HP Laptop 15-fd0257nr and external Monitors

[Nealster805]

I have an HP-fd0257nr laptop and I am trying to connect two (2) external monitors however the system only detects one (1) regardless of various cable connections or ports?  Does this laptop not support two (2) external monitors?

I even tried using my HP USB - C Dock (G5) but no luck whatsoever...

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@Nealster805, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
The HP Laptop 15-fd0257nr is a budget consumer model that unfortunately has hardware limitations when it comes to multi-monitor output, especially for dual external displays.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

Ports on the HP 15-fd0257nr

• 1 x HDMI 1.4b port — supports only one external display
• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data only) — does NOT support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode)

The USB-C Dock G5 requires a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode support for video output. Since the USB-C port on the 15-fd0257nr is data-only, the dock cannot transmit video, and this is why it doesn't detect any additional displays beyond the HDMI one.

Your Options

1. Use a USB Display Adapter

You can still add a second external monitor using a USB-to-HDMI (or USB-to-DisplayPort) adapter with a built-in display controller, such as those using DisplayLink technology.

• Example: Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter (with DisplayLink)
• Pros: Adds a second display via a standard USB-A port
• Cons: Slightly more CPU usage; not ideal for high-performance gaming or 3D graphics

2. Upgrade to a Laptop with Multi-Display USB-C

If dual monitors are a daily requirement, consider a laptop that includes:

• USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
• Or Thunderbolt support

These support full video output and are compatible with your G5 dock.

Final Recommendation

To add dual external monitors:

• Use HDMI for one monitor
• Use a USB-to-HDMI adapter with DisplayLink for the second

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Nealster805]

Max3Aj,

Thank you for the very detailed response.

I tried your Plugable USB to HDMI adapter and it works exactly as described.

I'm not a gamer but rather like working my internet, email and work docs on different screens,

Thanks again!

Nealster805

[Craig19841]

Thank you so much!    this solution solved my issue.   I now have the dual external monitors that I wanted.