Connecting multiple monitors to a laptop
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Thread: Connecting multiple monitors to a laptop

  1. #1
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Connecting multiple monitors to a laptop

    I have a Dell XPS 13 laptop. I have a 22" monitor connected to it, using the Cable Matters USB-C multi-port adapter via the HDMI port. A few days ago the monitor doesn't seem to connect. I use windows 10. When I go to settings/system/display and click "detect" under multiple displays, it says that it did not detect another display. Could it be the USB-C adapter has died?

  2. #2
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    That is always a possibility, however, it could also be a software or driver issue.

    Does Device Manager show anything for the adapter? Make sure to Device Manager show non-present and hidden devices.

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-...evices-windows

    You could try the adapter on another computer to see if it works there.

  3. #3
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    JDC2000, I did the steps in the link to show hidden devices. I don't see any listing that looks like it would be pertaining to the USB-C adapter in network adapters in device manager. Would the listing have USB-C in the description?

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    It might or it might not. Did you install drivers for that adapter? I usually like to check after driver installation to see how the device is listed in Device Manager, just in case I need to check for problems later.

    Is there a model number on that adapter? I assume that it is still under warranty.

    Driver links:

    https://www.cablematters.com/cs-Downloads.aspx

  5. #5
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    One other thing you might consider doing:

    When I want to connect a laptop to a multiple monitor setup or a docking station, in order to avoid potential issues, I generally connect all additional cables needed to the laptop before powering it up, so that all devices can be seen during the boot process and OS loading. Then, when I am ready to shut down, I perform the shutdown process and let it complete before disconnecting from the external devices.

  6. #6
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    The model is 201014-blk. I have been using this adpater for about 4 years now. Warranty has expired. I have win 10 64-bit. I see there is a driver update dated 06/12/2020. Is version 1.20.7.0 the correct driver?

    I usually leave everything connected because I mostly use this laptop, as I would a pc. When I leave my laptop on because I know I will be using it again in an hour or so and I come back to wake up my laptop and monitor, I would hear a noise every time it would wake up. It has been doing that for the past few months or so. Not sure if that has any bearing on this or not.

  7. #7
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Also, I don't think I ever did any drive updates on it during the 4 years. Perhaps, that is why I would hear a noise when I would wake up my monitor?

  8. #8
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Also, it is listed in device manager. I looked at the installation manual online and the description in device manager for this adapter is ASIX AX88179 USB 3.0 to Gigabyte ethernet adapter. It does show in device manager.

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    Did you test the monitor on another system? What is the make/model of the monitor?

  10. #10
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Midknyte, it is an HP E223 monitor. I don't have another system to connect this monitor.

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    Are you sure you selected the correct connection type? Can you test the VGA or DP port? My point is that you need to figure out if it's the adapter or the monitor that has a problem.

    Is the monitor making the noise? It's possible that something is faulty in the monitor.

  12. #12
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Midknyte, I have been using the HP for the past 8 months. It was my old monitor that was making the noise for a bit before it completely died. This HP monitor isn't making any noise. Sorry for the confusion. My bad.

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    If it is 4 years old and you leave it connected all the time, chances are it has just died. You could unplug the cables and check for corrosion, then re-plug them to see if that makes any difference.

  14. #14
    JLS is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
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    Would it have extended the life of the adapater if I would have disconnected at night when I shut down my laptop?

    Am wondering if I should get the same make/model or is there a better one? If I want to connect 2 monitors, is there an adapter (without purchasing an expensive docking station) that has 2 hdmi ports?

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