Laptop screen goes black when I plug in my HDMI to second montior

[EnnaejLorac]

Screen goes black whenever I plug in an HDMI.

For the last several weeks I have had my HP Pavillion connected via HDMI cable to an external monitor. I did have to lower the resolution on my laptop for the older monitor to be able to handle the signal. I recently turned off and uplugged the laptop. When I reconnected and tried to plug the HDMI cord in, the laptop screen went black. When I unplug the HDMI, the screen comes back. Each time I plug the HDMI the screen goes black and I do not see anything on the external monitor either even though I have told it to duplicate my screen.  

[EddyK]

Hi EnnaejLorac,

Have you tried changing the projection type and output resolution?

Have you also tried projecting it in Windows Safe Mode? This is done by holding Shift while selecting Restart.

I would firstly recommend trying a BIOS update or graphics driver update. This can be done by referring to HP Support Assistant (download here) or referring to your drivers page on HP Support. I can certainly find it for you if you provide me with a more specific model number. Document on how to find model number here.

Awaiting your response,

kem579

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[EnnaejLorac]

Thank you kem579 for your reply and suggestions. Before I begin I should say that everything was working well until 2 days ago when I unplugged at home and took my computer with me. Upon return I had this problem. 

There were actually 2 different model numbers on my documentation:

3168NGW

also model 15-cc183cl

I already tried to update my graphics driver and it says I have the most recent and best driver.

Do you think I need to do the bios update after learning this information and if so, is there any danger to my new computer (just purchased in January 2018)?

Thanks again for your help.

[EddyK]

Hi EnnaejLorac,

BIOS updates are generally safe but are only recommended when there is a definitive reason. I did find your PC's Software and Driver page here and there is a BIOS update released on Jan 28 detailing:

Description:

This package provides an update to the System BIOS. The update installs on supported notebook models using a supported Microsoft Windows Operating System. It is necessary to restart the system to complete the installation.

Fix and enhancements:

- Provides a rollback of the CPU microcode to the previous version to prevent system instability.

However, I do not feel that it will solve your issue. I also did find that your laptop has a discrete GPU although this shouldn't really make a difference.

Please try messing around with Intel Graphics Settings or the Display Settings once the second monitor is plugged in. Also try seeing if changing projection type or resolution will help. (Windows Key + P)

I also recommend checking it with Safe Mode on. (Instructions above)

Once you get into Safe Mode and still can't get the monitor running, stay on Safe Mode and uninstall the Intel Graphics Drivers:

1. Search Device Manager
2. Expand Display Adapters
3. Right Click something related to Intel Integrated Graphics
4. Select Uninstall
5. Reboot device without Safe Mode

Regards,

kem579

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Hit the thumbs up to show thanks!

[EnnaejLorac]

I updated the BIOS and downloaded some current important updates from HP. When the external monitor still would not display and the laptop screen went blank, I tried connected to my husband's Hanns-G monitor and it worked once i adjusted the resolution. Still cannot connect to my old LG monitor. 

Any thoughts about why the LG monitor worked with my laptop last week but not now?

Thanks again.