What to do when your laptop's HDMI port stops working

⚡ Fast fix

• Swap the cord. HDMI cables fail more often than you’d think—test another one first.
• Restart everything. Power down your laptop and display, then reconnect while both are off.
• Still nothing? Stop guessing—visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a quick HDMI diagnostic.

You’ve connected your PC laptop to an external monitor, but there’s no picture—or maybe no sound. If everything’s plugged in but nothing’s showing up, the problem could be your HDMI port.

At Asurion, we help people troubleshoot and fix their devices every day—HDMI issues included. Here's how to tell if the port is the problem, and what you can do about it.

Signs that your HDMI port may have an issue

The HDMI port sends high-definition audio and video from your laptop to another device, like a TV, monitor, or projector. If that connection fails, your screen may stay black—or worse, glitchy.

These are the most common red flags:

• A black screen or “no input” message
• Pixelated or distorted video
• A port that feels too loose—or too tight

If that sounds like what you’re seeing, here are a few things to try.

How to fix your laptop's HDMI port

Try these 10 quick troubleshooting steps to get your HDMI connection working again.

1. Check that your cable is plugged in properly

Make sure your cable fits snugly into the HDMI port—not too loose, not too tight.

2. Test different HDMI cables

Your HDMI might not be working due to a faulty cable. Try unplugging the cable you're using and switching to another one to see if that solves your problem. If you see any damage to the cable—if it's broken or frayed—you'll need to replace it.

3. Check the display settings on your laptop

If your HDMI port still isn't working on your laptop for Windows™ 10 or Windows™ 11, check your computer's display settings to see if you need to adjust them. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows logo key + P on your keyboard at the same time.
2. A menu will appear with the following options:
   1. PC screen only: Only your laptop screen works.
   2. Duplicate: Both screens show the exact same thing.
   3. Extend: Your desktop stretches across both screens.
   4. Second screen only: Your laptop screen goes black and only the HDMI monitor works.
3. If it’s set to PC screen only, select Duplicate or Extend. If an image appears on your monitor, the HDMI port is working correctly.

4. Check for damage in your laptop's HDMI port

Next, check the HDMI port located on the side of your laptop for any damage.

Signs of wear and tear include:

• Broken or bent pins. This can happen if the cord is frequently inserted and removed or pushed in too hard.
• Dust and dirt. The port may stop working if it's clogged with debris.

If you see physical damage to your port, you may need an expert to help replace it.

5. Restart your laptop

If you're still wondering, “Why is my HDMI port not working on my laptop?" a simple restart may get it working again.

1. Unplug your HDMI cable from the port.
2. Go to Start, click the Power button, then click Restart.

6. Update Windows

Updates often improve the software and programs you use every day. They may also fix bugs and other issues that could be causing a problem with your HDMI port. Follow these steps to see what updates are available:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
   1. If no updates appear, click Advanced options > Optional updates. HDMI and graphics drivers are often hidden here and need to be selected manually to install.

7. Update your graphics driver

While Windows Update often handles this automatically, you can manually check for a fresh driver to ensure your HDMI port is communicating correctly with your monitor.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Click the arrow next to Display adapters, then right-click your graphics card (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD).
3. Select Update driver, then click Search automatically for drivers.
4. If Windows doesn't find a new one, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. Check the list for any "Driver Updates"—graphics fixes are often hidden here.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, using their dedicated apps is often more effective than Device Manager, as they provide specialized drivers for 2026 hardware.

8. Reinstall your graphics driver

If your graphics driver is up to date but you're still having issues with your HDMI connection, try uninstalling and reinstalling your driver.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Double-click Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Uninstall device.
   1. Important: In the pop-up window, check the box that says Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then click Uninstall.
3. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically search for and reinstall a fresh version of the driver upon reboot.

9. Start your PC in Safe Mode

If your HDMI port still isn't working, try starting up your computer in Safe Mode. This should allow your PC to use a second or third display. Check out our guide for starting your computer in Safe Mode on Windows.

10. Delete recent downloads or new software

If your HDMI stopped working right after you installed a new program, that software might be conflicting with your graphics drivers.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the program you recently installed.
3. Click the three dots (...) next to the app and select Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts, then restart your laptop to see if the HDMI connection is restored.

If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.