Windows 10: External monitor not working on second screen only.

So for my laptop DELL XPS 9560, I have a external monitor that I would like to use. At first this monitor did not work at all with the laptop. I set the settings to duplicate and altered the refresh rate of the 2nd monitor from 59.94 to 60Hz and that's when it started working.When switching to extend the monitor had the same problem. The refresh rate was again set at 59.94 and when set to 60Hz it worked.Now I'd like to use it as second screen only, only the screen does not work when I try this. Maybe the refresh rate is still wrong and that's why it doesn't work?I updated windows/drivers so do

:)

 

Laptop screen will only work once it has been connected to an external monitor, even if that monitor is switched off

Having an issue whereby I cannot see or use the Laptop screen without first plugging it into an external monitor.

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  Upon Windows startup unconnected to any external monitor
  
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    DELL opening logo can be seen on Laptop screen
    
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    Screen goes black with backlight
    
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    Mouse pointer can be seen onscreen if moved to the right, as though a second monitor is connected on the left hand side.
    
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    Attempting to press enter and type in password in the correct order as though the screen was functional does not do anything
    
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  Upon connecting to an external monitor (even if switched off)
  
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    Laptop screen will suddenly appear, all functionality restored
    
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  Upon disconnecting again from external monitor
  
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    Laptop screen remains visible and functional
    
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    Lock screen /unlock screen no problem
    
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  Upon shutting and opening the laptop lid
  
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    Screen black with backlight, same results as windows startup, mouse pointer can be seen and moved as though a second screen is connected on the left
    
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    No functionality until reconnected, even for a second, with an external monitor.
    

Troubleshooting:

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  Restarting multiple times, checking multiple display screen is not activated:
  
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Second monitor screen resolution problem

Hi,

For us to properly isolate the issue with your second monitor screen resolution, we would like to know the following:

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  Were there any changes made on your computer prior to the issue (e.g., updates, software installation)?
  
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  When did the issue first begin?
  
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  To make sure that we have not missed on anything, what troubleshooting steps have you done so far?
  

In the meantime, we suggest that you try resetting your monitor settings, and check if the issue still persists. You may refer to your monitor on how to reset it.

We look forward to your response.

 

Second external monitor won't work

Ok so the first thing I tried was to roll back the driver. After restart none of the external monitors worked so unistalled it completely and restarted. After restart, the gpu driver was reinstalled by windows and external monitors worked just as before. Download latest drivers from the link you gave me, no difference, it behaves exactly the same. One thing I noticed though which makes no sense: if I reboot the laptop with both monitors plugged in, when Windows starts loading I only get picture on one of the external screens for a few seconds, then that screen switches itself off and the other 2 screens switch on...