TCL Smart TV not working as second/Primary monitor

Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Issues with Using a TCL QD-Mini LED TV as a Second or Primary Monitor

Many users enjoy extending their workspace or gaming experience by connecting their laptops to large-screen TVs. However, occasionally, compatibility or configuration issues can prevent a TV from functioning properly as a second or primary display. If you’re facing challenges with your TCL QD-Mini LED “85QM6K” television not working as expected when connected to your laptop, this guide aims to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently.

Understanding the Setup

System Overview:
– Laptop: MSI GE66 Raider 10UG
– Operating System: Windows 11
– Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce (ensure drivers are up-to-date)
– TV: TCL QD-Mini LED 85-inch (“85QM6K”)
– Connection: HDMI cable

Common Issue:
The TV is recognized by Windows and displays as a duplicate when using Windows+P, but it does not function as an extended desktop or primary display. In display settings, the TV appears as “Generic PnP Display: Beyond TV.”

Possible Causes and Solutions

1. Verify Hardware Connections
2. Ensure HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends.
3. Test with a different HDMI cable in case the current one is faulty.

4. Try connecting the TV to a different HDMI port on your laptop or TV to rule out port issues.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

6. Confirm that your Nvidia GeForce drivers are current.
7. Visit the official Nvidia website or use GeForce Experience for driver updates.

8. Outdated drivers can cause recognition or scaling issues with the TV.

9. Check Windows Display Settings

10. Open Settings > System > Display.
11. Select “Identify” to ensure Windows detects the TV.
12. Attempt to “Extend” your desktop from the “Multiple displays” drop-down.

13. If the TV is labeled as “Generic PnP Display,” consider updating or reinstalling your display drivers.

14. Adjust Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

15. In Display Settings, select the TV.
16. Set the recommended resolution (usually 3840×2160 for 4K TVs) and refresh rate (commonly 60Hz).

17. Incorrect settings can prevent proper extension or primary designation.

18. Use GPU Control Panel for Additional Configuration

19. Open Nvidia Control Panel.
20. Navigate to “Set up multiple displays.”
21. Ensure the TV is selected and configured correctly.

22. Some settings might override Windows display configuration.

23. Consider ED