2nd monitor won't wake - settings default to that screen

justinf · 14 Sep 2018

Looking for help figuring out how to wake up my second monitor. After upgrading to a new Dell OptiPlex 3060 and Windows 10, I cannot seem to get my second monitor up and running, but all of my open windows go there when I connect it. To complicate matters, when I open display settings on my primary screen, it always opens the window on the second screen, which is completely black.

Are there any mechanisms to force the settings screen to open on "display 1?"

Could it be a driver issue? If so, what should I do? (The monitor is an HP cwa)

EdTittel · 14 Sep 2018

If you disconnect the second screen, shouldn't the items that normally map to that screen be re-mapped to the sole remaining screen? Worth a try anyway, methinks. Then you should be able to work on the second monitor by reconnecting and using your tools and utilities on the first screen, where you can actually SEE them.
Just a thought: hope it's a helpful one.
--Ed--

justinf · 14 Sep 2018

Problem solved, but I don't understand why.

Monitor 1 was connected using a VGA adapter cable (older monitor).
Monitor 2 was connect using only and HDMI cable.

Even when Monitor 1 was completely disconnected from the PC and Monitor 2 was connected using the HDMI cable, the screen remained black.

I decided to try to use the VGA adapter cable with Monitor 2 (to see if my HDMI cable crapped out) and the screen popped right up. Now the HDMI cable also works on Monitor 2. It's weird, but it worked. I hope it's not a reoccurring issue.

New problem: the computer seems to think I prefer display 2 to display 1 (all of my bottom toolbar icons are on display 2 and documents open there by default).... and I don't.

Thanks for the suggestions, Ed!

EdTittel · 14 Sep 2018

Glad something seems to have helped. You can try clicking the "other screen" in the Display Settings pane, then go to the bottom and check the box that reads "Make this my main display" (this only works if the chosen screen is not already the main. If it is already the main, it shows up greyed-out instead).
HTH,
--Ed--

justinf · 14 Sep 2018

Ahhhhhh, now my world is back in order again. Thank you, Ed. Have a great weekend.

EdTittel · 15 Sep 2018

You're welcome. Glad you got things sorted. Enjoying my first cup of "real coffee" (we drink instant during the week) and already in Saturday mode, for sure. Thanks!
--Ed--