USB-C will not recognize external monitor

[ratlsnek]

I have an Omen 15z-ec200 (2P6A7AV/5CD149GGLZ) and I'm trying to connect two (preferably three) monitors.  It has an HDMI, one SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps, and one SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps, but the adapter (USB-C to HDMI) I use for my other HP laptop (running on Windows 10)--which recognizes the second monitor--isn't recognized on the Omen (running on Windows 11).  I've searched high and low but haven't really found any solid information as to how or why this is happening... or how to fix it.  I've tried a USB-A to HDMI adapter, and that barely works... albeit laggy and with a dual-overlaid mouse icon--does someone out there know **bleep** to do here?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @ratlsnek,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

I hear you—nothing’s more frustrating than trying every possible fix and still not getting your external monitors to work. Let’s figure this out so you can set up your display the way you need.

It sounds like the USB-C port on your HP Omen 15z-ec200 may not support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode), which is why your USB-C to HDMI adapter isn't working. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and find a solution:

Check If Your USB-C Supports Display Output

• HP Omen 15z-ec200 has a USB-C (5Gbps) port, but not all USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode (which is required for video output).
• To check:
  • Open Device Manager → Expand Display Adapters.
  • Look for USB Graphics or DisplayPort under USB Controllers.
  • If your USB-C port doesn’t support DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB-C to HDMI adapters won’t work.

Confirm HDMI and USB-C Adapter Compatibility

• Try your USB-C to HDMI adapter on another USB-C laptop to see if the adapter works.
• If it works on another device but not on the Omen, the port likely does not support video output.

Workarounds to Connect Multiple Monitors

If your USB-C does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you have a few options:

Option 1: Use a DisplayLink USB Adapter (Best Alternative)

• Since your USB-A to HDMI adapter works but is laggy, it may be using a slow or outdated driver.
• Solution: Use a DisplayLink-based USB-to-HDMI adapter (like Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter) and install DisplayLink drivers from DisplayLink's website.
• This allows you to run up to two external monitors via USB without relying on USB-C's video output.

Option 2: Use an HDMI Splitter (Duplicate Display)

• If you just need duplicate screens, an HDMI splitter can send the same signal to multiple displays.

Option 3: Get a Thunderbolt or Docking Station (if supported)

• Some HP Omen models support docking stations that allow multiple monitors.
• However, since your USB-C is only 5Gbps, a full Thunderbolt dock is unlikely to work.

Check for BIOS or Driver Updates

• Go to HP Support → Install the latest BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers.
• Some USB-C issues can be resolved via firmware updates.

Final Recommendation

If your USB-C port does not support video output, your best bet is to use a DisplayLink adapter or HDMI + USB-to-HDMI combo.

I hope the steps provided help get your setup running smoothly. Let me know which method works best for you! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @ratlsnek,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

I hear you—nothing’s more frustrating than trying every possible fix and still not getting your external monitors to work. Let’s figure this out so you can set up your display the way you need.

It sounds like the USB-C port on your HP Omen 15z-ec200 may not support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode), which is why your USB-C to HDMI adapter isn't working. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and find a solution:

Check If Your USB-C Supports Display Output

• HP Omen 15z-ec200 has a USB-C (5Gbps) port, but not all USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode (which is required for video output).
• To check:
  • Open Device Manager → Expand Display Adapters.
  • Look for USB Graphics or DisplayPort under USB Controllers.
  • If your USB-C port doesn’t support DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB-C to HDMI adapters won’t work.

Confirm HDMI and USB-C Adapter Compatibility

• Try your USB-C to HDMI adapter on another USB-C laptop to see if the adapter works.
• If it works on another device but not on the Omen, the port likely does not support video output.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Workarounds to Connect Multiple Monitors

If your USB-C does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you have a few options:

Option 1: Use a DisplayLink USB Adapter (Best Alternative)

• Since your USB-A to HDMI adapter works but is laggy, it may be using a slow or outdated driver.
• Solution: Use a DisplayLink-based USB-to-HDMI adapter (like Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter) and install DisplayLink drivers from DisplayLink's website.
• This allows you to run up to two external monitors via USB without relying on USB-C's video output.

Option 2: Use an HDMI Splitter (Duplicate Display)

• If you just need duplicate screens, an HDMI splitter can send the same signal to multiple displays.

Option 3: Get a Thunderbolt or Docking Station (if supported)

• Some HP Omen models support docking stations that allow multiple monitors.
• However, since your USB-C is only 5Gbps, a full Thunderbolt dock is unlikely to work.

Check for BIOS or Driver Updates

• Go to HP Support → Install the latest BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers.
• Some USB-C issues can be resolved via firmware updates.

Final Recommendation

If your USB-C port does not support video output, your best bet is to use a DisplayLink adapter or HDMI + USB-to-HDMI combo.

I hope the steps provided help get your setup running smoothly. Let me know which method works best for you! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,