Windows 10: Is the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter capable of handling multiple screens?

I have an older Dell Optiplex 780, I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 a while back, and upgraded the RAM to 16 Gb a couple years ago. I am using a VGA port for one monitor older and a DP port for the new one. The system will not detect second monitor. I rebooted the system and now the screen mirrors but will not extend. The system uses a Microsoft Basic Display Adapter. The driver is updated, Can I upgrade it or install a different driver? Do I need a new graphics card? Ideas?

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Is the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter capable of handling multiple screens?

Hello, this is Emily.

The Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is a basic graphics driver that is included with Windows and is designed to provide display functionality in the absence of a proper graphics driver. It is not designed to handle multiple screens, and therefore, it may not be able to detect your second monitor or extend the display.

I did check the drivers for this model on Dell, but all drivers are very old.. more than 10 years old, so this is why Microsoft gave you the generic driver instead. Is it the VGA or the DP port that's not recognized? If it is VGA, it comes from the integrated GPU, hence it is not just simply about replacing GPU.

 

Is the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter capable of handling multiple screens?

Hey Chris, we are still in the process of trying to figure out a plan for you here.. so if you don't think my last response resolved your issue, that's because I still need some additional information. I asked about what's listed in Device Manager > Display Adapters, because I need to see if you have a dedicated GPU listed there besides the basic generic driver. If you still want to continue this thread, please provide the information.

 

Is the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter capable of handling multiple screens?

I have an older Dell Optiplex 780, I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 a while back, and upgraded the RAM to 16 Gb a couple years ago. I am using a VGA port for one monitor (older) and a DP port for the new one. The system will not detect second monitor. I rebooted the system and now the screen mirrors but will not extend. The system uses a Microsoft Basic Display Adapter. The driver is updated, Can I upgrade it or install a different driver? Do I need a new graphics card? Ideas?