[Article] Windows 11 Troubleshoot Second monitor not detected (Updated 2024)

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📌 Note: This article was originally created by Greg Carmack Windows MVP 2010-20 (ret'd), a valued member on Answers Support Community. It provided meaningful insights and proved helpful to many. We're recreating it here on their behalf to preserve its value and ensure continued access for others.

11/24 Update: there is a suggestion in the comments to release flea power by disconnecting power, battery and all other cables from the PC, then pressing and holding the power button down for 30 seconds to release residual power in the circuitry.

Here are fixes for second monitor not detected or connecting in Windows 11:

1. First try these methods to set up dual monitors:

https://www.howtogeek.com/775238/how-to-set-up-dual-monitors-in-windows-11/

https://www.laptopmag.com/how-to/connect-multiple-monitors-on-windows-11

2. If those don't work try these fixes for second monitor not detected:

https://www.pc-guides.net/how-to-fix-windows-11-not-detecting-second-monitor/

https://itechhacks.com/fix-second-monitor-not-detected/

https://thegeekpage.com/cannot-detect-second-monitor/

https://omghowto.com/how-to-fix-windows-11-not-detecting-second-monitor-update.html

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-external-display-not-working-windows-11

https://allthings.how/how-to-fix-second-monitor-not-detected-on-windows-11/

https://www.getdroidtips.com/windows-11-second-monitor-not-detected/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K20h9acp0kY

3. 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 motherboard 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-tutorial (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-safe-mode-windows-10

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/detect.html or

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

the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/auto_detect.aspx

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.

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