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Best Ways to Fix Second Monitor Not Detected on Windows 10
Get back the dynamism of the dual monitors with these simple fixes
12 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Many users tend to use two or more monitors on their computer to get more workspace and improve their productivity.
However, it seems that there are some issues with Windows 10 with users complaining that thedual monitor is not extending, among other problems.
Now, some people are complaining that Windows 10 only detects one of the two monitors that are plugged in.
Windows not being able to detect a secondmonitorcan be a big problem, but it is not the most difficult issue to fix. And we will show you how to do it in this guide.
Why is my second monitor not detected?
The second monitor not detected issue has different variations, as reported by users. Below are some of the common ones and their causes:
These issues are commonly caused by display drivers but don’t worry, there are a few simple solutions that can help you out.
How do I get my computer to recognize a second monitor?
1. Update your display driver
Aside from using the built-in Windows built-in updater, you can also go to your graphic card manufacturer’s website, find your graphic card, and download drivers for it.
While searching for drivers, make sure that you download the latest drivers, preferably ones for Windows 10.
Downloading drivers manually is a process that carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed, which may lead to serious malfunctions.
The safer and easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic tool such asOutbyte Driver Updater.
This awesome tool automatically identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database.
First, you need to download and install Outbyte Driver Updater. After installing, the software will start running automatically and identifying any driver problems on your system.
After a few seconds, you will get the full report and a list of potential drivers to install. The only clicking required is on theUpdate allbutton that you will see on top of the list.
You can also update individual drivers by checking their corresponding boxes on the left and pressing their update buttons from the right.
Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Rollback to an older driver
After you roll back the driver, you need to prevent Windows from updating it. To do that,follow the easy steps in this guide.
3. Uninstall your driver and use the default one
4. Use specialized software for multimonitor setup
DisplayFusionis a great tool for Windows that is specialized in setting up your multi-monitor setup. It’s easy to use although it comes with complex features that will transform the multiple monitor management process into a breeze.
DisplayFusion can also be controlled with hotkeys and the experience is customizable by using Power User Menu, TitleBar Buttons, to your own liking.
This awesome tool also offers an impressive library of wallpapers and screen savers to choose from and multi-monitor taskbars to help you keep your windows organized.
You don’t need to commit to it from the start. You can still test it under a free trial period.
⇒Get DisplayFusion
5. Temporarily disable your graphics adapter
After doing that, Windows should detect your secondmonitorwithout any problems.
Keep in mind that this might not be a permanent solution, so if the issue reappears, you’ll need to perform these steps again.
If yourlaptop doesn’t recognize a second monitor, check out this useful guide to fix the issue easily.
6. Change your monitor frequency
After doing that, you should be able to use your secondmonitor. Keep in mind that not all frequencies are compatible with your monitor, so if you want to avoid causing damage to your display, use the frequencies recommended by the manufacturer.
If you’re using driver software such as Nvidia Control Panel or Catalyst Control Center, be sure to change your monitor frequency using these tools as well.
Can’t open Nvidia Control Panel on Windows 10? Don’t worry, we’ve gotthe right solutionfor you.
7. Temporarily switch only to the first monitor
This is a small glitch that can occur, but you should be able to solve it by using this workaround.
According to users, this glitch appears frequently while starting your PC, so you’ll have to repeat this workaround whenever the issue occurs.
8. Install Windows updates
Windows will now check for available updates. If updates are available, Windows will download them automatically in the background and install them once you restart your PC.
Windows 10 is a solid operating system, but sometimes you might find a certain bug.
Microsoft is working hard to fix all Windows 10 bugs, and the simplest way to keep your PC bug free is to install Windows updates.
Several users reported that Windows 10 can’t detect the secondmonitor, but they solved the issue by installing the latest updates for Windows.
By default, Windows 10 automatically downloads the updates in the background, but sometimes you might skip an important update.
After installing the necessary updates, the issue should be resolved completely.
9. Connect your monitors while the PC is running
Many users reported that Windows 10 can’t detect the secondmonitor.
According to users that use dual monitor setup, both monitors work but the second one is always mirroring the firstmonitor.
To fix the issue, you might want to tryconnecting yourmonitorsto your PCwhile it’s running. If you can, try to switch the cables while your PC is running.
For example, if you’re using a DVI cable for the first monitor and HDMI cable for the second, try using the HDMI cable for the first and a DVI cable for the secondmonitor.
By connecting bothmonitorswhile your PC is running, you’ll force the PC to recognize both of them.
10. Set the Project mode correctly
Sometimes this problem can occur simply because you didn’t use the correct Project mode.
According to users, their Project mode was set to theSecond screen only,and that caused the problem to appear. With this solution, the issue should be fixed.
11. Uninstall IDE ATA/ATAPI driver
Several users reported that Windows 10 can’t detect the secondmonitoron their laptops.
According to the users, this issue was caused byIDE ATA/ATAPIdriver and in order to fix it, you need to remove the problematic driver.
We have already shown you how to uninstall a driver inSolution 3, so be sure to check it for detailed instructions.
After removing the problematic driver, restart your PC and your problem should be resolved.
This issue appeared on a HP Envy laptop but it can also appear on other laptops as well.
12. Adjust your resolution
Sometimes it’s necessary to adjust your resolution in order to fix your problem.
If your external display is using lower resolution than your PC, you might have to lower your resolution before you can use the second display.
If this solution works for you, you’ll have to readjust your resolution every time you want to use an external display.
13. Adjust Sleep Mode/close laptop lid
According to users, you can fix the problem with a second display simply by closing your laptop lid. As a result, your second display will become the main one and the issue will be resolved.
Keep in mind that this is just a workaround, so you’ll have to repeat it every time you want to use a second display.
Also, some users complained that their second monitor was not detected after waking up from Sleep mode. With the solution above, you should be able to prevent that.
14. Check if Extended desktop is enabled in AMD Control Center
Many AMD owners reported this problem on their PC. If Windows 10 can’t detect the secondmonitor, the cause might be AMD Control Center.
This software allows you to control various settings, but sometimes the Extended desktop feature might be disabled in Control Center.
To fix this problem, open AMD Control Center and navigate to theDisplays Managersection.
From there make sure that theExtended desktopfeature is enabled.
After enabling this feature, the problem should be resolved and both your displays should start working.
Keep in mind that this problem can also appear if you’re using an Nvidiagraphics card.
If so, you’ll need to open Nvidia Control Panel and check if multiple displays are configured properly.
15. Update DisplayLink to the latest version
If you’re using DisplayLink to connect two monitors to your PC, you might experience this problem. To fix the issue, be sure that DisplayLink is updated to the latest version.
After updating DisplayLink, the problem should be completely resolved.
16. Enable Scale to the full panel size option
Users reported that using theMaintain aspect ratiooption fixed the problem, so be sure to try it. After enabling this option, you’ll be able to switch to any other mode without issues and bothmonitorswill keep working.
Why won’t my dual monitors extend?
The major reason your dual monitors are not extending is the wrong settings. If you have not enabled the Extend feature in the Project menu, your monitors might not extend.
Another reason for this issue is outdated drivers. We have shown how to do this in this guide.
Additionally,this guide may be usefulif you’re wondering how to solve the unexpected resolution issue in Windows 10 and 11.
We hope that our complete guide helped you detect and set up your second monitor. For any suggestions, leave us a comment in the dedicated section below.
More about the topics:fix monitor,Multi-monitor guides
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
