STOPPED WORKING!! Spectre x360 16-f2010ca built-in display, 1 via built-in HDMI, 2 via TB4 dock

[MikeRotch76]

Up until about 1 week ago I had this setup which worked flawlessly.

As per title I have a HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 16-f2010ca (7P9V9UA) which has Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI.

here is my display setup:

Built-in display

1 x 1440p monitor plugged into HDMI port built into laptop.

2 x 1440p monitor plugged into TB4 dock using USB-C -  DP cable

For some reason, 1 about a week ago, any display plugged into the HDMI port will show up in the Settings -> Display.  But when I choose the option to "Extend desktop to this display" nothing happens and it shows an error that is something like "This combination doesn't work, please try another setting."\

If I unplug a display from my TB4 dock (and leave the other one attached), then the monitor plugged into HDMI will be detected and I can extend the desktop to that display so I know the HDMI port is not broken.

If I disable the built-in display then all 3 external monitors work.  As stated above this worked perfectly up until about a week ago.  This could be related to a intel display driver update, but I also downloaded the original display driver package from the HP website and it didn't fix it.

Any suggestions?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @MikeRotch76,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’re encountering a conflict between the display outputs on your HP Spectre x360 and your Thunderbolt 4 dock. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check for Driver Updates:

• Intel Graphics Driver: Ensure you have the latest graphics drivers for both integrated and external GPU components. Sometimes, a rollback to an older driver version can also help if a new update introduced the issue.
• Thunderbolt Drivers: Update your Thunderbolt drivers from the HP website or the Intel website.

2. Verify Display Settings:

• Display Settings Configuration: Go to Settings -> System -> Display and try to reconfigure the monitor settings. Ensure that the arrangement of monitors is correct and that you’re not trying to duplicate displays when extending them.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Sometimes, setting a resolution or refresh rate that’s not supported by the monitor can cause issues. Try adjusting these settings.

3. Update BIOS and Firmware:

• BIOS: Check for BIOS updates on the HP support site. Sometimes, updates include fixes for display issues.
• Dock Firmware: Update the firmware of your Thunderbolt 4 dock if possible.

4. Check Power and Connections:

• Power Supply: Ensure your dock is receiving adequate power, as insufficient power can sometimes cause display issues.
• Cable Connections: Verify that all cables are securely connected and that none are damaged. Try using different cables to rule out faulty ones.

5. Test Monitors Individually:

• Test Each Monitor: Connect each monitor individually to the HDMI port and the Thunderbolt dock to see if they work as expected. This can help identify if a specific monitor or port is causing the issue.

6. Reset Display Settings:

• Reset Display Configuration: Sometimes, resetting display settings can resolve conflicts. Disconnect all external monitors and then reconnect them one by one.

7. Check for Hardware Issues:

• Dock Testing: If you have another Thunderbolt dock available, test your setup with it to determine if the issue is with the dock.
• Port Testing: Test each port individually to see if one is malfunctioning.

8. Try Safe Mode:

• Boot your laptop in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, which can help you determine if a third-party software or driver is causing the issue.

9. System Restore:

• If the issue started about a week ago,consider using System Restore to revert your system to a state before the problem began.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[MikeRotch76]

Thanks for the reply Rachel. 

I've tried all the steps you've provided except for trying another dock and doing a system restore.   I have also updated my TB4 dock to the latest FW.  Heh I didn't even know an update was available until you suggested it.  Nothing has fixed it.  I don't believe it's my dock however, as when I close my laptop lid, all 3 external monitors start displaying.  Something has changed with the Intel Xe drivers I think that changed the way monitors are enumerated or configured.

I've given up on troubleshooting this, the last step of restoring from a system restore is just too much hassle for me.  Maybe Intel (or HP) will fix this again one day.

Anyway, I appreciate your time in providing all the suggestions and steps.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @MikeRotch76 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571 

HP Support