HDMI not working in Windows 10 is frustrating, but in most cases it’s fixable. If your display or TV shows “No Signal” or your PC won’t send audio/video over HDMI, this guide will help you diagnose and resolve the issue. The core problem here is HDMI doesn’t work in Windows 10 — caused by anything from a bad cable to driver or configuration problems. Below you’ll learn the most common reasons this happens and clear, step‑by‑step fixes.
Key Takeaway
The quickest effective fix is to verify the cable and input, then reboot both devices; if that doesn’t help, update or reinstall the graphics and HDMI audio drivers via Device Manager — most HDMI issues in Windows 10 are caused by bad hardware or outdated/corrupt drivers.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Faulty or low‑quality HDMI cable | Replace the cable with a known good, high‑quality HDMI cable. |
| 2. Wrong input selected on display | Select the correct HDMI input on the TV/monitor using its input/source button. |
| 3. Windows output device not set to HDMI | Set HDMI as the output in Settings > System > Sound or right‑click speaker icon > Open Sound settings. |
| 4. Display settings (mirroring/extend/resolution) incorrect | Open Settings > System > Display and configure multiple displays or change resolution. |
| 5. Outdated/corrupt graphics driver | Update or reinstall GPU driver via Device Manager or manufacturer’s site. |
| 6. HDMI audio driver missing | Update or reinstall High Definition Audio Device in Device Manager. |
| 7. Damaged HDMI port on PC or display | Test with a different HDMI port or device; repair/replace hardware if port is faulty. |
| 8. Adapter/converter incompatibility | Use an active certified adapter or match the ports/protocols (DP↔HDMI requires active adapter sometimes). |
| 9. HDCP/handshake failures | Power cycle both devices and try different sources or cables to reinitiate HDCP handshake. |
| 10. Power/sleep state prevents detection | Fully power off devices, disconnect power for 30s, then restart for a fresh detection. |
| 11. Recent Windows Update or driver change | Roll back the driver or uninstall recent updates via Device Manager or Settings > Update & Security. |
| 12. BIOS/UEFI or GPU priority issues | Check BIOS/UEFI to ensure the correct GPU is enabled, or set discrete GPU as primary if needed. |
| 13. EDID/resolution or refresh rate mismatch | Lower resolution/refresh rate in Advanced display settings to a supported value. |
Detailed Fixes for “HDMI doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Faulty or low‑quality HDMI cable
Why it causes the problem:
A damaged or low‑spec cable can fail to transmit audio/video or fail at higher resolutions/refresh rates.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Inspect the cable for bent pins, frays, or loose connectors.
- Swap the cable with a known working HDMI cable.
- If using long runs (>10m/30ft), use an active/boosted cable rated for your resolution (4K requires High Speed or Premium/Ultra High Speed for higher frame rates).
Notes:
- Test with another monitor or TV to isolate whether the cable is the issue.
2. Wrong input selected on display
Why it causes the problem:
If the TV/monitor is on a different input, it won’t show the PC signal.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- On the TV/monitor remote or buttons, press Input, Source, or similar.
- Choose the HDMI port number that the PC is using (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.).
- Some TVs auto‑detect but others require manual selection; try cycling inputs.
Tip:
- Some displays label HDMI ports for specific features (ARC, DVI), so try each port.
3. Windows output device not set to HDMI
Why it causes the problem:
Windows might still be sending audio to speakers instead of HDMI, so sound is missing even if video works.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Right‑click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
- Under Output, choose the HDMI device (it may be named after your TV/receiver).
- Alternatively, open Control Panel > Sound, right‑click the HDMI device and select Set as Default Device.
Tip:
- If HDMI output is not visible, right‑click inside Sound devices and enable Show Disabled Devices.
4. Display settings (mirroring/extend/resolution) incorrect
Why it causes the problem:
Windows display mode or a resolution/refresh rate the monitor can’t handle can produce black screen or “Signal Out”.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Click Detect if the second display isn’t found.
- Under Multiple displays, choose Duplicate or Extend as needed, or Project (Win+P) to toggle quickly.
- Click Advanced display settings and choose a supported resolution and refresh rate.
Notes:
- If the monitor shows “Out of Range,” lower the refresh rate (e.g., from 120Hz to 60Hz).
5. Outdated or corrupt graphics driver
Why it causes the problem:
GPU drivers control HDMI output; a broken or outdated driver can disable video output.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Press Win+R, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters, right‑click your GPU and choose Update driver > Search automatically.
- If that fails, go to the GPU manufacturer website (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) and download the latest driver for your model.
- To reinstall: in Device Manager, right‑click the GPU > Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device), then reboot and install the downloaded driver.
Tip:
- Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for a thorough driver cleanup before reinstalling.
6. HDMI audio driver missing
Why it causes the problem:
Video may work while audio is missing because the HDMI audio device driver is absent or disabled.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Open Device Manager (Win+R > devmgmt.msc).
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers. Look for High Definition Audio Device or a vendor name.
- Right‑click and choose Update driver or Enable device.
- If missing, open Action > Scan for hardware changes, or in View > Show hidden devices.
- Alternatively, install chipset and audio drivers from your PC/motherboard manufacturer.
Note:
- For NVIDIA/AMD GPUs, HDMI audio often installs with the graphics driver.
7. Damaged HDMI port on PC or display
Why it causes the problem:
A physically damaged port won’t pass signal even with good cables and drivers.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Inspect ports for bent pins or debris with the device powered off.
