Nowadays, Windows computers could connect to many devices including those of the same type at a time. Hence, Windows users usually have an easy time connecting more than one monitor to their device. That being said, the management of multiple monitors on Windows is not frustration-free and “display 1 isn’t active” is a prime example. Read to the end if the same issue is complicating the usage of monitors on your PC.
What You Could Do
Think About Display Configuration Key
Look for the F key with the monitor symbol on top then press it. By doing so, you could open a sidebar where you can choose between single monitor, dual monitor, extended display, cloning display or disable primary. Proceed to choose what suit your setup then see how things turn out.
Update Graphics Card Driver
- Step 1: Right-click Start button, choose Device Manage and expand Display adapters
- Step 2: Right-click the graphics card, choose Update driver and select Search automatically for drivers.
- Step 3: After the update finishes, restart your computer.
Connect The Monitor To Another PC
You suspect that your monitor is due for replacement? In that case, you should connect the monitor to another computer. If the monitor still won’t work, you could proceed to replace it.
A List Of Suspects
Display Configuration Key
Modern laptops usually feature a display configuration key that allows people to disable/enable hardware on the keyboard including the monitor. If you accidentally press the display configuration key and disable the primary monitor, “display 1 isn’t active” is the consequence.
Graphics Card Drivers
One cause behind display issues is the obsolescence of graphics card drivers. The driver of graphics cards is responsible for the interaction between graphics cards and computers. Thus, if the graphics card driver is out of date, it’s only natural for the monitor to go haywire.
Monitor
Regarding “display 1 isn’t active”, there is always a chance that the monitor is damaged. Needless to say, your computer would have a hard time recognizing the primary monitor if it’s out of working order.
How Do I Update Graphics Drivers?
There are two ways to update your drivers: you can either do it manually or automatically. To update your drivers manually, you first need to find out what kind of graphics card you have. Afterward, you can go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your graphics card.
If you don’t have the time, feel free to resort to driver management programs like Driver Easy to update the driver automatically. Driver Easy will look for driver updates from time to time then download and install them on its own.
Is NVIDIA A Good Brand Of Graphics Cards?
NVIDIA is a company that specializes in graphics cards used for many purposes. NVIDIA cards excel in improving the performance of graphics-intensive applications, such as video games and 3D rendering. The company also develops driver software, which helps to optimize the performance of its hardware on different computer platforms.
What Must Be Done To Connect The Second Monitor To Computers?
- Step 1: Ensure that the connection between the monitor and the computer is secured. Next, go to Start>Settings> Systems> Display and your computer should automatically detect your monitors. If you don’t see the monitors select Detect.
- Step 2: Under Multiple displays tab, select an option from the list to determine how your desktop will display across your screens.
- Step 3: After selecting what you see on your displays, select Keep changes.
How Do I Assign A Display Number?
- Step 1: Right-click a spot desktop then pick Display Settings.
- Step 2: Choose the screen number you want to set as the main display.
- Step 3: Scroll down and check the checkbox ‘make this my main display’.
Do I Need Two HDMI Ports For Dual Monitors?
If you’re looking to connect two monitors to your computer, you’ll need at least two video-out ports. The four most common types of ports are VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. If your computer doesn’t have the necessary ports, you can use an adapter to connect the monitors.
A Beginner’s Guide
- Use Win+Home to minimize all windows except the one you’re working on to minimize distractions. Press it again to bring all the windows back.
- Use Shift+Win+Up to maximize the window vertically. That is handy if you don’t have a taskbar on your secondary display.
- Use Shift+Win+Left and Shift+Win+Right to move the active window to the next monitor without snapping it to the edge.
