HELP!!! Win 11 isn't working with my second and third monitors!
HELP!!! Win 11 isn't working with my second and third monitors!
I recently installed a completely new setup, upgrading from my previous one solely because Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 in October. Windows 11 works well (I tested it with a different monitor for a week), BUT there’s an issue: the system recognizes my second monitor (HP E201 connected via DP to USB-C) but keeps saying "Display 1 is not active" under System > Display > Advanced Display, and it doesn’t detect the third monitor at all (HP 231 connected via DP). My main monitor, a Dell connected via HDMI, functions properly.
Could this be because my monitors are outdated for Windows 11? They worked in Windows 10. It seems HP likely doesn’t provide a driver for these models, probably because they’re at least 10–12 years old. Or is there a problem with my motherboard? I have a brand new MSI Z790.
It’s possible both monitors’ DP connections were initially faulty (I bought used ones from Craigslist—one with DVI, one with VGA). My current motherboard doesn’t support those interfaces. Should I search for a graphics card that supports DVI and/or VGA?
I’d rather avoid buying two new monitors just to switch to Windows 11—not only because of the cost but also to reduce electronic waste.
First of all, Microsoft is no more evil than any of the other large tech companies, which is to say, they are ALL evil cohorts.
At least Microshaft hasn't yet required people to pay a monthly subscription fee like almost every other tech company out there who felt like they could get away with it because their products are basically industry standard and not easily replaceable with open source products.
What are your FULL hardware specs including CPU, motherboard, graphics card, power supply, etc? And what, exactly are you using for EVERY video output AND from EXACTLY where, as in, graphics card or motherboard? There used to be problems with more than two digital outputs, but it's been some time since I've seen anybody have an issue due to this so I doubt that's the issue. I'm thinking this might well be a driver or motherboard limitation, especially if you don't have a discreet graphics card. Or, if you have an older one.
As mentioned earlier, complete system details and connections of all screens are necessary for any thorough troubleshooting assistance.
Possible generic solutions you might consider:
You can find affordable dvi/hdmi adapters that will help you determine whether the issue lies with the monitors. Additionally, dp/hdmi adapters are available if you want to test your DP ports on the motherboard or video card.
It's a fully functional workstation, no gaming or video editing tasks, and it doesn't require any CPU or RAM-heavy operations.
The Intel Core i7-12700K is paired with the MSI Z790-P Pro WiFi DDR4 featuring Intel 770 onboard graphics.
Powered by the Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 750W PSU.
Storage includes a Crucial Vengeance 2 x 16GB DDR4 module and a Samsung 990 Plus 1TB NVme SSD.
The setup uses a Dell monitor via HDMI, an HP E231 via DP, and the HP E201 is currently in an uncertain state (details pending).
Today I removed the DP-to-DP output cable from the HP E201 and connected it to the E231, which was previously linked through a USBc-to-DP cable that didn't function. This confirms:
The DP input on the E201 isn't operational, as the same cable now works with the E231.
The USBc output from the MSI 790 seems non-functional or requires activation for multiple displays.
EDITED to note: #2 is verified after reviewing the MSI manual. Likely an external graphics card is necessary. I assume #1 is accurate.
Oy, it seems I'm still in the early stages of this project. The manual for the MSI 790 only mentions two monitors supported, using HDMI and DP. That means the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps slot isn't meant for a third monitor, which was my assumption. Can anyone suggest an affordable video card with a DVI output that would fit this setup? Would something like the MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710 2GB GDRR3 be sufficient?
Also, could I keep using the DP and HDMI connections for the first two monitors while adding the third via the card's DVI output? I already have the necessary cables. Would switching all three monitors to the card's outputs be necessary, or would I need to change everything? I’m considering a performance upgrade from the onboard Intel graphics to this card, but I’m not doing any gaming.
That was exactly what I meant when I asked about a discreet graphics card. Your motherboard only accommodates a few displays; if you require more, you’ll need a card that supports additional output options.
If you’re not gaming or working with video/intensive graphics projects, then the GT 710 is a solid choice for adding a single HDMI monitor. Just remember that newer monitors typically lack VGA or DVI inputs, so it might be wise to invest a bit more in something like the GT 1030 that includes HDMI and DisplayPort for future flexibility.
However, when paired with your motherboard’s video outputs, this should help you decide.
In addition to the above, the GT 1030 is expected to offer extended driver support. Although the chance of bugs or exploits remains minimal, it isn't entirely out of the question. Another possible feature could be a USB to HDMI adapter. This might be more affordable, but it would probably restrict you to using only Windows.
Oh my cheap
@ss
They're really struggling not to swap out my old HP monitors with DVI, VGA, and DP ports—they function just fine, honestly. No need to change that.
I only intend to use Windows... Linux is clearly above my pay grade.
🤣
Which USB to HDMI adapter are you referring to?
Should it be a USB-C 3.2 or can it be USB 3.0?
I changed the BIOS settings to enable Thunderbolt and am checking if this would let the USB 3.2 port on the back panel send video, I’ll test soon...
There isn't a native TB on that platform, so it won't function. This setting is meant for connecting with an addon TB card.