Re: How to fix greyed out 'Hide modes that this monitor cannot display' « Reply #16 on: February 04, 2012, 10:07:08 PM » Love my Dell Mini 9 but probably going to replace it with a Mac Book for the heck of it.
Using a second monitor is an easy and convenient way to create a larger canvas to work with multiple apps, edit videos, and even play games on your desktop or tablet running Windows 10.
Using multiple monitors can be hugely beneficial, while working at home or anywhere else. While connecting an external display is usually a plug-and-play process, occasionally, Windows 10 may not be able to detect the second monitor as a result of hardware or driver related issues. However, if you're having problems, there are a number of troubleshooting steps that you can use (such as checking the connection and installing the correct drivers) to fix the issue in no time.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve issues, causing a second monitor not getting detected automatically on your device.
How to fix external monitor connection issues using hardware troubleshooting
When a device isn't detecting a second monitor, the chances are that you're experiencing a software-related issue, but it could also be a problem with the physical connection.
If Windows 10 can't detect the second monitor, before modifying any settings (and assuming it's connected to a power source), you should try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your computer to re-establish the connection.
- Using the built-in controls on your monitor, make sure the correct input is selected.
- Check the cable connection between the monitor and the graphics card.
- Disconnect the cable from both ends, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it again.
- Use a different cable, as the issue could be the pins in the connector or a bad cable. Also, if you're connecting a new display, make sure you're not using the incorrect cable.
- If the monitor and graphics card include multiple ports, try switching ports.
- Connect the monitor to another computer to determine if it's not a problem with the monitor.
- Connect another working monitor to determine if it's not an issue with the graphics card.
- If you're using a Surface Pro 7 with a dock station, disconnect it, and try to connect the monitor straight to the device to determine if the Surface Dock is causing issues.
- Depending on the type of display you're trying to set up as a second monitor, you may need to update its firmware to fix bugs or compatibility issues. (Check your display manufacturer's support website to find out how to apply the latest firmware update.)
After trying the basic troubleshooting steps outlined above, if nothing seems to be fixing the second monitor, then you can start troubleshooting for software related problems.
If it turns out the problem to be a bad monitor, or you're in the market for a new one, the Dell UltraSharp U2719D is our top pick right now.
Second monitor
Dell UltraSharp U2719D
A second monitor that works
Dell makes some excellent monitors, and the U2719D is a good example. It has everything you need, including HDMI and DisplayPort, IPS panel, and a resolution of 2560x1440, perfect to use as a second monitor.
How to fix external monitor connection issues using Settings
If you have determined that there's not a physical connection problem, you can use the Settings app to force Windows 10 to detect the second monitor.
Forcing second display detection
To detect a second monitor manually with the Display settings, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Display.
Under the 'Rearrange your displays' section, click the Detect button in the bottom-right corner (if applicable).
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 should be able to detect the second monitor, which you can then set up as needed using the Display settings.
Connecting wireless display
When trying to connect a wireless display, you can use these steps to connect as a second monitor on your device:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
Click the Add Bluetooth & other devices button.
Source: Windows Central
Select the Wireless display or dock option.
Source: Windows Central
- Confirm the wireless display is turned on and discoverable (refer to device manual).
- Select the display from the list.
- Continue with the on-screen directions.
After you complete the steps, the wireless monitor should now be detected as a new external display.
How to fix external monitor connection issues using latest graphics driver
On Windows 10, a corrupted, buggy, or outdated version of the graphics driver can prevent a second monitor from getting recognized. The easiest way to resolve this problem is to update, reinstall, or downgrade to an older version of the graphics driver to fix the connection between the external monitor and computer.
Updating graphics driver using Device Manager
To update the graphics card driver using Device Manager to fix the second monitor detection problem, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
- Double-click to expand the Display adapters branch.
Right-click the adapter, and select the Update driver option.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option.
Source: Windows Central
- Restart your computer.
If Windows Update can find a newer driver, then it'll download and install the update automatically, hopefully fixing any issues with the external monitor.
Reinstalling graphics driver
To reinstall a video card driver that may be corrupted or not working correctly, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
- Double-click to expand the Display adapters branch.
Right-click the adapter, and select the Uninstall device option.
Source: Windows Central
- Clear the Delete the driver software from this device option.
Click the Uninstall button.
