2nd Monitor Detected But Not Displaying Issue. [Fixed 2024]

Opting for dual monitors is a better solution for dealing with multiple tasks. By using two monitors at a time, you can drag the programs and windows on the separate displays and work with ease. The dual monitors are perfect for Graphic designers who deal with various programs simultaneously. It may happen that you buy a new expensive monitor to connect it as 2nd display with the system, but it’s not connecting. When was the 2nd monitor detected but not displaying issue? this issue is maybe due to two main causes.

One reason could be an issue with the monitor itself while the other reason could be any problem with the computer. When such a situation occurs, it is essential to instantly address the issue so you do multiple tasks efficiently and without further interruption. 

In this article, we will explore the reasons for the 2nd monitor detected but not displaying issue. And, we will also discuss the ways of fixing this trouble. Let’s unveil the causes and solutions to this problem. 

1- Are you Using the 2nd Monitor for the First Time?

Now the question comes, whether you’re using the 2nd monitor for the first time or used it before also. If using it for the first time, then obviously, it is a new situation you’re coming across, so no worries. Maybe the monitor you are connecting with the system is having hardware issues.

But if the same monitor was connected to the system without any issue but not displaying this time, then it could be a driver or software issue. You should focus on software and other matters to get rid of this problem. 

Are you Using the 2nd Monitor for the First Time?

2- Restart the Computer 

It probably sounds odd, but it really works. Restart your computer, it may automatically resolve this issue. When the computer restarts, it makes the PC take its time to boot up and check all the systems, including monitors. 

Restart the Computer

Why are we recommending restarting your PC? The reason is that sometimes when we install the 2nd monitor along with its drivers and software, the PC couldn’t recognize it. The computer is confused about what to prioritize, so it doesn’t display the 2nd monitor. But the computer categorizes all the functions of the 2nd display efficiently when it restarts. 

3- Try Different Configurations 

For sorting out this issue, you should go for other configurations. Plug the 2nd monitor in different ports to figure out if there is no issue in the port you plugged it in. Another way is to plug the primary monitor into the same port you tried for the 2nd display. If the primary monitor doesn’t display, it means there is something wrong with the port, not the monitor.

Connect the 2nd monitor to the computer and remove the primary display. If it works, that is the signal, the 2nd display is perfectly fine, but do something regarding settings or drivers to solve the problem.  

4- Update the Drivers

When a PC is not responding to various gadgets, its reason could be the driver updates. Check the display drivers for the graphics card before plugging in the 2nd monitor. Update the display drivers properly for paving the way for 2nd monitor to connect instantly. Sometimes the latest monitors don’t connect with the PCs because they are outdated. So, updating the drivers can resolve this matter swiftly. 

Update the Drivers 2nd monitor detected but not displaying issue

5- Viruses can Create the Issue

When you’re trying to connect the 2nd monitor but it is not displaying, the viruses might be responsible for that. Install anti-malware or anti-virus software and scan your computer. In fact, viruses are not the cause of this issue mostly. But you should scan the computer to be sure that viruses are not the reason for creating this irritating problem. 

Viruses can Create the Issue

Ways to Fix the 2nd Monitor Detected But Not Displaying Issue

You have gone through all the possible causes of the 2nd monitor detected but not displaying the issue, let’s talk about its solutions now. 

1- Alter the Display Settings of the 2nd Monitor

When the 2nd monitor is detected but not displaying, it is probably due to an issue in the settings. For changing the settings, just right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings.” Under the heading of Multiple Display, you’ll see the “Display” option, click it. The Windows will start detecting the display automatically. 

The other way of altering the display settings is to click the Windows key + X. A shortcut bar will appear, choose Device Manager here. You will find “Display Adapters” and “Monitors” there. You can easily check out whether Windows has detected your graphics card or not. Errors with the yellow color caution will show you that there is something wrong with the driver. 

Alter the Display Settings of 2nd Monitor

2- Fully Check the Hardware

To resolve the issue, remove the primary monitor and only connect the 2nd display to your PC. If the monitor is still not displaying, that means there is a hardware problem inside the monitor. Use a third monitor with your system or connect your 2nd monitor to another computer to clarify where the problem lies. Check the cables also and if you find any damaged ones, change them.

Fully Check the Hardware

3- Update or Reinstall the Graphics Driver 

When it is clear that the hardware is perfectly okay, you should go for the software updates. The outdated graphics could hinder the way 2nd monitor gets connected to the system properly. The simple solution is to update the graphics driver. And, if you had already updated the graphics driver, reinstallation would be a better remedy.  

Update or Reinstall the Graphics Driver 

For updating graphics, select the Device Manager, then Display Adapters. Right-click the graphics card for updating the driver software.  

4- Perform System Restore

If the 2nd monitor was working well with your PC, but as you installed software, it stopped responding. For such an issue, perform a system restore to bring your PC back to its previous state. If the computer stopped displaying 2nd monitor when you installed a Windows update, delete it. You can restore Windows to a previously installed version to let the 2nd monitor connect effortlessly.

Perform System Restore

5- Update Windows Operating System

By updating your Windows operating system, you can experience swift dual-monitor functioning. Look for the updating options in the control panel or use the Windows search bar to update your operating system. Never forget that modern monitors will not be workable with old Windows operating systems. 

Update Windows Operating System

6- Scan your PC After Updating 

Once you’re done with updating the Windows operating system, it is of utmost essential to scan the PC. By doing so, you will kick out those bugs and malware viruses from the computer that have the potential to affect the system files. Excellent anti-virus software is essential for efficiently removing malware bugs from your computer. 

Scan your PC After Updating 2nd monitor detected but not displaying issue

7- Reinstall the Windows Operating System 

You have applied all the methods, but the problem is still there, go for the last option which is reinstalling the Windows OS. it will reboot the computer thoroughly and would delete some of the programs and your data. Its disadvantage is that you have to reinstall the deleted programs later on. You have to keep a backup of your personal data anywhere else to save it again on your PC after reinstalling the OS. Make sure you go for this option when you have tried all the other procedures.

Reinstall the Windows Operating System 2nd monitor detected but not displaying issue

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