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Display 2 Isn't Active

Anonymous
2020-11-29T21:12:57+00:00

When I connect a second monitor, I can see in my display settings that the 2nd monitor is connected and recognized as a small square next to monitor 1, but in advanced monitor settings, it says "display 2 isn't active." 

I feel that I have tried almost every solution to this problem. I have reinstalled all graphics and monitor drivers. Additionally, the monitor and cable are working with a different laptop. The monitor had previously worked with this laptop, I didn't use it for a few weeks and suddenly I began having this issue. 

Not sure what to do at this point.

Surface | Surface Book | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-11-29T21:32:12+00:00

    Hi noahsilv, 

    Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. 

    May I know what connection are you using in connecting the monitor to the Surface Book 2? Is it through a dock or direct connection using USB-C to HDMI cable or etc? 

    Please try first to clear the display cache of the device. Follow the steps given on this page (Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a second monitor) under Solution 6: Clear your display cache. You may also check the page for more details. 

    If in case the issue persist, please run these steps on your Surface Book 2: 

    1: RunSurface Diagnostic Toolkit and check Windows Update

    2: Update drivers and firmware

                                   Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About.

                                   Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Book 2 then click Download on the next page.

                                   Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.

                                   After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart.

    Hope this helps.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-11-29T22:06:42+00:00

                                  Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About. 

                                   Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Book 2 then click Download on the next page.

              

    For anyone else that encounters this problem. Downloading the Surface Book 2 Filmware MSI off the internet worked for me. Thanks for your help.

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