(Solved) Second Monitor Not Detected in Windows 10

Sometimes you need more equipment to get optimum results. Due to more increasing more workload, a single monitor is not enough to multitask and track all the things. You can monitor the other things on the secondary monitor while working on the primary monitor. On the other side, one could actually complete tasks significantly quickly who prefer to use two monitors at their workspace.

If you are one of those who use two displays at their workspace to complete the task. Then it’s slightly difficult to fall back on the single monitor when the secondary monitor not detected by your operating system. This can not only frustrate you, but it can also make your job sluggish. If you have been caught up in the same situation, then let me tell you, you have probably landed on the right post.

In this article, we will show you how to fix secondary monitor not detected issues. So, make sure to read the article till the end, without further ado, let’s get started.

second monitor not detected in windows 10

Also see: Windows 10 Updates Won’t Install? Here’s the fix.

Restart Your Windows 10 PC

Restarting your PC is the major thing you can perform, it might possible that the secondary monitor is not working due to the lack of proper connection. Restarting your PC can resolve the issue. Just click on the Windows icon, select Power, and click on Restart.

Use a Right Cable

Make sure to use the correct cable for the secondary monitor. Also, check if the cable is faulty or not. A faulty will not let your system detect a secondary monitor.

Try to replace that cable with a new valid cable, and see if the issue has been resolved.

Have a Look at your Display Adapter

Sometimes, the display adapter which is also known as a graphics card might not compatible with certain monitors. If that’s the case, then you will not be able to connect secondary monitors to your system.

Besides this, you have no other option left but to use a USB adapter which will help you to connect the secondary monitor.

Update your Graphics Driver

An outdated graphic card driver can cause a “secondary monitor not detected” issue. Updating the Graphic driver is a smart way to fix the issue. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Do a right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 2: Under Device Manager, click on Display adapters in order to expand the list.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 3: Select your graphic adapter and select Update Driver.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 4: In the next window, click on Search automatically for updated driver software, and then restart your PC.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

The new updated graphics driver will automatically upgrade your system.

Reinstall your Graphics Driver

It happens that your current graphics driver has bugs and glitches that cause the issue, when the manufacturer itself has not provided any update then reinstalling the graphic driver can let your secondary monitor recognized by your system.

Step 1: Do a right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Under Device Manager, click on Display adapters in order to expand the list.

Step 3: Select your graphic driver and click on Uninstall device.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 4: Untick Delete the driver software from this device option and then click on Uninstall.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 5: Now, restart your PC and again visit Device Manager, select your PC (PC name) under Computer, and select Scan for hardware changes.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Now, your system will automatically re-install the graphics driver.

Roll Back your Graphics Driver

If you have already updated your graphic driver, due to which “second monitor not detected” issue encounters then updated graphic driver can be the culprit.

Step 1: Do a right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Under Device Manager, click on Display adapters in order to expand the list and select Properties.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 3: Under the Driver menu tab, select Roll back driver and click on OK.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

And then restart your PC.

If the Roll back driver option is grayed out, then you visit the manufacturer’s official page and then download the previous graphic driver.

Force Your Windows 10 To Recognize Secondary Monitor

You can force your Windows 10 system to detect your secondary monitor manually. We will do this by visiting the Settings app.

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon and select Settings.

Step 2: Select System.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 3: Under Display section, go to Rearrange your display and click on Detect.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Connect a Wireless Display

If your secondary monitor supports a wireless display connection, then try that rather physical connection. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon and select Devices.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 2: Select Bluetooth & other devices.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 3: Select Add Bluetooth or other devices.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Step 4: Now click on Wireless display or dock.

Second Monitor Not Detected? Here’s How To Fix It

Make sure that your wireless display is on the discoverable mode in order to get it detected by your system. Follow the onscreen instruction to set up wireless display settings.

Disconnect Unwanted Accessories

Sometimes other computer accessories such as dongles, printers, docks, or adapter can let other peripherals like secondary monitor not get detected by your Windows 10 system.

Disconnect the computer accessories one by one and check if the secondary monitor gets recognized by your Windows system.

Quick Possible Fixes

Here are some other possible fixes that will help you fix the “second monitor not detected” issue.

  • Check if the correct HDMI or DVI connection is selected in the monitor’s settings.
  • Try connecting another monitor to see if that works.
  • Switch primary and secondary monitors.
  • Check if that the secondary monitor’s power cable is properly connected.
  • Upgrade the software of display, visit the manufacturer’s official page and see if the update is available, and install it.

That’s it for now, hope this helps! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Till then stay tuned for more info.

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