Hi

The external screen has its own power supply, surely.

Basic connection steps (screen broken but system on)

1. Connect the external monitor

   • Use HDMI directly if your monitor has HDMI.

   • Or use a USB‑C → HDMI/DisplayPort adapter, or a Thunderbolt/USB‑C dock.

   • Prefer the left‑side USB‑C ports if you have a choice (Dell recommends them for displays). dell+1

2. Power on the laptop

   • If the laptop is off, press the power button normally.

   • On many Dells, it will automatically detect the external display at boot and output to it. dell+1

3. If you see nothing on the external monitor
   Try the Windows display toggle blindly:

   • Wait until you’re sure Windows is logged in.

   • Press Win + P once.

   • Press Down Arrow once, then Enter.
     This usually switches to “Second screen only” or “Extend”, which often brings the image onto the external monitor even if the internal panel is dead.

   If that doesn’t work, repeat with different combinations:

   • Win + P, then Down, Down, Enter

   • Win + P, then Down, Down, Down, Enter

   (You’re cycling through: PC screen only / Duplicate / Extend / Second screen only.)

If you can briefly see the display or use remote tools

If you ever get a temporary image (or can RDP/SSH in):

• In Windows Settings → System → Display, set the external monitor as Main display.

• In Intel Graphics Command Center (if using integrated graphics):

  • Open Intel Graphics Command Center → Display.

  • Set the external monitor as primary, then Disable the internal display.

The answer depends on whether or not the display is still detected by the system.  If it's not, the system won't complete powerup self test and halt.

I doubt an underpowered adapter would cause a no-external-image issue by itself.

@ejn63​ I]The laptop posts fine. .thank God.  Good to know since the monitor has its own power supply that it doesnt drain the laptop. Thankyou

@anne_droid​ Thank you .  I will try the above and let you know asap what happens

@anne_droid​ I'm not sure if i get the past the password and get logged it to windows now that I'm that Im thinking about it.  I just bought the thing used and don't know it that well.  The above directions won't work unless I'm logged in correct ?

I have a similar problem with my laptop display being damaged, and I’m trying to use an external monitor instead. The laptop powers on, but the external monitor either shows nothing or only detects a signal briefly.

Could an underpowered charger cause the external display not to work properly? I’m currently using a lower-wattage adapter than the one that came with the laptop. I also can’t easily change the display settings because the built-in screen is unusable.

Has anyone managed to get an external monitor working in this situation without being able to see the laptop screen? Any advice on the correct key combination or troubleshooting steps would be appreciated.

I submitted the original question and I’m still stuck.   Can’t get past being unable to see what I’m typing and where I’m at on the screen.  External monitor remains unresponsive.  I’ve followed the guidance from these good people but I get nothing despite many attempts.  I will have to replace the display to get anywhere.  There are too many variables apparently.  Even with the Nararator on i  can’t figure out where I’m even at.  lol. 

@ayush_18​ i do wish I could try the type-c to HDMI adapter in the pc’s type-C power port.  That sounds hopeful as it’s a higher priority port 

Hi

On many Dells, it will automatically detect the external display at boot and output to it.

So try the external display in different ports?

@Darren0731​ 

Hi

Well try a self booting USB, like a Linux Live, that needs no initial input if there is no other storage device, IE disconnect the current storage.

When it loads just tap the  Enter key.