A Guide for the “Second Monitor Not Detected” Error Message

A Guide for the “Second Monitor Not Detected” Error Message

/ Shayne Sherman

What does the “Second Monitor Not Detected” Error Message Mean?

This specific error message means that your computer is not detecting the second monitor that you have connected to it. This could be because the monitor is not turned on, it is not properly connected to your computer, or there is a problem with the drivers for the monitor.

Force Second Display Detection for the Ex

If you are using two monitors simultaneously on windows and facing errors like the second monitor not detected, try to force detect the second display via windows settings. If the computer cannot detect a second monitor, it will not attempt to connect to it. Forcing the detection allows the computer to bypass any potential issues and connect to the second monitor.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings via windows key +I from the keyboard. In the settings menu, select the option of the system.

system information

Step 2: Select the display option from the left pane in the system section.

system display option

Step 3: In-display menu, navigate to multiple displays and click detect button. It will detect and connect to the eternal monitor device.

select detect display

Connect Wireless External Display

If you face a second monitor not detecting errors repeatedly, then using a wireless external display can resolve the issue. The error may be occurring due to wired connections. In this context, the wireless display option is an easy quick-fix solution. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the taskbar’s search box and select the device option in the settings menu.

system information

Step 2: In the devices window, click on the option of Bluetooth and other devices from the left pane. Toggle the button on under the Bluetooth option.

enable bluetooth

Step 3: Add your wireless device to the list by selecting the option of add Bluetooth or other device.

add bluetooth other device windows pc

Step 4: Once connected, click the wireless display or dock option. Select the display mode and follow the on-screen wizard to complete the action.

add wireless dock

Update Graphics Driver

The graphics card driver is essential for connecting to your monitors. By keeping your graphics card driver up-to-date, you can ensure that you get the best performance possible from your system. You can enjoy added stability, security, bug fixes, and new features. Updating your graphics card driver is easy and can be done in just a few clicks.

The second monitor not detected error may arise due to outdated video graphics drivers on the device. In this regard, updating the graphics driver can help to fix the problem. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility by windows key +R

Step 2: In the run command box, type devmgmt.msc and click ok to continue. It will launch the device manager.

device manager

Step 3: In the device manager menu, select the option of display adapter and expand it. A list of all graphic drivers will appear on the screen. 

Step 4: Right-click the targeted drivers and select the update driver option from the context menu. 

updating graphics driver

Step 5: In the next step, select the option to Search automatically for drivers. The operating system will scan for all available options and install the compatible ones.

automatically search graphics driver

Reinstall the Driver for the Graphics Card

If updating the graphic drivers didn’t resolve the error, i.e., the second monitor not detected, then consider reinstalling the graphics driver on the device. In this context, Uninstalling the drivers from the device manager utility and reinstalling them from the manufacturer’s web page is the viable option. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the device manager from the main menu. Right-click the windows icon and select the device manager option from the list. 

windows search device manager

Step 2: In the next window, navigate to the drivers tab, select the targeted graphic card drivers, and right-click to select uninstall. Once the process completes, reboot the device to let it automatically reinstall compatible drivers for running the application on your device. 

uninstall graphics driver

Rollback Graphics Driver

If the driver’s update installed on the device is not compatible with the operating system and you are still getting the error message, i.e., second monitor not detected, then rolling back to the last version of the graphics driver can resolve the issue. A device manager can be used for this purpose. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the device manager by typing device in the search box of the taskbar in the windows main menu, and double-click the option in the list to launch the feature.

Step 2: In the device manager window, expand the option of display adapters and select the targeted graphics driver from the list.

Step 3: Right-click the driver to select the properties option from the context menu.

graphics driver properties

Step 4: In the properties pop-up window, navigate to the drivers tab and select roll back drivers. Click ok to complete the action. Restart the device to check if the error is resolved.

roll back graphics driver

Change Your Monitor Frequency and Set Monitor Refresh Rates to the Same

Changing the monitor frequency or refresh rate, i.e., the speed at which an image changes and moves to the next display, can also settle the second monitor not detected an error. Here is how you can perform a quick fix to resolve the problem.

Step 1: Launch settings from the taskbar’s search box by typing settings and double click the option to launch.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of the system.

system information

Step 3: Select the display option from the left pane in the next window.

Step 4: In the display section, move to multiple display, followed by clicking on the option of display adapter properties.

advanced display settings

Step 5: In the properties window, navigate to the monitor tab, and under the section of screen refresh rate, set the number to 60Hz. Click the option of apply followed by clicking ok to save the changes.

screen refresh rate

The refresh rate should be the same for both displays, i.e., the same for the second monitor not detected an error. Here are the steps to follow:

Follow all the steps mentioned above to reach advanced display settings via the windows settings feature.

Step 1: In advanced display settings, click Display adapter properties for Display 1 followed by clicking Display adapter properties for Display 2 to set the refresh rates for displays via the properties window.

display adapter selection

Step 2: In the properties menu, navigate to the monitor tab, and under the screen refresh rate option, set the same values for both displays. Click apply and ok to complete the action.

individual refresh rate

Change Your Project Mode

You can change your project mode to connect your device to the second monitor. By doing this, you’ll be able to mirror your device’s display onto the other monitor.

If you wish to project the displays for both monitors on the same window, here are the steps to follow to resolve the second monitor not detected anerror.

Step 1: Click and press the windows key+ P on the keyboard.

Step 2: In the pop-up list, select the option of the duplicate to screen the display of both monitor devices simultaneously.

select duplicate display

Keep Your Operating System Updated

Operating system (OS) updates are crucial for a smooth and secure connection to your monitors. Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit, leaving your computer and data vulnerable to attack. Additionally, outdated software can cause compatibility issues with newer hardware or software, resulting in errors or crashes.

By keeping your OS up to date, you can ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, minimizing your risk of being hacked or experiencing technical problems. Additionally, many OS updates include new features or enhancements that can improve your computing experience. So make sure to keep your OS up to date and enjoy a safe, smooth and productive computing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Second Monitor Not Detected

How do I Use My Settings App to Detect the Second Monitor?

If you are using a Windows computer:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Click on “System.”
3. Click on “Display.”
4. Under the “Multiple Displays” heading, you should see information about your second monitor, including its model name and number.

Should I Have Multiple Monitors for My Network?

A multiple-monitor setup can benefit your network if you have tasks requiring a lot of screen space. For example, if you are a network administrator and need to keep track of several open windows at once, having multiple monitors can give you the extra screen space you need to be effective.

Also, many people find it helpful to have a separate monitor for their email or instant messaging client to keep their main working area clear of distractions.

Can My Monitor Settings Affect the Detections?

Yes, your monitor settings can affect the detections. It may be difficult for the software to detect the subject if you have a bright or colorful background behind your subject. Try adjusting your monitor settings to make the background as neutral as possible.

How do I Connect to My External Monitor?

First, go to System Preferences > Displays and click on the “Arrangement” tab. You should see your computer’s screen on the left and the external monitor on the right.

Drag the white bar to the left or right to make the external monitor the main display. If you are using a Windows computer, go to Control Panel > Display > Change Display Settings. Under “Display,” you should see your computer’s screen and the external monitor. Drag the white bar to the left or right to make the external monitor the main display.

How does My Device Driver Affect my Monitor Detection?

If you have an updated device driver installed for your monitor, Windows will be more likely to detect your monitor correctly. If you don’t have a device driver installed, Windows may not be able to see your monitor correctly.

What’s the Purpose of a Monitor and Graphics Card?

A monitor is used to display information, while a graphics card processes the information that is sent to the monitor. A graphics card also helps improve the quality of the image displayed on the monitor.

Do Display Drivers Affect the Connection to Monitors?

Display drivers are essential for a smooth connection to monitors. They help to ensure that the image on the screen is transparent and without any errors. If there are any problems with the display drivers, it can cause the image on the screen to be distorted or even wholly unrecognizable. This can be very frustrating for users and make it challenging to get work done or complete tasks.

Can I Have Too Many Monitors?

It is possible that having too many monitors can impact your connection to them. This is because having too many devices connected to your computer can overload the ports and lead to decreased performance. Additionally, if you have multiple monitors, each one will use precious system resources, leading to reduced performance.

What is a Dual Monitor Setup?

A dual monitor setup is a computer configuration with two monitors connected to one computer. This allows you to have more screen space to work with and can be helpful for multitasking.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.