USB C would not recognize external monitors via usb c port

[Gfrey]

i have a HP  17.3 Lap top that have started to refuse to connect to external monitors via the USB-C ports - This functionality was working before December 2023 but has suddenly stopped working (The HDMI port still works).

Tested with fresh installs of both Windows 10 and Windows 11 using multiple display/adapter combinations plus HP docks (all confirmed as working before testing) and all drivers including dock drivers up to date no external monitor is being recognised via USB-C. 

Adapters tested: USB-C to HDMI

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Gfrey,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding USB C not recognizing external monitors via usb c port!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check If the USB-C Port Supports Video Output (Alt Mode)

• Not all USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output.
• If your laptop has multiple USB-C ports, check the manual or HP’s website to confirm which one (if any) supports video output.

2. Verify USB-C Adapter & Monitor Detection

• Use a different USB-C to HDMI adapter (since some adapters only support power/data, not video).
• Check in Windows Display Settings:
  • Right-click on the desktop > Display settings > Scroll down to Multiple displays.
  • Click Detect—if the monitor is not detected, it suggests a hardware or driver issue.

3. Update Graphics & USB Drivers

• Go to HP Support Assistant and update:
  • Graphics driver (AMD/NVIDIA/Intel, depending on your model)
  • Chipset driver (includes USB-C controller drivers)
  • BIOS firmware update (if available)

Manually update graphics drivers:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
2. Expand Display adapters > Right-click on your graphics card > Update driver > Search automatically.
3. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers > Right-click each USB device > Update driver.

4. Roll Back Recent Windows/Driver Updates

If the issue started after December 2023, Windows updates may have broken USB-C functionality.

• Roll back the display driver:
  1. Go to Device Manager > Display adapters.
  2. Right-click your graphics card > Properties.
  3. Under Driver, click Roll Back Driver (if available).
• Uninstall recent Windows updates:
  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
  2. Click Uninstall updates and remove any display-related updates installed after December.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

5. Reset BIOS to Default & Check USB Settings

• Restart the laptop and enter BIOS (F10 on startup).
• Look for Advanced settings > USB Configuration and ensure USB-C Alt Mode is enabled.
• Reset BIOS to default settings and save changes.

6. Test in Safe Mode or with Live USB

• Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Choose "Enable Safe Mode").
• If USB-C video works in Safe Mode, a third-party driver might be causing the issue.
• You can also test using a Linux live USB to check if USB-C video works outside Windows.

7. Check for Hardware Issues

• If none of the above works, USB-C hardware failure is possible.
• Run HP Hardware Diagnostics:
  1. Turn off the laptop.
  2. Press Esc + Power and select F2 for diagnostics.
  3. Run the Component Test for USB Ports.

If the test fails, USB-C hardware may need repair.

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,