensure the HDMI output is enabled.

4. Test with a Different HDMI Cable

• Even though the monitor works in Linux, try using a different HDMI cable to rule out any compatibility issues.

5. Disable Secure Boot

• In some cases, disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS can resolve HDMI-related issues. Be sure to research the implications of disabling Secure Boot before proceeding.

6. Check for Windows Updates

• Ensure your Windows installation is fully updated. Sometimes, compatibility issues are resolved in newer updates.

7. Use USB-C to HDMI Adapter as a Workaround

• While resolving the HDMI port issue, you can use the USB-C to HDMI adapter as a temporary solution. Consider providing adapters to users to minimize complaints.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

[Spekk-IO]

I meant to respond to this a few days ago, but I had an extensive response the system errored and wiped upon sending.

None of these steps solved my issue. Some of these things we have tried several times already. Where USB-C to HDMI works, I do not accept it as a solution.

Much appreciated.

[Hawks_Eye]

@Spekk-IO 

I hear you—it's frustrating when you've already tried multiple solutions and the issue persists.

Since you've already tried the above steps, let's explore some advanced troubleshooting options to resolve the HDMI issue:

1. Perform a Clean Boot

• Open System Configuration (Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter).
• Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
• Click Disable all, then go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items, restart your PC, and test the HDMI connection.

2. Force Detection of External Display

• Open Settings > System > Display.
• Scroll down and click Detect under Multiple Displays.
• If the monitor remains blank, try Windows + P and select Duplicate or Extend.

3. Check HDMI Port in BIOS

• Restart your laptop and enter BIOS (F10 or Esc during startup).
• Look for Advanced Display Settings or External Display Configuration.
• Ensure HDMI output is enabled.
• Save changes and restart.

4. Test with a Lower Refresh Rate

• Open Settings > System > Display.
• Select the external monitor and lower the refresh rate (e.g., 30Hz instead of 60Hz).
• Some monitors may not support higher refresh rates via HDMI.

5. Update or Roll Back BIOS

• Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page and check for BIOS updates.
• If the issue started after a BIOS update, consider rolling back to a previous version.

6. Check for Physical Damage

• Inspect the HDMI port for dust or bent pins.
• Try compressed air to clean the port.
• Test the monitor with another device to rule out hardware failure.

7. Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart your laptop and press F2 to enter HP Diagnostics.
• Run a Display Test to check for HDMI-related issues.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be a hardware-related problem, and HP phone support might need to assist further.

 Let me know if any of these solutions help! 😊

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye