In some cases, as a PC user, on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer, you may encounter the issue whereby your PC can’t project to another screen, Surface does not connect to TV or Second screen, or Windows cannot detect the second monitor. In this post, we provide the most suitable solutions to resolve the Windows not detecting HDMI or 4K TV issue.
Windows 11 not detecting HDMI TV or 4K TV
If on your PC Windows 11/10 is not detecting an HDMI or 4K TV, you can try the solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps resolve the issue on your device.
- Restart PC
- Manually detect Display
- Check and change the projection setting
- Update display driver
- Change Multiple Display Operating Mode (Intel Graphics)
- Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Let’s take a look at the descriptions of the processes involved for each listed solution.
Before you proceed with the solutions below, we suggest you run the following basic troubleshooting routines:
- Check whether HDMI cable is correctly inserted into your PC and monitor/TV.
- Unplug the HDMI cable from your computer/TV and reattach the cable.
- Inspect the HDMI ports (PC and monitor/TV) and make sure there are no debris or dirt and use a soft-bristled brush to clean those ports.
- Try another HDMI cable to see if it’s a faulty one.
You can proceed with the solutions listed below if after the pre-checks above your PC still can’t establish an HDMI connection with the HDMI TV or monitor.
1] Restart PC
This solution to the Windows 11/10 is not detecting HDMI TV issue requires you to restart the PC with the HDMI cable attached and TV turned on. After your PC has restarted, follow the instructions in the guide on how to connect Windows Laptop to TV or Projector via HDMI to be sure you properly and correctly set up your PC with the HDMI TV or monitor.
After the setup and you connect your computer to the TV via HDMI cable, make sure that you select the correct HDMI port from your TV remote (since most TV have multiple HDMI ports named HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc) and on your PC make sure the HDMI TV is set as default/primary device.
2] Manually detect Display
You may encounter this issue if you are trying to connect an old monitor or TV to your Windows 11/10 PC: Windows might not automatically detect the HDMI TV. To resolve the issue, you need to manually detect the display.
To manually detect Display in Windows 11, do the following:
- Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click System > Display.
- On the right pane, scroll down and click Multiple displays section to expand.
- Now, click the Detect button for the Detect other display option.
- Exit Settings app when done.
To manually detect Display in Windows 10, do the following:
- Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click System.
- On the left pane, select Display.
- On the right pane, scroll to the Multiple displays section.
- Click the Detect button.
- Once done, exit the Settings app.
You can now check if your PC detects the connected HDMI TV. Otherwise, try the next solution.
3] Check and change projection setting
In Windows 11/10, PC users can project visuals to a second monitor using any of the following options:
- PC screen only
- Duplicate
- Extend
- Second screen only
This solution requires you to do the following: With your PC connected to your HDMI TV/monitor, use the WinKey+P keyboard shortcut to launch the Windows Project to a second screen menu, and make sure that the projection setting isn’t set to PC screen only option.
If this is not the case, but the issue in hand is unresolved, try the next solution.
4] Update display driver
This solution requires you to update your graphics driver installed on your Windows 11/10 PC and see if that helps to resolve the issue in view. You can manually update drivers via Device Manager if you have already downloaded the .inf or .sys file for the driver, or update the driver via Command Prompt.
You can as well get the driver updates on the Optional Updates section under Windows Update or you may also download the latest version of the driver from the graphics card manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you can use any of the free Driver Update software to automatically update your drivers on your system.
5] Change Multiple Display Operating Mode (Intel Graphics)
This solution requires you to manually change your PC’s Multiple Displays Operating Mode using the Intel Graphics Control Panel. Here’s how:
- Right-click any blank space on your PC’s desktop.
- Select Graphics Properties from the context menu to launch the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel.
- In the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel, select Basic Mode.
- Click OK.
- Under the Display section, select Multiple Displays.
- Click the Operating Mode drop-down.
- Now, check if the Intel Graphics Control Panel detects your HDMI monitor. If it does, you should see options to duplicate or extend your screen.
For NVIDIA users, you can install/update the NVIDIA Control Panel from the Microsoft Store and then manually force-detect your HDMI monitor or TV by following the instructions at nvidia.custhelp.com.
For AMD users, the AMD Radeon Settings can be configured as described at amd.com/en/support to force-detect an HDMI display on your PC.
But before that, ensure your AMD or NVIDIA graphics card driver is up-to-date.
6] Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
To rule out the possibility of a faulty HDMI TV or monitor, this solution requires you to run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter to fix problematic devices. You can also manually check for faulty components if the issue isn’t with new hardware – otherwise, you may consider replacing the HDMI TV.
Hope this helps!
Related post: HDMI Audio device not detected in Windows
Why won’t my computer detect my TV HDMI?
There could be a number of reasons why your computer is unable to detect your TV HDMI. In any case, try the following basic suggestions:
- Make sure to set HDMI as the default output connection for both video and audio.
- Try booting PC with the HDMI cable connected to a TV that is on.
- Boot the computer while the TV is off and then turn on the TV.
Why does my TV say HDMI no signal?
The message “No Signal” may appear on your TV screen after selecting an input. So, make sure the correct input is selected, and you select an input that’s connected to an active device. This message may appear after updating your Android TV software.
