My second monitor isn't being detected

Question

I have bought a second portable monitor identical to my first one and it will not be detected in multiple monitors its shows 1 and 2

Answer 1

Hello

How is the second monitor connected, on the monitor side, what port do you use? On the computer side, what port do you use?

What if you remove the first monitor, and use the same port and cable for the 2nd monitor, can the 2nd monitor be detected?

Answer 2

Use the built-in display settings and basic hardware checks to isolate the issue.

1. Confirm Windows sees more than one display
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Display.
   • Under Rearrange your displays, select Identify to see which physical screen is 1 and 2.
   • If only one external monitor appears, scroll to Multiple displays and select Detect to force Windows to look for another display.
2. Check cables, ports, and adapters
   • Make sure each portable monitor has its own video connection to the PC (for example, separate HDMI/USB‑C video connections). A simple splitter on one video port usually only duplicates the same signal and cannot create an independent third display.
   • Verify all cables are firmly connected and not damaged. Swap cables between the monitors to confirm each cable and monitor works individually.
   • If the device has only one video output, use a compatible docking station or USB‑C adapter that explicitly supports multiple external monitors.
3. Verify projection mode
   • Press Windows logo key + P and choose Extend. If Duplicate is selected, both external monitors may mirror the same display instead of acting as separate screens.
4. Reset graphics and restart
   • Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver.
   • If that does not help, restart the PC from Start > Power > Restart.
5. If it was working before and suddenly stopped
   • Follow the same steps above, then in Display Settings use Detect again.
   • If still only one external monitor is detected, check with the PC or dock manufacturer to confirm how many external monitors the graphics adapter supports.

If none of these steps work, use Feedback Hub to report the problem so it can be investigated further.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows
• How to use multiple monitors in Windows
• Docking station external monitors not working when a Windows 10 version 1703-based portable computer is connected
• Troubleshooting Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter