Windows 10: EXTERNAL MONITORS RANDOMLY SWITCHING SIDES WHILE WORKING

I have a laptop with two idential brand/model external monitors. I have them set up on each side of my main laptop monitor. Every hour or so while I am actively working on the computer the monitors randomly switch sides. I go in to display, click identify and drag the numbered boxes back into their correct placement. Today it has happened about every 15 minutes and I am about to throw it across the room. I work from home, for 10-14 hour shifts and this constant switching of screens at random times when I am in the middle of using them not when the computer is asleep is driving me to insani

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external monitors switch off randomly - possibly connected to Skype for Business usage?

Hi Robert,

It is possible that you're experiencing issues with your external monitors due to corrupted or outdated drivers. To assist you better, I'd like to gather more information:

• Are you using the same device when connecting your laptop to your external monitors?
• Have you tried updating your drivers?

Meanwhile, if not, I suggest that you follow the steps in this article about updating drivers in Windows
10.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

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.

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

Troubleshooting:

• 
  Restarting multiple times, checking multiple display screen is not activated:
  
• 
  

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum
category.***

 

external monitors switch off randomly - possibly connected to Skype for Business usage?

I am encountering a scenario where the external monitors connected to my laptop switch off unexpectedly. the laptop still thinks they are connected (display properties shows 3 monitors) but the only way I have found to get them back to life is to either
(a) put the laptop to sleep and wake it or (b) do a restart.

This happens both

• in the office, when the laptop is docked, in which case the external monitors are connected to display port sockets on the docking station. Inthis case the monitors switch off and will only come back after sleep/wake or restart.
• at home, with an external monitor connected to the HDMI port on the laptop. In this case sometime the monitor will go off for a few seconds then come back, other occasions its the same as (1)
  

The problem only occurs after the laptop has been powered on for some time, and it seems to be connected to using Skype for Business. As best I can recall the monitors only switch off when I am on a SfB call or meeting.