External monitor not connecting to laptop

[GNG4l]

Hello,

This morning when I opened my laptop it would not recognize my external monitor despite it being plugged into the USB port. It was working yesterday without issue and no updates were done in the meantime so I'm not sure why it's not working today. I plugged the HDMI cord into a separate laptop and the monitor connected without issue. My HP laptop isn't even detecting the monitor despite it being plugged in.

I tried uninstalling the Graphics drive and restarted my computer but that didn't solve it. I also updated my Windows OS to see if that would fix it too, to no avail.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

[Rachel571]

Hi @GNG4l,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

When an external monitor stops connecting to a laptop, especially under the circumstances you've described, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue. It's good that you've already tried some basic troubleshooting steps such as uninstalling and reinstalling the graphics driver, and updating your Windows OS. Since those didn't solve the issue, let's consider some other potential solutions:

• Check the Physical Connections: Double-check the HDMI cable and the USB port connection. Sometimes, the issue might be as simple as a loose connection or a faulty cable. Since you mentioned the monitor works with another laptop, the issue might be with the USB port or the adapter you're using (if any).
• Try a Different Port: If your HP laptop has multiple USB or HDMI ports, try a different one to see if the issue is with the specific port you've been using.
• Check Display Settings: Sometimes, the display settings might have been inadvertently changed. Right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings". Ensure that the "Multiple displays" section is set to "Extend these displays" or "Duplicate these displays", based on your preference. If your monitor isn't detected, try clicking "Detect" to force Windows to look for it.
• Update or Reinstall USB and Monitor Drivers: Since you've updated the graphics driver, also check for updates for USB and monitor drivers. You can do this through the Device Manager. Expand the sections for "Monitors" and "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" and update each driver. If updates aren't available, try uninstalling and reinstalling them.
• Check for Hardware Issues: Although the issue started suddenly, it's worth considering potential hardware problems with the laptop's port or internal connection to the port. If possible, test the port with a different device, like a USB drive, to see if the port is functioning correctly.
• Reset the Monitor: Unplug the monitor for a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes resolve issues by resetting the monitor's internal hardware.
• Use Windows Troubleshooter: Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for hardware and devices. You can access it by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Find and fix other problems > Hardware and Devices. Run this troubleshooter to see if Windows can detect and fix the issue.
• BIOS/UEFI Update: Sometimes, updating the laptop's BIOS/UEFI can resolve hardware compatibility issues. Check the HP website for your specific laptop model for any available BIOS updates. Be cautious with this step, as incorrect BIOS updates can cause significant problems.
• If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be a more complex hardware problem with your laptop.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Rachel571 

HP Support

[GNG4l]

Thank you, Rachel571! I actually was able to do a BIOS update and that seemed to resolve the issue. It's working and connecting just fine now without issues.

Thank you!

[Rachel571 · Accepted solution]

Hi @GNG4l,

Thank you so much for your response. I am glad the issue is resolved.

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Rachel571 

HP Support