HDMI not working on Port Extender

[doncramer]

I have a new simple HP laptop to use for a particular group I work with. I have three different port extenders, and with my other laptops, they support a second monitor, mouse, keyboard, and on occasion a RJ45 adapter, with no issues. On the new laptop, the HDMI extended port will not work on any of the port extenders. The second monitor works when directly plugged into the laptop,    -Because the problem crosses all the port extenders, I believe the problem to be with the HP laptop/software.  

Details:  WIN 11 (home)- ver.24H2      HP-model:14-da0703dx

Reading other streams, I've done the following:

- complete reboot of the PC

- used Windows update - current
- downloaded/installed ALL the drivers/bios on the HP support site for my model - current

Your help/suggestions are appreciated.

Don

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @doncramer 

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

Thank you for laying out the situation so clearly. I’m really sorry this HDMI issue is holding you back—especially when everything else works fine with your other laptops and extenders. 

Based on your HP 14-da0703dx model and the steps you’ve already taken, it’s likely that the limitation stems from hardware-level constraints rather than software or driver faults.

Let’s walk through a structured approach to confirm and work around the issue:

 

Key Insight: USB-C Port on HP 14-da0703dx Is Data-Only

This model includes a USB-C port, but it’s data-only—it does not support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode). That means:

• HDMI via port extenders or USB-C hubs will not work for video output.
• Direct HDMI connection from the laptop’s built-in HDMI port is the only supported method for external display.

This behavior is consistent across all port extenders because the laptop’s USB-C port doesn’t carry video signals.

 

What’s Confirmed to Work

• Direct HDMI connection from the laptop to the monitor: works as expected.
• USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard, RJ45 via USB): should work fine through extenders.
• HDMI via USB-C extenders: not supported on this model.

 

Suggested Workarounds

If you need multiple displays or want to use a docking station:

 

Option 1: Use a DisplayLink-Based Dock

These docks use USB drivers to emulate video output.

• Look for a dock labeled DisplayLink USB Docking Station.
• Install the DisplayLink driver for Windows.
• Connect the dock via USB-A and plug your monitor into the dock’s HDMI port.

This bypasses the USB-C video limitation and enables multi-monitor support.

 

Option 2: Use the Built-In HDMI Port Exclusively

If only one external monitor is needed, continue using the laptop’s native HDMI port.

I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but I hope this clears up the confusion and helps you move forward with confidence. 

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