One of the features of Windows 10 that gamers and content creators like is the ease of adding additional monitors to the system. This additional monitor will improve productivity or enhance the gaming experience. If your graphics card has multiple video output ports then you will be able to connect multiple monitors to it. Sometimes though, certain issues can occur when using a multiple monitor setup. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the windows 10 second monitor not detected issue.
How To Fix Windows 10 Second Monitor Not Detected Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Change the projection mode
The first thing you will need to do in this case is to make sure that you have properly set the projection mode of Windows 10. This allows the graphics card to act on what to do with the second monitor.
- Press the Windows + P keys to open Projection mode
- Choose proper projection mode between four options: PC screen only ( for single monitor iuse), Duplicate ( for multiple monitor use), Extend ( for multiple monitor use), Extend ( for multiple monitor use), Second screen only.
Check if the Windows 10 second monitor not detected issue still occurs.
Turn off computer and monitor
Try refreshing the whole system by turning off the computer and monitor. You should also disconnect the connection of the monitors from the computer.
- Turn OFF your computer.
- Turn OFF your monitors
- Unplug all power cables from computers and monitors.
- Unplug all cables between computers and monitors.
- Wait few minutes
- Plug all cables back in
- Turn ON your computer and monitors
Check if the Windows 10 second monitor not detected issue still occurs.
Refresh the display adapters
- Hold Windows logo and press R
- Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter
- Navigate to Display adapter and choose your graphic card
- Right click on graphic card and select Disable
- Right click on graphic card and select Enable
- Restart your machine
- Project your screen on second monitor
Check if the Windows 10 second monitor not detected issue still occurs.
Reinstall the monitor driver
- Hold Windows logo and press R
- Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter
- Navigate to Monitors and choose your monitor
- Right click on your monitor and choose Uninstall
- Click Uninstall to confirm uninstalling monitor
- Restart your computer
- Project your screen on second monitor
Check if the Windows 10 second monitor not detected issue still occurs.
Turn on multiple display from Nvidia control panel
If you are using an Nvidia graphics card then try turning on the multiple display setting from the Nvidia control panel.
- Click Start menu and type NVIDIA Control Panel
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel
- Choose Display
- Click Set up multiple displays
- Select displays you want to use
- Click Save
- Restart your computer
Check if the Windows 10 second monitor not detected issue still occurs.
Other steps to try
- Try using a different cable to connect the monitor and computer.
- Try updating the graphics card driver.
- Make sure the motherboard is running on the latest BIOS version.