HDMI Port Not Working On PC [10 FIXES]

The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which enables users to connect their PCs to high-definition displays, has become an essential component of modern computing. But there can be times when the HDMI port is not working on PC, which can be caused due to different reasons. 

Key Takeaways

• HDMI plays a crucial part in the computing world, and for audio-video connections, it connects almost any display device.
• HDMI ports sometimes malfunction due to outdated or incompatible drivers, a faulty HDMI cable, or the HDMI port of a computer with damaged or bent pins. Sometimes, the issue may lie with the display device itself.
• Try updating or rolling back to a compatible version of drivers, examine hardware and cables for any damages, and replace the faulty one or set display settings to the correct configuration.

Reasons Why The HDMI Port Is Not Working On PC

Distorted images, sound, or unavailable output display are signs of a malfunctioning HDMI port. If there is a hardware problem, changing the cable can be required to resolve the problem. Also, updating GPU and HDMI drivers will solve any software compatibility issues.

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Frequent causes behind the issue of HDMI ports not working on PC are:

• A damaged HDMI cable.
• Your PC ports are malfunctioning.
• The monitor is not configured correctly.
• Motherboard or GPU drivers are corrupted or incompatible.

Basic Troubleshooting

It is always a good strategy to go for basic troubleshooting before you dive into any technical fixes. Here are some fixes that can save you time and money:

• Restart your computer or power cycle your system.
• Examine the cable for any damage and also the port.
• Check for possible debris in the PC port or the HDMI cable head.
• Inspect the center part of the HDMI cable head for any bending, chipping, or removal of the conductive plating.
• Check for any loose connections.
• Properly plug the HDMI cable into the devices that you are trying to connect.
• When you update to Windows 10, the HDMI port stops working and needs to be enabled.
• Make sure HDMI mode is selected when the display device first starts up.
• On the display device, choose the correct HDMI port.
• Once your display device has started, check the settings, it must be set to export images.

How To Fix HDMI Port Not Working On PC 

Following are the potential fixes that will make your HDMI port function properly.

Scan For Hardware Changes

You can do a manual scan to look for the devices you have recently plugged into your system by checking for hardware changes.

1. Go to Device Manager and open the Action tab.
2. Now select Scan for Hardware Changes.

   

3. If the Monitors section has the device you are using for display, restart your PC first to make it work again and remove any temporary glitches.
4. Now you must modify the PC’s display settings to display through the HDMI port.
5. Press Windows+P to start, and you’ll have several options.
6. Start selecting options one by one until a picture displays.

   

7. These options specify your PC’s configuration to display information on the main screen.

Update GPU And Motherboard Drivers

Some monitors may only properly show content if you have an updated GPU driver. Updated GPU drivers can help prevent HDMI malfunctioning. First and foremost, download the latest updates of NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD’s drivers from their official site and install them.

The second alternative is a manual update of the drivers. 

1. Open Device Manager and jump to Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter helps to find and repair problems with hardware components. It comes pre-installed, although accessing it differs on every device.
2. Use the command prompt to look for the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
3. You can type CMD into the search field by hitting the Windows key.
4. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the command prompt and hit Enter.

   

5. A pop-up window will display.
6. Check on the Apply repairs automatically under the Advanced tab.

   

7. Once the troubleshooter finishes repairing, click Next and proceed through the procedures.

Restart your computer after completing the procedure to apply the modifications and check if the HDMI port works.

Revert The GPU Driver To An Older Version

When your GPU and monitor are linked through an HDMI cable, rolling back to an earlier driver version can do the magic and fix compatibility issues that might have occurred due to an update.

Be sure to back up all of the crucial system files before proceeding.

1. Launch Device Manager.
2. Look for the monitor driver, and select Properties that you will find in the context menu after right-clicking it.
3. Choose Driver, and click the Roll Back Driver.

   

4. Now go to Display Adapters, where you will find GPU. Follow the same steps given above for GPU.
5. Now unplug the HDMI cable, restart your PC, and check if the connection works.
6. Set the Default Device option as your HDMI device.
7. Right-click the Taskbar’s volume icon to access the Playback Devices menu.
8. Click on Digital Output Device or HDMI if they are listed among the available devices, and choose Set Default.

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Uninstall The Graphics Driver

1. Launch Device Manager and jump to Display Adapter.

   

2. In the menu, look for your graphics and right-click on it.
3. Select Uninstall Device.

   

4. A window will appear for confirmation; click Uninstall.

   

See if the “HDMI Port not working on PC” has been resolved.

Manually Install Pending Updates

Windows Update program couldn’t always install new updates, which stay pending. Users must manually install these updates. 

1. Go to your PC Settings; at the bottom, you will find Windows Update; click it.
2. Locate the tab for View optional updates and open it.

   

3. Select Download and Install after checking the relevant boxes for your Display/HDMI drivers.

   

4. Any pending updates will show up here; update all of those because you might have installed some other drivers that might miss new updates.

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Run Windows In Safe Mode

When Windows is started in safe mode, all settings and apps are forced to operate at their default settings. The safe mode could fix any corrupted data about the HDMI controllers.

Here’s how to run Windows in safe mode:

1. Go to the command prompt through the Windows start menu.
2. Entering the msconfig command in it and hit Enter.
3. Now go to the Boot tab and its settings.
4. Untick the Safe Mode checkbox from the menu that appears.

   

5. Once Windows restarts in safe mode, test if your external device is correctly identified. Try replugging the HDMI cable to make it work on a PC.

Repair Registry Log

Hardware components could give you a headache if your system has issues in the Registry files log. Follow these steps to repair the registry:

1. Type CMD in the Windows search bar.
2. Launch CMD as an administrator
3. Type sfc /scannow when a black window appears.

   

4. Your system will scan all files.

Restart your PC when it is done with scanning. This must have solved the existing issue.

Remove Recently Installed Software

This fix might be effective if the HDMI port does not appear in your Device Manager. Recently installed software can sometimes cause compatibility problems and connection issues. These instructions will help you delete recent installations:

1. Access your PC’s Control Panel.

   

2. Jump to Uninstall a program.

   

3. Look for the software you recently installed and click Uninstall option on it. Do the same for all new installations unless the HDMI port starts working.

   

Run System Restore

The system restores option enables you to return to some of the old efficient configuration settings without losing files which might as well make the HDMI port work.

1. Type restore into the Windows search box. Several search results will appear. From the menu, opt for Create a restore point.

   

2. It will then display the System Properties panel. Select System Restore from the menu.

   

3. Click Next once the System Restore window has opened.

   

4. Select Show additional restore points if they are available. From the menu, choose the preferred restore point, then click Next.

   

5. Now workaround the steps appearing on your screen to complete the restoration process.

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Compatibility Mode

For those updated from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10, your PC’s HDMI port could no longer function. To fix this issue, follow the steps below:

1. Look for the setup files; after finding them, right-click on them and choose Troubleshoot Compatibility.
2. You will find the following 2 options on a window; put a check on these:
3. Choose the Windows version that supports HDMI port, such as 7 or 8.1, which you used earlier. Try both versions and save the settings for the one that works.
4. After this, you will be able to use your HDMI port.

Conclusion

We have learned that the HDMI port will only work if the cable or its head is fixed, the PC’s drivers are updated, or any compatibility issues. Try not to give in to frustration if an HDMI port on your PC isn’t working.

You can diagnose the problem and restore HDMI port transmission by inspecting hardware, updating drivers, and modifying display settings. Technology glitches can occur, but with the appropriate information and basic troubleshooting, you can quickly fix them and continue to enjoy your multimedia experience.

In case the HDMI on motherboard is not working, you’ll need to try different methods.