Fix: Windows Does Not Detect Second Display After Update

If your second monitor stopped being detected after a Windows update, follow these troubleshooting steps to restore the connection.

Step 1: Force Windows to Detect the Second Display

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → Display.
3. Scroll down to Multiple displays and click Detect.
4. Press Windows + P and select Extend to enable dual display mode.

Step 2: Check and Reconnect Cables

Ensure that the second monitor is properly connected:

• Unplug and reconnect the HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable.
• Try using a different cable or port.
• Check if the monitor works on another PC to rule out hardware issues.

Step 3: Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers

If the problem started after a Windows update, the graphics driver may need updating or rolling back.

Update Graphics Driver

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Roll Back Graphics Driver

1. In Device Manager, right-click your graphics card and select Properties.
2. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if available.
3. Restart your PC.

Step 4: Reset Display Settings

Incorrect display settings may cause detection issues. To reset:

1. Press Windows + X and select Run.
2. Type ms-settings:display and press Enter.
3. Click Advanced display settings and set the correct resolution for both monitors.

Step 5: Perform a System Restore

If none of the above methods work, you can restore your system to a previous state before the update:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Select a restore point before the update and follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Windows not detecting your second display. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling your graphics drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website.

For more “Windows 10” solutions, please check our Windows 10.