3 External Monitors PLUS still use laptop monitor on Omnibook X

[JRG635]

I just received my brand new Omnibook X laptop which seems incredibly powerful.  However, it is also a step backwards for me.  My previous computer was a HP Envy that is 3 years old.  The old computer supports a total of 4 monitors (3 external + 1 Laptop monitor) simultaneously.  Today I attempted to connect my Omnibook X to the same HP USB-C Dock G5 and the Omnibook will only output display on a total of 3 monitors, and I have to select which one I do not want to use.  This is extremely unfortunate because I REALLY need all 4 monitors.  So this new computer is actually useless to me despite having significantly more speed.

I am incredibly disappointed.  Please tell me how to fix this.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JRG635 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how disappointing it feels to invest in a powerful new laptop only to find that your multi‑monitor setup is limited compared to your previous system. Thank you for sharing the details of your configuration with the HP USB‑C Dock G5. 

Let’s go through the steps together to maximize display support on your Omnibook X.

 

Step 1: Confirm Graphics Capabilities

• The number of supported external monitors depends on the laptop’s GPU and how many display streams it can handle.
• Many systems are limited to three active displays total (internal + external combined).
• Check your Omnibook X specifications to confirm the maximum supported displays.

Guide: HP PCs – Connecting Monitors and TVs to Your PC (Windows 11, 10)

 

Step 2: Update Dock and Graphics Drivers

• Connect the dock and laptop.
• Update the HP USB‑C Dock G5 firmware and drivers.
• Update the laptop’s graphics driver (Intel or NVIDIA depending on your configuration).

 

Step 3: Configure Display Settings

• Right‑click on the desktop and select Display settings.
• Scroll down to Multiple displays and detect all connected monitors.
• If only three are available, try disabling one temporarily and re‑enabling the laptop screen to test combinations.

 

Step 4: Use MST (Multi‑Stream Transport) if Available

• If your monitors support DisplayPort MST daisy‑chaining, you can connect multiple monitors through a single DisplayPort output on the dock.
• This can allow more displays to be active simultaneously.

 

Step 5: Consider External GPU or Advanced Dock Options

• If your workflow requires four active displays, you may need a dock or adapter that supports additional display streams, or an external GPU solution.
• Some USB DisplayLink adapters can add extra monitors beyond the GPU’s native limit.

 

Step 6: Test with Different Connections

• Try connecting one monitor directly to the laptop’s HDMI or USB‑C port, and the others through the dock.
• This sometimes allows the system to recognize an additional display.

By following these steps, you can confirm whether the limitation is due to the GPU’s maximum display support or the dock’s configuration. Updating drivers and experimenting with MST or mixed connections often helps extend the number of usable monitors.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye