Monitors continuously turn on and off when both plugged in?

Resolving the Issue of Monitors Cycling On and Off When Connecting Multiple Displays

Connecting multiple monitors and devices to a computer can enhance productivity and provide a more immersive experience. However, issues such as monitors repeatedly turning on and off can disrupt workflow and cause frustration. If you’re facing a problem where your monitors intermittently cycle power when both are connected via DisplayPort, while other connected devices like a TV remain unaffected, this guide aims to help diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding the Setup

In typical multi-display configurations, users might connect:
– Two monitors via DisplayPort to the GPU.
– A TV via HDMI, serving as an additional display or media output.

This setup allows for flexible multi-tasking but can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior due to hardware conflicts, driver issues, or configuration settings.

Common Causes of Monitor Power Cycling

1. Power or Cable Issues
2. Faulty or loose DisplayPort cables can cause signal disruptions.

3. Insufficient power delivery or unstable power sources may trigger monitors to turn off intermittently.

4. Graphics Driver or Firmware Problems

5. Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers may not handle multiple displays correctly.

6. Compatibility issues between DisplayPort versions and graphics hardware.

7. Display Settings and Resolution Conflicts

8. Mismatched resolutions or refresh rates can lead to detection problems.

9. Incorrect display configuration settings may cause monitors to flake in and out.

10. Hardware Limitations or Conflicts

11. GPU limitations on the number of simultaneous active outputs.
12. Compatibility issues between the hardware and connected displays.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Verify Hardware Connections
2. Ensure all cables are securely connected.
3. Test each DisplayPort cable with a different device to rule out cable faults.

4. If possible, replace cables to see if the issue persists.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

6. Visit the GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

7. Consider performing a clean installation of drivers to eliminate conflicts.

8. Check Display Settings

9. Open your operating system’s display configuration settings.
10. Make sure resolutions and refresh rates are compatible with each display.

11. Set the primary display and adjust the arrangement as needed.

12. Test Monitors Individually

13. Connect each DisplayPort monitor individually to verify they function correctly on their own.

14. Reconnect both simultaneously to see if the issue reoccurs.

15. **Update Monitor Firmware