Windows 10: Surface 5 laptop won't recognize external displays

Good morning, My Surface 5 laptop won't recognize external displays. I've tried:- resetting the computer- resetting the external display- checking the port/source settings- switching cables- switching docks- switching external monitors- using the Surface app to troubleshoot - clearing my display cacheNone of this has worked. What am I missing?

:)

 

Brand new Surface Laptop running 11 not recognizing external montiors

Hi ryan s4,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. We're sorry for the trouble this has caused you.

I'm aware that you're having problems connecting your Surface laptop to an external monitor. I am here to help and let us work on this together. Allow me to ask some questions to help me further isolate the issue.

• May I know what build version of Windows are you currently running?
  
• Which model of Lenovo external monitor did you use?
  
• What kind of cable is being used?
  

For the meantime, kindly try the following steps below to troubleshoot your device.

Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

See: Fix common Surface problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (microsoft.com)

Cables are an essential part of having a working connection to your external display.

• If using an HDMI video cable, make sure it's rated version 2.0, or, if using DisplayPort cable, it's rated 1.2, and is no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Longer cables can affect video quality.
  
• If using thunderbolt connection with USB-C, make sure your cable is rated version 4.0.
  
• Make sure all the video connections are secure. Check the connection from the USB-C port or Mini DisplayPort on your Surface, docking station, any video adapter you are using, and the input connection on your external display.
  
• Use the cable that came with your monitor, and if using USB-C, confirm it supports video.
  
• If you're using a video extension cable or video adapter or converter, remove it from your set up to see if it’s causing the problem.
  

Clear your display cache.

Here's how to clear your cache:

1. Undock your Surface from the Surface Dock or disconnect the monitor from your Surface.
   
2. Download the Surface Dock registry file. Choose to Open the file. This file will clear your cache, whether you have a dock or not.
   
3. Select and run surface dock registry.reg.
   
4. Select Yes to allow changes to your Surface, select Yes to confirm, and then select OK to close.
   
5. Restart your Surface, reconnect the Dock and/or monitors, and try your external display again.
   

Update drivers and firmware for your Surface.

Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Laptop. Then click the link next to Surface Laptop 5 then click Download on the next page. Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next. After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart.

For more troubleshooting guide, see Troubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display - Microsoft Support.

Let me know how it goes.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

 

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

 

Hp laptop screen won’t display except occasionally

I would like to note that step 20 comes up with no files. Perhaps this could be the source of the issues?