Laptop monitor not detected, only external monitor works

Hi all,

This all started when I had my laptop connected to my TV via HDMI and changed the display setting to "Show only on 2". I then remember opening my laptop and the internal display wasn't working, but when the external display did. It doesn't appear to be a hardware issue with the laptop screen itself as sometimes it'll randomly work, I've updated the integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 620) and also the other one (Nvidia MX150). That did seem to get it to work for a bit then I closed the laptop lid to put it to sleep and went back to the same issue. Also up to date with all the most recent windows updates (Windows 11, 10.0.22631), there's one new BIOS update on the acer website but it's purely for security.

I've tried booting in safe mode and bios to reset to default settings, booting in safe mode seemed to get the screen to work once but it hasn't since. What worked most recently was to roll back the integrated graphics to basic display, delete all the monitors including hidden, and then update the graphics back to the most recent version whilst disconnecting and reconnecting the external monitor. Sometimes this gets the monitor to turn back on, other times it just detects the monitor on device manager but the internal monitor is still off. When this happens on the display settings it shows both monitors with "Show only on 2" when I try change it, it asks to keep or revert and after clicking "keep changes" the setting just reverts to "Show only on 2".

Additionally, I've deleted the below registry keys to now avail, even deleting the whole "GraphicsDrivers" and resetting the laptop with no difference. To me, it seems like the "Show only on 2" is the cause as it always reverts to this setting when it detects both monitors, but I don't know how to change this. If anyone can provide some input it'd be greatly appreciated, been searching for solutions for the last week, thanks.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Configuration
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Connectivity
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\ScaleFactors

Berton said:

Just a generic comment, nearly all Notebooks/Laptops have a keyboard function that choose between the display panel, a socket, usually for projectors or external monitor, or both at the same time. The hardware function has to be set so the OS knows how to work with it. Most key combinations involve the Fn and another key such as an Fx [where x = a number] or another key which has the same color marking as the Fn key.

Yeah mine is Fn + F5 to project but it doesn't change anything

1. On my laptop FN+F4 accesses the Project options, FN+F7 on the other laptop.

2. Windows Key+P is the Keyboard shortcut.

3. That can also be accessed via Notifications centre quick links.
If it is not there then add it > Right click > Edit + Add Project > Done.

Option 3. is not available in Windows 11, look in the settings.

I would not meddle with those registry entries.

Are you saying none of the 4 Project options work ?

If that is the case you should repair Windows and make sure system drivers are installed.

Helmut said:

1. On my laptop FN+F4 accesses the Project options, FN+F7 on the other laptop.

2. Windows Key+P is the Keyboard shortcut.

3. That can also be accessed via Notifications centre quick links.
If it is not there then add it > Right click > Edit + Add Project > Done.

Option 3. is not available in Windows 11, look in the settings.

I would not meddle with those registry entries.

Are you saying none of the 4 Project options work ?

If that is the case you should repair Windows and make sure system drivers are installed.

No it doesn't work, as the laptops internal display is not detected on the external hence there's nothing to switch between.