Share via

Windows 10 flickering/turning off secondary monitor

Anonymous
2022-08-19T23:55:39+00:00

Hello,

I tried to google this issue but all I got were posts from ~2018, and about vga.

I have main monitor connected by display port and a new secondary monitor also connected by display port.

Frequently both monitors flicker to black (which is something I've heard a friend with multiple monitor setup curse about before, but didn't think it'd happen *this often*) - or more annoyingly the secondary monitor just randomly turns off because it doesn't get signal from display port anymore? I can leave the pc to idle for couple of hours and both work fine.. soon as I get back and have a program running on first monitor second one is fine ~10 minutes and then turns off for no apparent reason.

I've owned this secondary monitor for whole day now, and had to re-plug the cable twice to get windows to remember that the monitor is a) still there b) still on and c) has content running on it... Monitor side doesn't care about off/on cycling, it's as if the display port doesn't even exist anymore.

rtx 3070 (that's supposed to *support 4 monitors*) with both monitors connected to it.

What do? If this is going to be w10 multi-monitor experience, I'll just return the second monitor because this is annoying as f* to deal with.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Gaming

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-20T01:12:51+00:00

    Hi Lankakera. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

    How are both monitors connected to Display port? Did your PC or video card(s) come with two display ports? Adapters are notoriously problematic.

    1. Try these fixes for the known issue of second monitor flickering on and off:

    https://www.windowsdigitals.com/second-monitor-...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/second-monitor-f... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

    https://www.techserviceguru.com/how-to-stop-you...

    https://www.tenforums.com/graphic-cards/75883-s...

    https://www.quora.com/What-causes-dual-monitors...

    1. These are the best guides to find and fix multi-monitor problems:

    https://support.cyberpowerpc.com/hc/en-us/artic...

    https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/common-...

    https://www.lifewire.com/fix-second-monitor-tro...

    https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/improve-your-dual-...

    1. The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

    First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

    If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/ddu-guide-t... (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or installing in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

    While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

    If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

    or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

    or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

    For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

    You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

    Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

    Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

    Check for a monitor driver by expediting Windows Updates (including Optional Updates) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates to install all Updates until no more are offered.

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments