Summary: Several Windows users have posted queries on various forums about having issues with the HDMI connection on their system. In this blog, we’ve come up with some useful methods that you can try to fix the HDMI not working on PC or laptop issue.
Contents
HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface includes two parts – (i) the port that establishes the connection and (ii) the connector cable that transmits the data. HDMI ports act as an all-digital interface that receives and transmits audio and video output signals between two devices.
Using these ports, you can project HQ videos and audios onto HD-capable devices, like TVs and audio receivers. Additionally, you can convert devices into a powerful multimedia hub using these ports. The ability to identify and communicate media and devices is called ‘HDMI handshake.’ But when this handshake faces any interruption, the HDMI port stops working, and you may encounter different problems, including:
There are multiple reasons that may lead to problems with your HDMI port. However, the most common causes include:
We’ve shared some quick fixes and troubleshooting methods below to fix the issue.
Let’s start with some quick solutions.
The issue could occur due to a simple hardware problem. Check if your HDMI cable is in good condition and properly connected to both ends, i.e., Windows and HDMI devices.
Sometimes, damaged HDMI ports might restrict your HDMI device from working on your Windows system properly. Hence, change the HDMI port and see if the problem resolves.
The PC HDMI not working issue can also occur due to improper bootup error with the devices. If your system or HDMI device doesn’t boot properly and results in error, you may face issues with the video or audio output. You can try rebooting your laptop or PC and re-plug your devices with HDMI. Follow the below steps carefully to reboot and reconnect the devices:
It will refresh the HDMI connection and may fix the problem.
If the above fixes fail to solve the problem, follow the given methods to fix the issue.
Check if the HDMI is set as the default device. Many users reported that HDMI not working on laptop problem occurred when the HDMI device was not selected as the default one. Follow the given steps to set HDMI as the default device:
It will set the HDMI device as the default device for your system. Complete the process and check if this method works for you.
Sometimes, a recently installed application/software or program may cause problems with the HDMI connection. If the application is buggy or incompatible with your system, you may face the HDMI not working on a laptop or PC issue. You can try uninstalling the app/program and check if the problem gets solved. Follow these steps:
The PC HDMI not working problem may also occur when your PC’s display settings are not properly configured. As a result, the content may fail to appear on the screen. Hence, try to configure the Display Settings of your Windows system. To do so, follow the given steps:
PC Screen Only – You can choose this option when you want your video/audio to be displayed only on 1st computer display.
Duplicate – This option lets you see the same content on the connected monitors (your PC monitor and another monitor connected via HDMI or other sources).
Extend – This option enables developing the content between two or more displays, including the PC display and other displays connected to HDMI or other sources.
Second Screen Only – This option helps you show content on the Secondary Display.
Now, choose the appropriate option and see if it fixes the HDMI port not working on the laptop issue.
Graphic device drivers play a major role in displaying content on your system. Any problem with the graphic drivers may not only cause HDMI not working on PC or laptop error but also cause multiple system errors, including:
Hence first, try updating the graphic drivers. If the device drivers are already updated, then roll back or uninstall the drivers.
Follow the given steps:
A. Update Device Driver
B. Roll Back Device Driver
C. Uninstall Graphics Driver
The temporary and junk files stored on your system may affect your system’s processing speed, causing apps to respond very slowly and even sometimes may cause HDMI audio and video issues. To fix the problem, you can delete your temporary files and folders using Disk Cleanup. Follow the given steps:
You can check for system file corruption which may also cause the HDMI port not working on laptop issue. Run the SFC scan with the following steps:
If none of the methods helps resolve the error, you can perform a system restore. To run System Restore, follow the given steps:
| Note: You may lose some essential files, folders, and programs during this process. |
Hence, we’d suggest taking a backup of your system data before performing System Restore. Or, if you forgot to take backup, you may recover the data using a reliable data recovery tool, such as Stellar Data Recovery for Windows.
This DIY data recovery software supports recovery of almost all file types, including photos, videos, documents, audio files, excel, PDFs, etc. In addition, you can restore data lost due to deletion, drive formatting, corruption, or even malware attack. This Windows-supported tool also lets you retrieve files from BitLocker-encrypted storage drives, such as HDD, SSD, USB drive, and more.
Hope you found this blog useful! In case of any query or suggestion, please let us know in the comment section below.
1. How do I enable my HDMI port on my computer?
You can enable the HDMI port on your PC by opening the Control Panel, navigating to Sound > Playback, clicking the ‘Digital Output Device (HDMI)’ option, and finally, clicking ‘Apply.’
2. How do I get my computer to recognize my HDMI cable?
To get your PC to identify the HDMI cable, you can do any of the following:
3. Why does my HDMI say no signal on PC?
If you’re facing no signal error on your PC, it could be due to the monitor ignoring the graphics output from your PC. In this case, make sure that the input source on your monitor is correctly set. If not, switch it to the correct source (HDMI) and check if the monitor works again.
4. Why is my PC on but no display?
The problem may occur when your monitor doesn’t turn on. To fix it, unplug the power adapter of the monitor and then plug it in again. If it doesn’t work, try changing the Power Outlet. If still, the problem doesn’t resolve, you may need to give away your monitor for repair.
Mansi Verma is a Technology Writer at Stellar®. She is a Tech enthusiast, holding over 7 years of experience in Data Recovery, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and the Robotics technology domain. She loves researching and providing DIY solutions and tips & tricks to solve Windows technical issues. In her spare time, she likes reading novels, and poetry. She also enjoys traveling and trekking.
Wonderful article. Method 3 explained in the article worked for me. My PC HDM was not working problem because of PC’s display settings were not properly configured. As a result, the content fails to appear on the screen. Hence, I tried to configure the Display Settings of your Windows system.