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Second Monitor Not Detected in Windows 11: 4 Tested Solutions
Discover verified solutions that worked for others
5 min. read
Updated onNovember 8, 2024
updated onNovember 8, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Many of our readers have complained that Windows 11 is not detecting the second monitor in a dual or multi-monitor setup.
Windows 10 users have also faced similar issueswhile using two monitors, and as you have probably guessed, the solutions to fix the problem are very similar.
Before applying the solutions below, check the physical connection with your monitors and, if possible, test the second monitor with a different device.
What do I do if Windows 11 is not detecting my second monitor?
1. Restart your PC
Restarting your PC is the easiest solution to apply if the second display is not detecting. It can be a temporary problem, and a simple restart of Windows is enough to fix it. In fact, the resolution has worked on Windows 10 PCs as well.
If you are using a laptop connected to an external monitor for a better viewing experience, then simply closing its lid is said to work for many users.
Often the reason behind the error can be a conflicting program that is running in the background. However, when you restart the computer, the program running gets closed, and you may get away from the issue.
2. Update the display driver
An outdated display driver can cause conflicts between the software and hardware components of your PC.
Thus, if you haven’tupdated the display driverrecently, following the steps above will update it and fix the issue.
You can also opt for driver update software toolsto keep your display driver updated automatically and fix every driver on your PC.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
3. Change the display frequency
Having a different refresh rate on the second monitor can cause a temporary software conflict on your system.
Eventually, that may lead to Windows not detecting the monitor. However, you can resolve the issue by changing the display frequency settings.
4. Roll back the graphics card driver
Occasionally, an updated driver version comes with bugs. Rolling back to the previous version will resolve the problem in that case.
How do I get Windows to recognize my monitor?
If your Windows is not recognizing the second monitor automatically, you can force your OS to detect it. Follow the below steps to do so:
Once you follow the steps properly and your second monitor is connected to the power supply and the computer, it will surely be detected by your machine.
At times, the operating system doesn’t detect the second monitor automatically; thus, manually detecting it is always an option.
Customizing your second monitor improves the usability of your computer. You canuse the second display to run gamesor any particular application.
How do I customize my second monitor?
While using a second monitor with your PC, Windows offers four different options. Depending on your need, you can select one and start working with it.
Here is an overview of how to customize your second monitor as per your work requirement.
As you connect the second display with your computer, Windows 11 will mirror your primary display on it. If you need to change the usability, follow the steps below.
There are variousdual monitor tools for Windows 11available that may help improve your experience in a dual monitor setup. Third-party dual monitor solutions allow you to customize a lot more than you can usually do on Windows.
Hope the workarounds were helpful to you. Do not hesitate to use the comments section below to tell us which method worked for you.
More about the topics:Multi-monitor guides,Windows 11 Fix
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
