[7 Fixes] 2nd Monitor Not Detected After Sleep

Sleep mode helps us save a lot of power when the computer is not being used. However, many multiple monitor users have reported an issue with the sleep mode that their second monitor is not detected after waking up the computer from sleep.

If you are facing the same, then don’t worry as we’re on the same ride. I also had a similar issue with my 2^nd monitor and I used to press the Ctrl+Shift+Win+B buttons on the keyboard simultaneously to wake it up.

However, it isn’t the permanent solution to this issue. To solve this problem permanently, we have discussed the possible reasons for this problem and have provided solutions accordingly in this article. So read by the end of this article carefully and implement the solutions below to get rid of this issue.

Possible Reasons for 2nd Monitor Not Detected After Sleep

It is indeed a frustrating issue if the second monitor isn’t detected by the computer after waking up from sleep mode. To fix it, it is necessary to identify the exact reason behind it. As it happens after sleep, the power plan can be the culprit for triggering this issue. However, you may face this problem for the following reasons below –

• Outdated graphics driver.
• Faulty driver settings.
• The refresh mode of the 2^nd monitor isn’t the same as the 1^st monitor.
• Issues with the power settings of the computer.
• Faulty cables.

As all these can lead to the mentioned issue, it is hard to identify the exact culprit. But don’t worry, keep trying the solutions below one after one and you surely will fix this problem by the end of this article.

Solutions to Fix 2nd Monitor Not Detected After Sleep Issue

If your 2^nd monitor is not being detected after sleep, you can press the Win + P and select the Duplicate option to check if it wakes the 2^nd monitor up or not. However, it is a temporary solution to this problem as you have to do this every time the PC wakes up from sleep mode. The following solutions can help you fix this issue permanently:

1. Disable Link State Power Management
2. Set the same refresh rates on your monitors
3. Reset The Power Option
4. Uninstall and reinstall your graphics card driver
5. Allow Devices to Wake Up Computer
6. Enable Extend These Displays Option
7. Disable your monitor Deep Sleep mode (if available)

Let’s explore all these solutions in detail below.

Solution 1: Disable Link State Power Management

Your 2^nd monitor may remain undetected after sleep if the link state power management is enabled. Follow the steps below to disable the link state power management:

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel” and click on it.

Step 2: Choose the “Large icon” on “View by” from the upper-right corner of the control panel window and select “Power Options” from the list.

Step 3: While in the Choose or customize a power plan window, click on “Change plan settings” next to the power plan you are using.

Step 4: Click on “Change advanced power settings”.

Step 5: Scroll down and expand the “PCI Express menu” option, and then select the “Off” option under the Link State Power Management.

Step 6: Finally, click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.

If this can’t fix the issue, then try the next solution below.

Solution 2: Set the Same Refresh Rates on Your Monitors

If your 2^nd monitor is not detected after sleep, it is probably because the refresh rate on both monitors isn’t the same. Follow the steps below to set the same refresh rates on both monitors:

Step 1: Press Windows + I key simultaneously to open Windows Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to System > Display and click on “Advanced display settings”.

Step 3: Check the refresh rate for Display 1 and set the same refresh rate for Display 2 by expanding the refresh rate option.

If the refresh rate for both monitors is already the same, then try the solution below.

Solution 3: Reset Power Option

If your 2^nd monitor isn’t detected after sleep because of a bug in the system settings or the power option settings, resetting the power option can be an effective solution to fix this issue. To reset the power option, follow these simple steps below:

Step 1: Type “CMD” in the search bar and select “Run as administrator” next to Command Prompt.

Step 2: Copy-paste the command below and press Enter to execute it.

powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

After this, the issues with the sleep option with your 2^nd monitor will be solved. But if this doesn’t prove helpful in fixing the issue, try the next solution below.

Solution 4: Uninstall and Reinstall Your Graphics Card Driver

As we already have mentioned that the above-mentioned issue can be triggered by outdated or incompatible drivers, uninstalling the drivers and reinstalling it can be a better solution if the driver is the culprit.

Follow the steps below to reinstall the graphics driver and the monitor’s driver on your computer:

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon from the bottom-left corner of the screen and select “Device Manager”.

Step 2: Expand “Display Adapters”, right-click on the graphics driver, and select “Uninstall”.

Step 3: On the following prompt, select the “Delete the driver software for this device” option and click “Uninstall”.

Step 4: Now, expand the “Monitors” and repeat the same process to uninstall the driver.

Step 5: Finally, restart your computer.

Windows will automatically detect the hardware changes and install the missing driver on restart. If the graphics driver isn’t installed automatically, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of your graphics card driver to install it.

Solution 5: Allow the Device to Wake Up the Computer

The input device like the mouse and keyboard needs to have permission to wake up your computer including the monitors. If they aren’t allowed to wake up the second monitor, it will remain asleep even if the 1^st monitor wakes up. To allow devices to wake up the computer, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Device Manager and expand “Mice and other pointing devices”.

Step 2: Right-click on “HID-compliant mouse” and select “Properties”.

Step 3: On the properties window, go to the “Power Management” tab and check “Allow this device to wake the computer”.

Step 4: Finally click “OK” to save the changes.

Repeat the same process for the keyboard and other USB drivers if exists.

Solution 6: Enable Extend These Displays Option

If the second monitor isn’t detected by the system settings, then you have to check whether the “extend these display” option is disabled or not. To enable the “Extend These Displays Option”, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Systems > Display and click on “Detect” under the Multiple Displays section.

Step 2: If the second monitor is already detected and visible here, set it to Extend these displays option.

Solution 7: Disable Your Monitor Deep Sleep Mode (If Available)

Some monitor brands including Dell contain the Deep Sleep feature. While this feature is enabled, users face the 2^nd monitor isn’t detected after waking up from sleep mode. Follow the steps below to disable the deep sleep mode:

Step 1: Press the Settings or Menu button on your monitor to display the monitor settings.

Step 2: Select “Other” from the list of options and disable the “Monitor Deep Sleep” option.

Step: Restart the monitor and the sleep issue with the second monitor will be resolved permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

How Do I Get My Second Monitor Out of Sleep Mode?

To wake up a monitor from sleep, standby, or hibernation, simply move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard. You can also awaken the monitor by pressing the power button. Remember, monitors automatically wake up from sleep mode once they detect a video signal from the computer.

Why Did My Second Monitor Stop Being Detected?

If your second monitor isn’t detected by your computer, then it is probably because of an unstable, obsolete, or damaged graphics driver. Updating, reinstalling, or downgrading the driver can resolve this issue.

Why Is My Second Monitor in Sleep Mode?

The second monitor remains in sleep mode due to incorrect settings. If you have Deep Sleep Mode enabled for the second monitor then it can happen. Apart from that, problems with the graphics driver and incorrect power settings can also trigger this issue.

Why Do I Lose My Additional Monitors When My Computer Wakes Up from Sleep Mode in Windows?

If you lose your additional monitor when your computer wakes up from sleep mode, then it happens due to faulty or incorrect settings. If moving or clicking on the mouse can’t wake your screen up, then you need to change the settings and enable the peripheral devices to wake up the monitor. 

Conclusion

Though there are several reasons that may cause a second monitor not detected after waking up from sleep mode, the solutions are quite simple and easy. The solutions given in this article are proven helpful for many people we hope you can also fix the second monitor that hasn’t been detected after sleep issue using these solutions. For any kind of further assistance, feel free to ask in our comment section below. Thanks for reading.