My monitors lose signal whenever I download GPU drivers

Troubleshooting Monitor Signal Loss During GPU Driver Updates: A Guide for PC Builders

Building a new PC can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with unforeseen technical challenges. One common issue faced by many users is monitors losing signal when attempting to update graphics card drivers. If you’re encountering this problem, you’re not alone, and this article aims to help you understand potential causes and solutions.

Understanding the Issue

In recent cases, users have reported that their monitors disconnect or lose signal whenever they try to update their GPU drivers. Initially, the signal loss occurred after restarting the system post-update; however, repeated attempts to reinstall drivers have resulted in persistent signal loss even before reboots. This situation can be frustrating, especially when the system’s hardware and connections appear to be correctly configured.

Common Hardware and Software Setup

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 TI (Asus)
Motherboard: B650-E WIFI
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Operating System: Windows 11
Monitors: Two displays connected via HDMI and DisplayPort

Potential Causes

Driver Compatibility or Corruption

Installing incorrect or corrupted drivers can lead to display issues. Attempting to update drivers through multiple methods (automatic via NVIDIA GeForce Experience or manual download) might sometimes cause conflicts.

Connection and Cable Issues

Using different connection types (HDMI vs. DisplayPort) can sometimes influence compatibility, especially if cables or ports are faulty or incompatible.

Power or BIOS Settings

Power settings or BIOS configurations can impact GPU performance or display detection during driver updates.

Windows Display Settings

Misconfigured display settings within Windows can also contribute to signal loss during driver installation.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Hardware Connections
Ensure all cables are securely plugged into the correct ports.
Test the monitors and cables with other devices to rule out hardware faults.
Consider swapping cables or ports temporarily to check for defects.
Use Safe Mode for Driver Reinstallation
Boot Windows into Safe Mode which loads with minimal drivers.
Uninstall existing GPU drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a clean removal.
Reboot, then attempt to reinstall the latest drivers from the official NVIDIA website.
Check for BIOS and Firmware Updates
Ensure your motherboard BIOS and firmware are up to date to support your hardware properly.
Review BIOS settings related to graphics and onboard display configurations.
Adjust Power Settings