Windows going into a lock screen loop when connected to an external display

Question

Whenever an external display is connected to the computer and the multiple displays option is set to "extend these displays" (the other three options don't cause this issue) Windows will go to the lock screen and require me to input my password/pin. After a couple of seconds Windows will then go back to the lock screen again and require me to sign in once more. There is no end to this loop, it just keeps going on and on and makes the computer unusable.

I have checked my display drivers and they are all up to date. Restarting does nothing, the problem persists. I have checked both with different cables and with different external displays and the problem persists across them. It is an issue with the laptop/Windows itself.

Answer 1

I actually tried a System Restore Point just a few minutes before seeing your reply. Somehow the problem persists even through a System Restore (I made sure to restore to a date prior to when the problem started). I'm honestly stumped at this point. My best guess would be that there's some kind of hardware issue, but I can't think of a hardware issue that would cause this really.

Answer 2

I've already read that thread, it isn't helpful. Nothing there pertains to my issue and the suggestions for the drivers don't work.

There are no updates for my video interface or monitor, they are all up to date and the last time they were updated was before this problem started happening.

Answer 3

Thanks again for the feedback. We can still try some software-related procedures, Clean Boot is one of them.

A clean boot is performed to start Windows using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps to eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update or when you run a program on Windows 10. You can also resolve or determine which conflict is causing the problem by performing a clean boot. 

Please check the necessary procedures to do a clean boot on Windows at the link below: 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

If the problem does not occur at Clean Boot, the article itself indicates how to identify the problem.

Answer 4

Alright, thanks for the feedback. So this problem is a problem that started a short time ago? If so, you can try using a System Restore Point.

This option takes your PC back to an earlier point in time. Restore points are generated when you install a new app or driver, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

1 - In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel,and then choose it from the list of results

2 - In the Control Panel search box, type recovery.

3 - Select Recovery > Open System Restore.

4 - In the Restore system files and setting box, select Next.

5 - Select the restore point that you want to use in the list of results, and then select Scan for affected programs.

Notes:

• If you don’t see the restore point that you want to use, select the Show more restore points check box to see more restore points.
• If you’re not seeing any restore points, it might be because system protection isn’t turned on. Here’s how to check:
• In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel,andthen choose it from the list of results.
• In the Control Panel search box, type recovery.
• Select Recovery > Configure System Restore > Configure and see if the Turn on system protection option is selected.
• If the Turn on system protection option is not selected, system protection isn’t turned on and there aren't any restore points. In this scenario, you won't be able to recovery your PC using a system restore point and will need to use one of the other recovery options listed on this page.
• If the Turn on system protection option is selected, continue with step 6.

6 - You'll see a list of items that will be deleted if you remove this restore point. If you're OK with the deletions, select Close> Next > Finish.

Answer 5

Hello, my name is Anderson Souza, I am an Independent Advisor and I hope I can help you with your problem today.

First I ask you to read the article linked below on Troubleshooting External Monitors on the Microsoft support site, this would be just a first step for you. Note that when it talks about drivers in addition to suggesting driver update it also suggests a driver rollback procedure.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tro...

Another suggestion I can make you is also, check in Start Menu > Settings > Update and Security > Show optional updates, if there are updates regarding your video interface or monitor, if any, test installing these updates as well.