Windows update caused the external monitor to stop working.
Windows update caused the external monitor to stop working.
I received the Windows update and then restarted my laptop. I use two external monitors—a 32-inch 4K display and a 24-inch monitor. After the restart, the percentage update appeared on my second external monitor. Normally, during updates it would show on my laptop or the main external screen. Post-update, it switched to showing my second external monitor as the primary display. My main 32-inch 4K Samsung monitor seems to be inactive. When I accessed the display settings, it listed three monitors, but after restarting, only the second external monitor and my laptop screen appeared. When I tried to power it off, it displayed only the display port in the top left corner. Why isn’t my 32-inch monitor working?
It indicates your laptop screen appears as a monitor in the display settings. A smaller screen shows up as monitor three beside it, while your main monitor is listed as monitor two. However, you can't interact with it—click or drag isn't possible. The issue persists even after restarting for an update, and it wasn't caused by a cable problem. Your options are now limited to checking the display settings or seeking further troubleshooting steps.
That logo at the bottom right labeled "Windows Update" triggered a restart. The update completed rapidly without a BIOS update. When inspecting the display, it appears as "Display Two" instead of active, which seems to be the cause. The laptop and other monitors function normally and display correct properties and resolution.
You need to figure out why the updates appear on one monitor while not showing on another. Check if the update is affecting the external display differently. Make sure the laptop is properly connected and powered on during updates. Also, verify that the drivers are up to date and not causing conflicts.
Consider removing the Windows update. When you check updates, it lists the security patches I installed earlier, including the one from Microsoft for Windows KB 502 3 706. It also displays the two previous security updates I applied before this one. Would it help to turn off your laptop, disconnect the power cable from the larger monitor, plug it back in, and then restart? I've tried this method before and it didn't resolve the problem. Your larger monitor uses a USB-C connection to the display port, while your smaller one connects via HDMI to DVI. The Dell 20A adapter is plugged into your laptop, and the HDMI to DVI cable runs from there.
I mentioned this issue as I was the original poster of the thread but fixed it with downloading a driver from the intel website? I forgot the exact site but it was something involving intel arc as well even though i have i7-12700h and rtx 3050. I believe this was what I downloaded last time to fix my 2nd monitor not displaying. Should this be it? Notice there is an updated version so this would fix it? It's the one above https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...ndows.html I haven't had the xps 15 9520 connected to any monitor in over the last month. During this time, I believe I had 2 or 3 windows updates and restarted it to update. Yesterday, I believe I had a dell firmware update and updated it. Right now, I then connect to my 2 external monitors... a samsung 32' 4k monitor and a 24' 1920x1200 monitor. I am having the same issue again where it says Display 2 Is Not Active So only the smaller 24' 1920x1200 monitor is recognized like last time. My main 32' 4k samsung monitor doesn't work. Was it the recent dell firmware? How do I fix this issue? Am pretty certain it was the last Dell firmware update that caused this but then again there were 2 other updates I also had to do before this in the last month where I did not had laptop connected to monitor.