Many people complain about the HDMI port not working on laptop issues especially when trying to connect a laptop to the TV. There are many reasons for this issue. It could be a hardware issue or a display configuration problem, amongst others.
How to Fix HDMI Port not Working on Laptop
There are several things you can try to fix the HDMI port not working on laptop issue. Here are a few ideas that should help to fix and enable the HDMI port on your computer.
Fix 1: Check To See If It Is a Hardware Issue
Checking to see if it is a hardware issue is the first thing to do. Damaged hardware can cause the ‘HDMI port not working on laptop’ problem. So, check your HDMI cable to see if it is not damaged, if it is properly connected, and if it is compatible with your laptop.
Also, check the HDMI ports of your system and TV to be sure they are not damaged. If they are damaged, you will need to replace them, but if they are all in good condition, try the following.
Fix 2: Restart and Reconnect
Improper boot-up of devices could cause this problem. Hence, try to restart both devices and reconnect the HDMI.
First, unplug all cables and turn both devices OFF. Leave them for at least five minutes. Then, turn ON your HDMI device e.g. your TV, before your PC, then reconnect your HDMI. (Or you can decide to plug the HDMI cable back in before switching ON both devices.)
Refreshing your HDMI connections might be all you need to fix it.
Fix 3: Set the HDMI Device as Default Device on PC
Check to see if your HDMI device is set as the default device for your computer. If it isn’t, you will need to do so following the steps outlined below.
- Go to the home screen on your PC and search the Task Bar for the Volume Icon.
- Right-click on the volume icon. A mini sound window will be displayed. On the window, go to the Playback tab.
- Beneath the Playback tab, you will see all playback devices listed including HDMI devices
- Select your preferred HDMI device be it your TV or speaker. Click on Set as Default and OK. This will set up that particular HDMI device as your default device and make it easily recognizable by your PC.
Read also: Best Laptops with Nvidia Graphics Card
Fix 4: Properly Configure Your PC’s Display Settings
Using the Windows key + P, a display setting panel will appear. You can use this to properly set your device’s display. This will fix the ‘HDMI not working on laptop’ issue if you are using the wrong display setting. There are four modes:
- PC Screen only – this displays only on your PC screen
- Duplicate – this displays content on your PC screen and on another device connected via HDMI by duplicating content
- Extend – you can use this to extend what is on your PC screen to an extended desktop
- Second Screen only – this projects displayed content on a secondary display only
Choosing the right display setting can determine if your HDMI connection will work or not.
Read also: How to Turn On Laptop without Power Button
Fix 5: Update Graphics Driver
If your graphics driver is faulty, there will be an issue in communicating data between your PC and HDMI device. You might thus need to update or reinstall drivers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so either manually or automatically.
To update manually:
- Go to your graphic driver manufacturer’s website and find the corresponding driver for your Windows version
- Download the driver after making sure it’s the latest and correct one for your system
- Now go to downloaded files and double-click on the driver you downloaded
- Follow the on-screen instructions as stated to install the driver
Or you can do the following:
- Using the search panel on the Task Bar on your PC’s home screen, search for Device Manager and click on it
- You will see all the necessary information about your Windows 10 PC. Locate Display Adapters and click on it to see your graphic device.
- Right-click on your graphic device and click the Update driver option
- Then follow on-screen instructions till it is successfully updated
Lastly, if you have never experienced this HDMI port not working on laptop issue before and have been connecting your PC to your HDMI device with ease, you might want to check if you installed any new programs or apps recently. Deleting them might be all you need to get your HDMI connection working just fine again.
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