Source: Windows Central
- Restart computer.
- Open Device Manager again.
Right-click the computer name and select the Scan for hardware changes option.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will try to reinstall the graphics driver automatically during startup, but it's a good idea to use the steps to ensure the driver installs correctly.
Rolling back graphics driver
In the case that Windows 10 can't detect a second monitor as a result of a problem with a driver update, you can roll back the previous graphics driver to resolve the issue.
To remove and reinstall an older version of a graphics driver, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
- Double-click to expand the Display adapters branch.
Right-click the adapter, and select the Properties option.
Source: Windows Central
- Click the Driver tab.
Click the Roll Back DriverBootcamp drivers asix. button.
Source: Windows Central
Quick tip: If the button isn't available, you can't rollback the driver. However, you might be still able to use an older version of the driver if it's available from your device manufacturer's support website.
- Select an option to answer the question.
Click the Yes button.
Source: Windows Central
- Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, Windows 10 should be able to detect and start displaying content on the external monitor.
Updating graphics driver with manufacturer control panel
Although you can use Windows Update to download and install graphics drivers, it doesn't always have the most up-to-date versions. However, you can use the control panel from your video card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel) to get the latest updates available for your video card, which may be able to help to fix issues with the external display.
If you choose to use your manufacturer control panel, the installation is straightforward, download and double-click the installer using the above links, and continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation and then check for updates.
Alternatively, you can download and install the latest graphics drivers directly from your manufacturer's support website using their instructions.
If you don't know which graphics card and version of the driver you have, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for System Information and click the top result to open the app.
- Double-click to expand the Components branch on the left pane.
- Select the Display category.
See the Adapter Type and Driver Version information to determine the card model and current version of the drive.
Source: Windows Central
Using this information, you can use the above links to find, download, and install the correct driver for your device.
Our top graphics card pick is the ZOTAC Gaming RTX 2060 because of its excellent performance and ports to connect multiple monitors.
Multi-monitor support
ZOTAC Gaming RTX 2060
The RTX 2060 offers multi-monitor support
If you need to replace your GPU, the RTX 2060 is a great option. Not only the card offers excellent performance for gaming and workloads, but it also includes multiple DisplayPort and HDMI ports perfect for multi-monitor setups.
Typically, device manufacturers (such as Dell, HP, Razer, Acer, and Microsoft) can modify the original drivers to optimize them on their devices. This means that when dealing with a branded computer (also known as an OEM device), you should always consider using the graphics driver available through your computer manufacturer before trying those available through the video card company to minimize issues.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
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Hi folks!
Before I begin, heres some relevant details:
Win2k + SP2
Geforce2MX, nVidia's 12.41 drivers (WHQL)
Philips CM1300 (17', max. refresh 85hz) - detected by Windows.
Click on it. You should see an element named Character Map. For older versions of Windows, you can click the Start button, and find All programs Accessories System Tools Character Map. Another way to do this, is: Start Run type “charmap” on the text field, and press Enter on your keyboard.With the help of the character map you can choose any font, such as the Wingdings chart, a group of characters (like Greek, or mathematical symbols) and copy the text characters you need. You can write them by double-clicking on them and copying-and-pasting them from there, wherever you want.
Being a big WinUAE fan, I've been trying to use PowerStrip to set up a 640x512 custom resolution (PAL Amigas use 320x256, but im using scanlines, so the screensize is doubled..) for getting the perfect emulation experience.
I've successfully added the resolution, and after a reset, PowerStrip still lists it, so its definately defined there in the registry. Unfortunately, it doesnt show up in the 'Screen Area' settings in the Win2k desktop panel, and more (probably related) doesnt appear in WinUAE's screen configuration panel.
I've tried everything! How can I 'enable' this custom resolution?
I think it might be related to the 'Hide modes this monitor does not support' check box in the the display--->Advanced--->Monitor config panel; this is ticked, and grayed over, thus preventing me from un-ticking it. Is there a regkey somewhere which controls the state of this option? And more importantly how can I unlock this checkbox? I've definately been able to freely enable/disable it in the past..but for some reason not anymore ;(
I stated above that Im using the 12.41 drivers. These are the WHQL ones, which I reckon might have something to do with it..so im currently downloading the non-WHQL release to see if this unlocks anything.
Any suggestions people?
Cheers,
James