Windows 10: Docking computer changes monitor display

Currently having the following issue on multiple Windows 10 devices in my organization for the past few months. I mainly see this on Surface Pro/Book models, but have also seen this on some Dell laptops. Please note that all devices are running on Windows 10 version 1909, and we check and update firmware monthly. All devices are currently up to date. Stations are set up with two external monitors and it is up to the user whether they wish to use the laptop screen as a third.


Two persistant issues are occuring with external monitors. The first is monitor order being arbitrarily changed when docking. This seems to happen most often after presenting to a Microsoft Wireless Display adapter, disconnecting from the device, and then docking. Monitors two and three will swap positions and the opposite will then be the "main display"


The second issue is more frequent. After docking, one or both external displays will be detected, but the user is unable to select anything other than "Disconnect this Display" from the settings menu. Choosing any other option will immediately set it back to "Disconnect this Display". The only work around we've discovered is to uninstall the Graphics Driver and let it reinstall, however the issue returns in a week or so.


I've scoured the forums, and tried all the normal checks. I've made sure that all updates are current for the computer, the docking station, and the OS. Power settings have been updated so screens don't go to sleep as long as there is power. As a test, one of the users had their entire setup replaced, new monitors, docking station, and computer, and within a week the issue returned.

:)

 

Custom Display Scaling on Multiple Monitors w/ Dock

Hello,

I've encountered the world's most infuriating problem for which I do not believe there is a solution. I recently purchased an HP ZBook 14u w/ it's associated thunderbolt dock. I have two 24" 4K displays connected to the dock. For the monitors, under scale
and layout I've set scaling to 225% (which IS listed under available pre-set scaling options) and they look fantastic. For the laptop screen however, the recommended setting is 300% (too big) with the setting below that being 250% (too small). Setting a custom
scale of 275% is perfect. The problem is, if I set custom scaling on the laptop screen, and then plug it into the dock, it carries over to the two monitors (changing them to 275%) making them too big. It seems there is no way to set custom scaling for an individual
display. It also seems that there is no way to add a certain scale percentage (in this case 275%) to the list of available options within the settings on the laptop screen without setting a custom number.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? Are there any drivers, registry tweaks or custom apps that can allow me to set custom scaling for an individual screen and not have it carry over to all the displays when I connect the laptop to the dock?

 

DVI not working on extended monitor with Surface Book docking station

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.



I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

• 
  Make sure the power light for the docking station is on
  
• 
  Make sure the monitor is getting power
  
• 
  Make sure the cable is connected properly to the monitor
  
• 
  Unplug and reconnect the Mini-DVI adapter on the back of your docking station
  
• 
  Try flipping the connector for the adapter over (turns out some adapters can go in upside-down)
  
• 
  Take the Surface out of the docking station then put it back in
  
  
  

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.

 

Display isn't active - can't detect external displays

Hi,

I would suggest you try the below solutions one by one to fix the issue.

Solution 1 — Clear your display cache to fix display issues

If you’re having problems with your external monitor connected to your Surface Dock, try clearing your display cache:

Step 1:

Disconnect your Surface from the Surface Dock.

Step 2:

Download the Surface Dock registry file and open it.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/8/5/5/8...

Step 3:

Select and run surface dock registry.reg.

Step 4:

Click Yes to allow changes to your Surface > click OK.

Step 5:

Restart your Surface > reconnect it to the Surface Dock > test your external display.

Solution 2—Reset the dock and monitor

If you still can’t use your external monitor, try resetting it together with the dock:

Step 1:

Remove the Surface Connector from your Surface > plug it in again.

Step 2:

Unplug your Surface Dock from the power outlet > plug it in again.

Step 3:

Unplug your monitor from the power outlet > plug it back in.

Regards

Shuaib

Independent Advisor