Screen doesn't show up after i shift and restart on monitor.

cory glen 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T01:41:46.1266667+00:00

I was gorage sale shopping and found a hp all in one computer with a cracked screen for dirt cheap. I went and bought a used monitor and hooked it to the hp computer with cracked screen. I need to factory reset do to not knowing password so i shift and restart but when it restarts the monitor that i'm using doesn't show up.

Thanks

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. GTS-NJ 1,085 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-19T03:01:19.07+00:00

    Is the problem that the second monitor shows when Windows loads but otherwise not during the boot process? If so, that's not uncommon. It can create difficulties if trying to boot external media. There is sometime a setting in the BIOS that might help (tho accessing the BIOS in this situation can also be a problem).

    If you specifically need the second monitor available during POST/BIOS, check the HP BIOS for settings such as Primary Display, Video/Graphics, Multi-Display, or IGD/Discrete Graphics.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-19T01:42:04.0333333+00:00

    Use the external monitor first, then enter recovery again.

    1. On the black screen, press Windows + P, then press P again and Enter to cycle the display mode. This can switch output back to the external monitor.
    2. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. A beep or screen flicker indicates it worked.
    3. If nothing appears, press Ctrl + Alt + Del. If the security screen appears, open Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer.
    4. If the monitor still stays blank, do a forced restart: hold the power button for about 20 seconds.
    5. After it starts again, try the external monitor troubleshooting steps:
      • Make sure the monitor cable is fully connected.
      • Try a different HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA cable if available.
      • Test with only one external monitor connected.
    6. Once the external monitor is working, enter recovery again:
      • If Windows is accessible, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
      • If Windows is not accessible, click the power button, then hold Shift while choosing Restart to open recovery, then select Troubleshoot and Reset your PC.

    Important: Remove everything erases apps, settings, and personal files. Keep my files keeps personal files but removes apps and settings.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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