XPS 13 / External Monitor Issues

Question

I have recently bought a Dell XPS 13. I'm not sure how old it is. The sticker on the keyboard says Intel Core i7 (8th Gen). My XPS is also touch screen (if that even helps to date it). I bought this computer for the specific purpose of running a presentation software for our church. Our last computer had an actual HDMI port that connected directly to the HDMI which ran straight to the monitor. The ONLY difference with this XPS 13 is the lack of an actual HDMI port. I went out and bought a Belkin USB-C to HDMI adapter with the belief that simply adding the adapter to the equation would not be a problem. However, when connected properly, the computer will not recognize the new monitor. When I connect, the screen flashes black, the display settings recognize in advanced settings that there are two monitors, and Cortana makes sure I'm well aware she won't bother me while I'm presenting. Other than that, nothing happens. The TV monitor says, "No signal," the XPS can't detect another monitor, nothing.

I have learned that this seems to be a relatively common problem, but all of the forums I read date back a couple of years. Also, the solutions then don't seem to be the solutions now.

I have tried purchasing a new adapter. (I started with an Insignia USB-C to HDMI. I'm now using the Belkin adapter.)

I have tried messing with the Device Manager by updating the display adapters. (Computer tells me I'm all up to date.)

I'm not incredibly techy, so I'm needing some help.

Thank you

jphughan · Answer

Just to make sure, have you confirmed that the HDMI cable you're using works elsewhere? If so, then a USB-C to HDMI adapter should indeed be the only thing you need here, and I've used such adapters successfully with multiple systems, including multiple generations of XPS 13s. If Cortana is popping up saying she won't bother you while you're presenting, that suggests that Windows is in fact detecting the display. If you go into Windows Display Settings (Start > Settings > System > Display), is there any indication that the second display is being detected? If so, you might simply need to set it to either Duplicate or Extend if it just happens to be set to "Do not use this display" at the moment.

If that doesn't resolve it, I'd make sure your graphics drivers and system firmware/BIOS are both up to date. The easiest way to do that is to download and install Dell Update, then have it check for updates. Good luck!

gdickens · Answer

Same issue. Updated drivers, firmware and tried a clean install of windows. Monitor works fine when I boot Linux but won't connect via Windows 10.

XPS

XPS 13 / External Monitor Issues

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