6 Fixes For Second Monitor Is Not Detected In Windows

Dual monitor setup is a pragmatic process that comes in use for various purposes. It is an appealing setup for workaholics as they can multitask. Also, if you want to play games and work at the same time, it lets you do that too.

But, it can soon turn into a real problem if your window doesn’t detect the second monitor or display. 

There could be several reasons behind it. Your windows driver might not be up-to-date or need a newer monitor. Whatever the issue might be, if you scroll down, you will find solutions to fix it.

Thus, without further ado, let right away see the fixes for the second monitor not detected in Windows 10.

Cause Of External Monitor Not Detected

Dual monitor display setup requires several devices to connect. Also, there are various system requirements that should be on point.

Failure of any component can result in the second monitor not detecting error. Here are some of the leading causes that can cause this error in your Windows 10:

• The monitor’s firmware might be old and outdated. You might want to look for the monitors that work with the specifications of your system. For instance, older PCs and Laptops support VGA displays. The newer models can support 4K UHD displays. 
• Display drivers might need an update. Or the new updated version might not be compatible with Windows 10 version. As drivers are essential for Windows to work with hardware, try checking these options. Any incompatibility issue can lead to decline in performance. 
• Wrong display settings can cause the error of an undetectable second monitor.This can vary from using the same refresh rate, or choosing the wrong resolution. Make sure that your monitor supports the resolution the PC uses. 
• The option “Show Display 1 only” might be on. This is one of the build-in options to project on one screen at a time. You can look further into it to find solutions. 

Check For These Hardware Problems

 Before moving to the software issues, it would be best if you check some of the hardware problems. Sometimes the problem is not as big as you think in the beginning. So, to make things easier for you below is a list.

You can check these hardware-related problems one by one to be sure that they are not the cause of the error. Or if they are, then you can resolve them as well.

• Ensure that all the cables connected to your monitors and PC are functioning well. Look for any possible cuts on the wires.
• Turn the power button of your monitor off and then on it again. It will give you the surety that your monitor is in good condition.
• Try to establish better connectivity with the PC. You can change the connectivity channels. For instance, switch it to the wireless one if you are using a wired connection.
• If you do not want to switch the connectivity method, then pull out all the cables from the ports. Reboot your PC and the monitor. Plug back in all the cables when the system is turning back on.
• Sometimes the HDMI or Display Ports are incompatible with the PC or the monitor. So ensure that the cables and devices you are using to connect, support your PC and monitor.
• Use a port extension instead of the default one. It is possible that the original port is not working or something is causing damage to it.
• Try connecting the monitor to another PC to ensure whether it is working in a proper way or not.
• It is possible that your Graphic card doesn’t or no longer support your monitor. You can check this by changing the Graphic card or the monitor.
• Sometimes not having much storage space might cause the error. So, make sure to remove the unnecessary connections and hardware that are consuming a lot of RAM.
• Ensure that your Monitor’s firmware is up-to-date. If not, then update it.
• Keep in mind to use a compatible DisplayLink.

Solutions For Second Monitor Is Not Detected In Windows 10

1. Restore And Update The Video Driver
2. Set Both The Monitors To The Same Refresh Rate
3. Modify The Project Mode Settings
4. Use The Detect Option
5. Use Optional Window Update Method
6. Connect To Wireless Display With Bluetooth

Fix Windows 10 Second Monitor Not Detected Issues

1. Restore Or Update The Graphics Driver

Updating video drivers work when the error is abrupt. So, if the error appeared out of nowhere, this means that something is wrong with the drivers. You can stop the error by restoring the previous driver or updating it. 

Restoring the driver’s works in cases when the update is not compatible with Windows 10. Besides, there is a roll-back driver feature to restore previous drivers. To enable it, you need to:

• Hold the Windows logo key and the R key on your keyboard together. Doing so will open the run box.
• Type devmgmt.msc in the empty field of the run box and hit the enter key on your keyboard.
• The Device Manager window will open. Choose the Display Adapters option.
• Now search for your display device. Right-tap on it once you find it and choose Properties from the listed options.
• Select the Roll Back Driver option from the Driver tab.

If you face an interruption while performing the above steps. Or if it’s impossible for you to locate the Roll Back Driver tab, follow these steps:

• Visit the manufacturer’s official website.
• Search the exact version that was working fine earlier and download it.
• After you download the file, click on it to install it.

Reboot your PC and try detecting the second monitor again. This time Windows 10 should be able to detect the second monitor.

If restoring the drivers doesn’t help, then it’s time to update them. Also, it’s possible that you are using the wrong driver. So, it would be better if you update them by yourself. Follow the steps given below to update the video driver on your own:

• Press the Windows logo key along with the X key on your keyboard.
• Several results will appear on the screen. Choose the Device Manager to open it.
• Now, try to find your display device. A yellow exclamation mark on it will indicate that it needs to be updated. 
• Right-tap on the video driver and tap on the uninstall option that appears on the small menu.
• Reboot the system and once it is back on, go to the Device Manager.
• Click on the Scan for hardware changes. It will help you reinstall the video driver.

