External monitors not detected when connected directly to USB-C or thunderbolt port via USB-C cable

[bru111]

My new HP Omnibook ultra cant detect external monitors when connected via USB-C cable [Laptop --> USB-C --> Monitor]. The monitor powers on- portable monitors only, but display has "No signal". The same monitors work when connected Laptop --> USB-C to HDMI converter+ HDMI cable + USB-c for power --> Monitor. 

Same monitors, same USB-C cable also work with my old HP specter and elite book. 

I have tried several monitors: Acer SH242Y, Arzopa S1 table, MNN M156F01... all USB-C connection capable. 

Troubleshooting: I did most of the basic troubleshooting, tired all ports- USB-C & thunderbolt, updated drivers & OS, reset USB-C controller. Checked that the ports on both devices are working and capable also the cables. 

Checked all over internet couldn't find a solution that worked. 

I travel a lot for work so dont want to carry multiple wires and dongles and dont want to deal with a web of wires anywhere. One of the reasons I bought this laptop was coz HP advertised all 3 ports as "Display ports".  Wondering if there is some update or some setting that I can fiddle with..

Any help will be greatly appreciated 🙂

[bru111]

Adding port information: 

2 Thunderbolt 4 with USB-C (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1)
1 USB Type-C (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4a)

[Deep_World]

Hi @bru111,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Sorry for the inconvenience caused don’t worry let me help you.

To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?

• When you connect the monitor directly via USB‑C, do you see any activity in Windows Display Settings (e.g : a second display detected but not showing an image)?
• Are you using the original USB‑C cables that came with the monitors, or third‑party cables? Some USB‑C cables only support charging/data but not video (DisplayPort Alt Mode).
• Have you tested with both Thunderbolt 4 ports and the standard USB‑C port to see if behavior differs?

Troubleshooting steps to try : 

1. Check cable specs
   Ensure the USB‑C cable is rated for video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode). Even if it worked with your older HP laptops, the Omnibook Ultra may be stricter about cable compliance.
2. Update graphics drivers
   Go to HP Support Assistant make sure the GPU drivers are fully up to date. Sometimes the generic Windows Update drivers don’t enable all display features.
3. Manually detect displays
   In Windows:
   • Right‑click desktop → Display settings → “Detect” under Multiple displays.
   • Also check Device Manager → Monitors to see if the external monitor is listed.
4. Test with one monitor at a time
   Connect only a single portable monitor directly via USB‑C to rule out conflicts.
5. BIOS/firmware update
    BIOS updates that improve Thunderbolt/USB‑C compatibility. It’s worth checking the HP support website : https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers  for your exact model with the serial number . 
6. Monitor settings
   On some portable monitors, you may need to explicitly select “USB‑C Display” as the input source rather than letting it auto‑detect.

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,

Deep_World