- Test the PC with another monitor/TV and test the TV with another device (e.g., game console).
- If a single port fails, use another HDMI port or use a different output (DisplayPort) with an appropriate adapter.
- If the port on a laptop/PC is damaged, consult a technician for repair or replacement.
Tip:
- Avoid forcing cables into ports — alignment matters.
8. Adapter/converter incompatibility
Why it causes the problem:
Passive adapters won’t convert signal types that require active conversion (e.g., DisplayPort++ vs native DP).
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Identify the source and target ports (e.g., DisplayPort output to HDMI input).
- Use an active adapter if converting from DP to HDMI or DVI to HDMI where active conversion is required.
- Buy adapters from reputable brands and check they support your required resolution/refresh rate (e.g., 4K@60Hz).
Note:
- USB‑C to HDMI may require alternate mode or drivers — check device specs.
9. HDCP/handshake failures
Why it causes the problem:
Protected content requires a successful HDCP handshake between PC and display; failures block video.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Power off both PC and display.
- Disconnect HDMI cable from both ends, wait 30 seconds, reconnect firmly.
- Power on the display first, then the PC to allow the handshake.
- Try a different HDMI cable or port; some older splitters/switches break HDCP.
Tip:
- If streaming DRM content (Netflix/Prime), try a different browser or app after ensuring handshake.
10. Power/sleep state prevents detection
Why it causes the problem:
PC or display in a bad sleep state can fail to reestablish HDMI connection.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Close all apps and shut down the PC completely: Start > Power > Shut down.
- Unplug the display’s power cable for 30 seconds and reconnect.
- Boot the display, then boot the PC.
- In Windows, disable fast startup (Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable > uncheck Turn on fast startup).
Tip:
- Fast startup can interfere with hardware initialization on some systems.
11. Recent Windows Update or driver change
Why it causes the problem:
Updates can introduce driver incompatibilities or configuration changes.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > View update history and note recent updates.
- To uninstall problematic updates: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
- To roll back drivers: Device Manager > Display adapters > right‑click GPU > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Use System Restore to revert to a point before the issue if necessary.
Note:
- Keep an eye on manufacturer driver releases that explicitly fix Windows 10 update issues.
12. BIOS/UEFI or GPU priority issues
Why it causes the problem:
If integrated GPU is forced on or discrete GPU disabled in BIOS/UEFI, the HDMI port tied to a different GPU won’t output.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly Del, F2, or check vendor docs).
- Look for settings like Primary Display, IGPU Multi‑Monitor, or iGPU and ensure the expected GPU is enabled.
- If using a discrete GPU, ensure resources are set to use it; save and reboot.
Tip:
- Laptop users with hybrid graphics may need to set GPU preferences in the vendor control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings).
13. EDID, resolution or refresh rate mismatch (firmware/monitor limitations)
Why it causes the problem:
If Windows attempts a mode the monitor doesn’t support, it will reject the signal.
Step‑by‑step fix:
- In Settings > System > Display, select the external display and set a lower resolution (e.g., 1080p) and 60Hz refresh rate.
- Open Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties > Monitor and choose a supported refresh rate.
- Update monitor firmware if the manufacturer provides it.
- If EDID info is corrupted (rare), use a different cable/port or power‑cycle to force re‑read.
Note:
- Some TVs only support certain HDMI ports at full bandwidth (e.g., HDMI2 for 4K@60Hz), check TV manual.
Best Practices and When to Replace Hardware
- Always keep GPU and chipset drivers current but stable; check vendor release notes before major updates.
- Use good quality, appropriately rated HDMI cables for 4K/HDR/120Hz content.
- Avoid repeated hot‑plugging; power cycle devices when possible to refresh handshakes.
- Replace cables or adapters if intermittent issues persist across multiple devices. If a port is physically damaged, seek professional repair rather than forcing connections.
FAQ
What HDMI version do I need for 4K@60Hz and HDR?
You need at least HDMI 2.0 (Premium HDMI cable) for 4K@60Hz; for HDR and higher bandwidth (e.g., 4K@120Hz or 8K) use HDMI 2.1 and compatible hardware.
My laptop shows the external display in Device Manager but it’s blank — what now?
Try setting a lower resolution and refresh rate in Settings > System > Display, then toggle output with Win+P; also test a different cable/port and ensure the display is on the correct input.
Can a docking station or switcher cause HDMI problems?
Yes — cheap or unpowered docks/splitters can fail at HDCP/HDMI bandwidth. Use a dock certified for the resolution/refresh rate you need or connect direct to the GPU when troubleshooting.
How can I test an HDMI cable without another TV?
Use another HDMI source (Blu‑ray player, console) or a different PC/laptop. If none available, a continuity tester helps detect broken wires but won’t prove bandwidth capability.
Will Safe Mode help diagnose HDMI issues?
Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, so HDMI often won’t work normally in Safe Mode; however, Safe Mode can help you uninstall problematic drivers (e.g., a bad GPU driver) and then reinstall proper ones after rebooting normally.
Conclusion
Most HDMI problems in Windows 10 boil down to hardware (cable/port/adapter) or driver/configuration issues, both of which are fixable with the steps above. If you follow the checks from cable and input confirmation through driver updates and power cycling, you’ll resolve the majority of cases of HDMI doesn’t work in Windows 10.
