Laptop Not Detecting HP Display Monitor

[Rossguy_17]

I recently purchased the Laptop I listed in the product name to this post.  However, when attempting to connect to my (HP Elite Display E242 WUXGA 24" LED Business/Home Monitor HDMI/DP/USB/VGA GC [Serial # [edited]) external display monitor....the computer does not detect the display.  I contacted the business that I purchased the laptop from and they indicated that the laptop's HDMI interface was verified as working before they sent it to me.  I have tried 2 separate HDMI cables and looked on youtube and tried several different troubleshooting steps I viewed there but it is still not detecting the external display.  The monitor connects and works with my old Windows 10 computer.  Do you have any idea as to what the problem may be?  Is a separate driver required for Windows 11?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Rossguy_17 

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

I understand how frustrating it must feel when your new laptop doesn’t detect the external monitor, especially after you’ve already tried different HDMI cables and confirmed the monitor works with another system. 

Thank you for taking those steps—it really helps narrow down the possibilities. Let’s walk through a few detailed checks together to bring the display to life:

 

Step 1: Confirm Monitor Input Source

• On the HP Elite Display E242, ensure the input source is set to HDMI (or the port you are using). Sometimes the monitor defaults to VGA or DisplayPort.

 

Step 2: Windows Display Settings

• Right‑click on the desktop and select Display settings.
• Scroll down and click Detect under “Multiple displays.”
• If the monitor is recognized but not showing, select Extend these displays or Duplicate these displays.

 

Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers

• Open Device Manager (press Windows key + X → Device Manager).
• Expand Display adapters, right‑click your graphics driver, and choose Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
• For the latest drivers, visit the official HP support page for your laptop model: HP Software and Driver Downloads.

 

Step 4: Run HP Diagnose & Fix

• Use the HP App (formerly HP Smart). It includes Diagnose & Fix, which can automatically check for connection issues.

 

Step 5: Test Alternate Ports

• If your laptop has DisplayPort or USB‑C video output, try connecting the monitor with those ports instead of HDMI.

 

Step 6: Power Cycle

• Turn off both the laptop and monitor.
• Disconnect the HDMI cable, wait 30 seconds, reconnect, and then power them back on.

No separate driver is required for Windows 11 to detect an external monitor—the system relies on the graphics driver. Once the correct driver is installed and the monitor input is set properly, the connection should work smoothly.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye