Technology

How to Resolve the Issue of HDMI Connections Causing a Black Screen

Having difficulty connecting your computer to its external display via HDMI? Connectivity issues such as the external display turning black are a common issue, but don't fret - there are solutions to help get your device working again.

Administrator

26 September, 2023

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Windows computers offer the convenient ability to connect to external displays using different methods, including HDMI cables. However, some users may encounter certain issues when attempting to connect an external monitor via HDMI. One common problem involves the screen turning black either on the external monitor or the laptop itself. If you are experiencing this issue, follow the instructions provided below to resolve the problem.

Investigating the Issue of a Black Screen when Plugging in HDMI

There can be several factors causing this issue, including a faulty HDMI cable or a malfunctioning HDMI port. However, the likelihood of a faulty HDMI port is relatively low. To troubleshoot the problem of a black computer screen or external monitor when an HDMI connection is established, please follow the steps below.

If your device is not receiving an input signal from the computer connected via HDMI, the screen will remain black. In some cases, there may be a message indicating the cause of the issue.

If you are using an HDMI cable to connect your computer to an external monitor, it is important to ensure proper setup. A misconfigured HDMI connection can result in a black screen. To address and resolve this issue, the following seven solutions are recommended.

Tips for Troubleshooting a Black Computer Screen when HDMI is Connected

Connecting Your Media Streaming Device to the Right HDMI Input

If you encounter a black screen when connecting your computer to a TV using an HDMI cable, it is likely due to selecting the incorrect HDMI input on your TV. Many TVs offer multiple options for HDMI connections, so it is important to choose the appropriate input for your setup.

Please refer to the screenshot above for a visual representation. It is important to select the correct HDMI option from the available choices within the HDMI 1 input. Failure to do so may result in a black TV screen, even if the input signal is being received from the computer.

Explore Different Projection Settings to Dim Your Home Theater Brightness

On Windows computers, users have various projection settings at their disposal. If you are experiencing difficulty connecting your computer to a television, it is possible that you have selected an incorrect projection option. To rectify this issue, we recommend exploring the available projection settings and experimenting with different options. In order to do so, please follow the step-by-step instructions outlined below:

To adjust your display settings on a Windows computer, simply press the Windows key on your keyboard, followed by the P key, while holding down the Windows key. A menu will appear, offering several display options. Choose the option that best suits your needs.

For the display to be shown exclusively on a laptop screen or desktop computer, select the “PC screen only” option.
Duplicate – The content will be replicated on both the laptop screen and the connected TV or external projector.
Extend: This option allows you to easily move items between the two screens.
Second screen only: The laptop screen will temporarily turn off and the desktop background will be displayed on the secondary screen.

Adjusting the Refresh Rate of Displays

The screen refresh rate refers to the frequency at which the screen is updated per second. This rate plays a vital role in determining the overall smoothness of motion displayed on the device screen. To optimize your user experience, follow these steps to adjust the screen refresh rate to a suitable and optimal level.

Open the “Settings” app by right-clicking on the “Start” menu and selecting “Settings”, or by pressing the “Windows + I” key combination.

Step 2: Select the “Display” option in the left pane and then choose the “Advanced Display” option in the right pane.

Step 3: Select Display

Select the desired display from the drop-down menu on the right of the “Select a display to view or change in settings” section.

Step 4:

Next, navigate to the “Choose a refresh rate” section and select a different refresh rate. Observe how the display reacts to determine the most suitable refresh rate for your current device.

Troubleshooting a Faulty HDMI Connection on Your TV

Please ensure that your HDMI cable is securely connected and that the HDMI port on your device is not defective, as these factors may be causing your screen to go black when HDMI is plugged in. Additionally, please take note that certain output devices are equipped with multiple HDMI ports, so it is important to check all available ports for potential malfunctions. Taking these measures will help you determine if the HDMI port is in fact the source of the problem.

It is also possible that your HDMI cable may be defective, and thus, it should be replaced with a new HDMI cable.

Ensure Your Display Adapter is Enabled

If the Display Adapter feature is disabled, the second screen connected to the HDMI port will remain black. To verify this, you can utilize the Device Manager tool. To do so, connect your computer to the external monitor or TV using an HDMI cable and proceed with the following instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Device Manager on your computer.

Press the Windows + X key combination.
Alternatively, right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.

Step 2:

Expand the Display adapters option below.

Step 3:

Right-click on your current Display adapter and select Enable device. The Enable device option will only be visible when the Display adapter is disabled.

Do You Need a Special Key to Successfully Work from Home?

Some laptops come with dedicated Fn keys that allow users to switch between different display modes. To find specific information about these keys, it is advisable to visit the official website of the computer manufacturer. For instance, the ASUS Vivobook laptop utilizes the Fn function key to activate the Display mode.

Several users have reported that this solution successfully resolved their issue. We recommend trying the following steps:

1. Locate and press the dedicated key, if available, that corresponds to the specific function you are experiencing difficulty with.

Please give this suggestion a try and see if it resolves the issue you are currently facing.

Reset Display Driver by Uninstalling and Reinstalling

If your computer screen turns black after connecting an external monitor via HDMI, it may indicate a problem with the display driver. To resolve this issue, we recommend uninstalling and reinstalling the display driver.

To ensure smooth operation, follow these steps to update your display driver:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the display driver for your device.

2. Uninstall your current display driver using the Device Manager or a reputable driver removal utility like Display Driver Uninstaller (designed for AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA).

By following these steps, you can easily update your display driver and optimize your device’s performance.

To manually install the display driver, follow these steps:
1. Uninstall the current display driver.
2. Download the driver installation file from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Run the downloaded file to install the display driver.

Additionally, it is worth considering that a defective HDMI cable might be responsible for a black screen on your display.

Yes, a faulty HDMI cable can result in a black screen. When the HDMI cable is damaged, the external monitor will not receive a signal from the computer, causing the monitor to remain black or show a “No Signal” message.

Troubleshooting Tips for When Your HDMI Is Not Working

To determine if your HDMI is faulty, consider testing it by connecting it to a different port. A successful connection would indicate that your HDMI cable is functioning properly. Alternatively, you can assess the cable’s functionality by utilizing an alternate monitor, if accessible.

For additional information, please refer to these resources: 4 ways to resolve a black screen problem in Windows 11