Restart your system once again and check if Windows 10 detects the second monitor this time.

2. Set Both The Monitors To The Same Refresh Rate

Before jumping on the steps, you should understand the meaning of refresh rate. Refresh rate means the time at which an image displayed on your screen gets refreshed. It is usually measured in hertz. 

So, if a refresh rate is 60 hertz, this means that an image refreshes 60 times per second. As you are using a dual monitor setup, it’s crucial for both of them to have an aligned refresh rate. To set it at the same rate, follow these steps:

• On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key along with the I key. It will open the Settings.
• Go to “System” from the Settings Window.
• A side menu will appear on the left side of the screen.
• Navigate to Display and open Advanced display settings. You will find it at the bottom.
• Open the Display adapter properties of Display 1 and then of Display 2.
• Compare the refresh rates of both the monitors if you find that there is a difference in the rate. Set any one of the refresh rates of the two monitors as the other.
• Click on the Apply and then on the OK icons to save the settings.

Restart your device and check if the above steps have resolved the problem.

3. Modify The Project Mode Settings

As we are discussing the display here, it’s possible that its settings need some changes. Changing the project mode can enhance the settings for a better experience.

As a result, this might also stop the error and detect the second display without any problem. You have to follow these simple instructions to alter the display settings:

• Hold down the Windows logo key along with the P key on your keyboard. On the right side, the Project option will display.
• You will see options like Extend, Duplicate, and Second Screen Only.
• If you want to Extend the display, then select the Extend option. To duplicate the primary display, choose the Duplicate option. To disable the primary display, choose the Second Screen only option.

Many users have reported that changing the project mode has helped them to resolve the error. You can try and change some other settings as well. But make sure that the settings you alter will only improve the display performance. 

4. Use The Detect Option

Sometimes there is a glitch in the automatic process. Your PC may be unable to detect the glitch. Thus, you can try the manual process of detecting the second monitor. To carry out the manual process of detecting the second monitor, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings window from the Start Menu on your primary monitor.
• Open the Display tab, which is in the System menu.
• Locate the Detect option in the Multiple Displays section. Tap on it.

A detection process will start. This time Windows 10 should be able to detect the second display or monitor. But, if it doesn’t, then move to other solutions.

5. Use The Windows Update Method

People think that if they update their Windows 10 then everything will get updated. Well, that’s not the case at all. Even after updating the entire Windows 10, there are still some components left.

To find the updates, you will have to check the update section on your system. It is possible that some of the components have become outdated. Or they are no longer compatible with the new Windows 10 version.

As a result, connectivity issues start to surface. So to update them, you need to perform these steps:

• Open Update & Security by pressing down the Windows key along with the I key.
• Select the option “Check for Updates.”
• A list of updates, if needed, will appear on your screen. Download and install them all, one by one.
• Reboot your system. Once the power is one, again go to Update & Security.
• Select View optional Updates.
• The updates related to components will display on the screen in the optional updates. Select and update the ones that are important for your Monitor. Do not miss any driver updates.

Once the process finishes, reboot your system again. Try to detect your second monitor. It should be detectable this time.

Also, if you are unable to update certain drivers, visit their official website. Search for the version that you want to download and install it in your system.

6. Connect To Wireless Display With Bluetooth

When it comes to technical devices, connecting them is of utmost importance. This is so because if the connection is not solid, you might encounter various errors.

This could be the case with the error you are facing right now. Thus, switching the connectivity channel might resolve this issue. On the bright side, Windows 10 is compatible with the wireless display method.

But, before proceeding with the steps, ensure that your Bluetooth drivers are up-to-date. Also, your secondary display should support Bluetooth.

If everything mentioned above is functioning well, you can move further. Follow these steps to establish a wireless display:

• Open Settings on your PC. You can do so by pressing both the Windows logo key and I key together.
• Go to Bluetooth & Other Devices from the Devices settings.
• From there, turn on the Bluetooth.
• Select Add Bluetooth or other devices to add the second display.
• Select the Wireless Display Or Dock.
• Switch on your second display. Activate its Bluetooth.
• Find the second display on the devices that are listed on your PC. Select it once its name gets visible.

You will have to follow a series of instructions to set up your second display’s Bluetooth. If the issue was occurring due to connectivity issues, using this option will work.

Conclusion – Solve Second Display Not Detected

So, these were the solutions that usually worked in most cases. Now you know the process to update several drivers. We have also mentioned some of the settings that you can alter.

They might prove useful when Windows 10 fails to detect the second monitor. But, if the solutions do not seem to work, try another way. You can seek professional aid to find what’s causing the issue.

Nonetheless, try connecting your second monitor as the primary one. If it gets connected, then there may be some damage caused to the GPU. To fix it, you will need to visit a service center. Besides, fixing such things on your own can damage the device even more.

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