HDMI Port Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Mar 28

Written By Chad .

HDMI Port Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

An HDMI port not working can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to connect your computer to a second monitor, TV, or projector. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard for transmitting high-quality video and audio, but sometimes it just won’t cooperate. Whether you’re facing a no signal error, flickering screen, or audio issues, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix your HDMI connection.

1. Check Your HDMI Cable and Port

Before diving into software fixes, start with the basics:

Inspect the HDMI Cable – Try a different HDMI cable to see if the issue is with the cable itself.
Test a Different HDMI Port – If your computer or monitor has multiple HDMI ports, switch to another one.
Check for Physical Damage – Look for bent or broken HDMI pins in the port.
Try Another Device – Connect your HDMI cable to another monitor or TV to see if the issue is with the display.

2. Set HDMI as the Default Display Output

If your HDMI connection isn’t working, your computer might not be sending the signal to the correct output.

Press Windows + P to open the Project menu.
Select Duplicate or Extend to enable the second display.
If that doesn’t work, right-click the desktop, choose Display settings, and ensure the monitor is detected.

Manually Detect the HDMI Display

Go to Windows + I > System > Display.
Scroll down and click Detect under the Multiple displays section.

3. Update or Reinstall HDMI Drivers

A faulty or outdated display driver can prevent your HDMI port from working properly.

Update Graphics Drivers

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

Reinstall HDMI Drivers

In Device Manager, right-click your graphics driver and select Uninstall device.
Restart your PC, and Windows will reinstall the necessary drivers automatically.

4. Enable HDMI Output in Sound Settings (For Audio Issues)

If your HDMI connection displays video but no sound, you may need to change your default audio output.

Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
Click the Playback tab and look for HDMI Output or your connected display.
If it's not set as default, right-click and select Set as Default Device.
Click Apply, then OK.

5. Check Your Graphics Card and Hardware

If HDMI is still not working, the issue could be with your graphics card or motherboard.

For desktops: Ensure the HDMI cable is plugged into the dedicated GPU (if available) rather than the motherboard port.
For laptops: Some models require you to enable HDMI output in BIOS settings.
Run a hardware diagnostic tool to check if your GPU or HDMI port is malfunctioning.

6. Get Professional Help from ABQ Computer Pros

If you’ve tried everything and your HDMI port still isn’t working, you might have a damaged HDMI port or a deeper hardware issue. ABQ Computer Pros specializes in HDMI troubleshooting, port repairs, and computer diagnostics. Contact us today for fast and reliable IT support!

Chad .