Windows 10: How can I adjust display settings with a 2nd monitor connected via HDMI before plugging it in?

I selected the "Show on 2" option while the monitor was connected, but now the monitor will not display any content from the laptop just shows an error screen as if the HDMI wasn't connected, so I cannot switch the display settings back to "Duplicate displays," "Extend displays," or "Show on 1."

:)

 

3 monitors won't display in settings windows 10

Thanks for trying but this was not the problem. I have it solved. I had a hdmi splitter for the 2 external monitors, which was suggested by Staples. An hdmi splitter is stupid because whatever is on 1 monitor is on the 2nd monitor, DUH, it's a splitter.
And this is why in "Display Settings" only my laptop monitor & 1 monitor was shown. Solved by returning the hdmi splitter, plugging in 1 monitor directly to my laptop hdmi socket and getting a usb to hdmi adapter which plugs into my laptop usb socket & my
2nd monitor plugs into the hdmi side of the adapter. Instantly all 3 monitors were shown in "Display Settings".

 

2nd monitor set up

When attempting to connect 2nd monitor to pc running a hdmi cable from 2nd monitor to a dvi/hdmi adapter on computer I lose video display on the 1st monitor? How can this be fixed?

Thank you.

pm

 

No display on monitor when TV set as primary display

Issue solved

Removed DVI/HDMI cable from computer and monitor

Step 1: Check if the VGA monitor cable is defective.

1. Turn off computer
   
2. Connect the monitor VGA cable from the monitor to the VGA port on the computer
   
3. Turn on computer, VGA monitor cable is good.
   
   Step 2: Tun off computer
   

1. Connect HDMI Cable to HDMI port and TV
   
2. Turn on computer and TV, there is no monitor black screen
   
3. Click on the Windows logo, select the Settings icon , and then select
   
   System. Under Display there are two squares, labeled 1 and 2
   
   D Click on Advanced Display Settings:
   
   Display information: Display 1- Monitor Display 2 -TV
   
   E Right-click the Speakers icon in
   the taskbar, select Sound, click on Playback devices,
   
   
   a s tv screen with my brand shows
   AMD High Definition Audio Device ready.
   
   F. Problem solved
   
   
   
   Cause of the problem: Defective VGA port on the Syba VGA HD15+ 3.5 Audio to HDMI converter