Sound and Image Quality Guaranteed with HDMI Connection

When connecting a computer to a monitor or TV, using HDMI ensures both sound and image quality are guaranteed. It’s usually an easy process to add an external monitor by connecting the HDMI cable and selecting the correct input and output source. However, there may be instances where your Windows 10 PC fails to recognize the connected monitor, despite the simplicity of the process.

Luckily, there are a few solutions to this problem. In this article, I’ll share some methods that can help you fix the issue of your Windows PC not detecting a monitor through an HDMI cable.

Reasons Why Windows Isn’t Detecting Monitor Through HDMI

There can be several reasons why your computer fails to recognize a monitor connected via HDMI. Even if you’re unsure about the exact cause, consider the following suggestions:

• Ensure that HDMI is configured as the default video and audio output connection.
• Attempt to boot the PC with the HDMI connection attached to a monitor.
• Start the computer when the television is turned off and then turn it on.

How to Fix Windows Not Detecting Monitor Through HDMI

1. Restart the PC

The simplest way to resolve the issue of Windows 10/11 not recognizing the HDMI TV is to restart your PC with the HDMI cable connected and the TV switched on. Make sure to check if the monitor is properly connected to the PC.

2. Detect the Display Manually

If you’re using an older monitor or TV with your Windows 10/11 PC, you may encounter difficulties since Windows may not automatically recognize the HDMI TV. In such cases, you need to manually locate the display. Here’s how:

1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the “Windows key + I.”
2. Go to “System” and select “Display” to change the display settings.
3. Scroll down in the right pane and click on “Expand the Multiple displays” to see more options.
4. Click the “Detect” button under the “Detect other display” option.
5. Close the “Settings” app.

Now you can check if your PC recognizes the HDMI TV you’ve connected. If it still doesn’t work, try the following options.

3. Adjust Projection Setting

In Windows 10 and 11, you can change the projection setting to PC screen only, Extend, Duplicate, or Second screen only. Changing the projecting settings can help resolve the issue. Here’s how:

1. Press the “WinKey + P” keyboard shortcut to open the Windows Project menu when your PC is connected via HDMI to your TV or monitor.
2. Make sure the projection setting is set to “PC screen only.”

If this doesn’t solve the problem, move on to the next option.

4. Update Display Drivers

To fix the issue, you may need to update your Windows 10/11 PC’s display driver. You can update it manually using Device Manager or Command Prompt if you have the driver file (.inf or .sys). Alternatively, you can download the latest driver from the graphics card manufacturer’s website or use third-party software to automatically update your system’s drivers.

Here’s how to update display drivers through Device Manager:

1. Press the “Windows key + X” to access the Windows Quick Access Menu.
2. Choose “Device Manager.”
3. Expand the display and graphics drivers section by clicking on the drop-down arrow.
4. Right-click on the graphics driver and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
5. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to let the Device Manager search and download the latest graphics drivers for your Windows PC.

If you prefer, you can use Microsoft’s Basic Display Adapter by selecting “Browse my computer for driver software” and following the on-screen instructions.

5. Change Multiple Display Operating Mode

If you have an Intel Graphics Control Panel, you can manually adjust the PC’s Multiple Displays Operating Mode. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on an empty spot on the desktop.
2. Choose “Graphics Properties” and open the “Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel”.
3. Select “Basic Mode.”
4. Click “OK” to confirm.
5. Choose “Multiple Displays” in the Display section and select the desired operating mode from the drop-down menu.

With this method, you can extend or duplicate your screen. If you’re an NVIDIA user, you can download the NVIDIA Control Panel from the Microsoft Store to try this approach.

6. Run the Troubleshooter

Running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter can help fix malfunctioning devices and rule out a broken HDMI TV or monitor. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the HDMI cable or have your HDMI port checked by a professional.

Enjoy Your Bigger Screen

Connecting a monitor or TV to your computer via HDMI allows you to enjoy a larger and more detailed display. If your Windows 10 computer fails to recognize or connect to an HDMI display, try out the methods described above. If none of them work, consider replacing the HDMI cable or consulting a professional to check your HDMI port.

Have you ever encountered issues with connecting a monitor through an HDMI cable? Were you able to fix it? Let us know in the comments section below!