Connecting my TV through HDMI to my GPU causes it to constantly disconnect/reconnect

Troubleshooting HDMI Connectivity Issues Between GPU and TV on Windows 10

If you’re experiencing persistent disconnects and reconnects when connecting your TV to your GPU via HDMI on Windows 10, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, especially when using a high-resolution cable capable of 4K output and a powerful graphics card like the RTX 3070. Here’s a professional overview of the problem and potential solutions to help you restore stable connectivity.

Understanding the Issue

Many users with modern GPUs and high-quality HDMI cables encounter repetitive disconnecting and reconnecting signals when attempting to use their TV as a secondary display. This behavior often manifests as continuous Windows notification sounds associated with device disconnections and reconnections. Such issues typically begin after updating graphics drivers, especially when the latest drivers introduce compatibility quirks or bugs.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Driver Management
Uninstall Old Drivers: It’s recommended to fully remove existing graphics drivers before installing new ones. Tools like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode provide a thorough uninstallation, reducing potential conflicts.
Install Latest Drivers: After cleanup, download and install the most recent NVIDIA drivers compatible with your RTX 3070 directly from the official NVIDIA website. Ensuring you use the latest stable driver can often resolve compatibility issues.
Check HDMI Cable and Ports
Compatibility and Quality: Confirm that your HDMI cable supports 4K resolution at the desired refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz or higher). Cheap or older cables might cause instability.
Secure Connections: Ensure all connections are firm and secure. Try different HDMI ports on both the GPU and TV to rule out port-specific issues.
Adjust Windows Display Settings
Go to Display Settings and verify the resolution and refresh rate. Set them to supported values compatible with your TV.
Disable any power-saving options that might turn off the HDMI port during periods of inactivity.

Advanced Solutions

Monitor Windows and NVIDIA Settings

Use the NVIDIA Control Panel to configure display outputs explicitly. Sometimes, setting the preferred refresh rate or enabling/disabling certain display modes can stabilize the connection.