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No signal to monitor issues

Section_RR 0 Reputation points
2025-12-04T00:20:45.0933333+00:00

Hello, I'm using an Inspiron 16 5645 running Windows 11 and extend my screen to a Dell IN1920 external monitor by connecting it to the HDMI port via a VGA to HDMI dongle. I'm no longer able to get the monitor to display anything. The laptop thinks it's extending the display (it opens windows in the area that should be displayed on the external and the monitor shows up as connected in Display Settings) but the monitor says it's not getting any signal. I have tried changing between extend and duplicate and only showing my screen on my laptop. I've also tried disabling and re-enabling my graphics adapter and confirmed all drivers are up to date, and uninstalling the monitor driver with the monitor disconnected and then reconnecting the monitor. When I extend the display I can see the monitor properties in "display properties". I've also used another monitor to confirm there's no issue with the laptop port hardware and another computer to confirm there's no issue with the monitor or cable hardware, the issue seems to only occur on this one monitor with this one computer. So far I haven't rolled back any updates b/c this doesn't seem to have been triggered by one (the last update was over a week before the monitor went out). Any suggestions or ideas what might be causing this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. Randy Baroja 18,665 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T03:18:35.3066667+00:00

    Hi,

    Sorry you’re dealing with this. It sounds like your laptop’s HDMI output and the older VGA monitor just aren’t getting along, probably because of how the signals get converted, especially with a basic adapter in the mix. Since you already tested all the parts by themselves, we can skip straight to tweaking settings and making sure the signals line up.

    Here’s what you can try to get the Dell IN1920 going: First, double-check that the monitor’s input is actually set to VGA in the on-screen menu. Next, reset your laptop’s graphics driver by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. Drop the resolution and refresh rate in Display Settings, try 1024×768 at 60Hz, since old monitors like that. Also, there’s a factory reset option in the monitor’s menu that can clear out any weird settings.

    It’s smart to see if there’s a BIOS update for your laptop on Dell’s site, sometimes that makes a difference. If none of this works, try a different adapter, preferably one that’s powered. The cheap, passive adapters don’t always do the job.

    Here’s a link for reference:

    Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows

    Let me know if you have any questions, just leave a comment.

    Thanks you,

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