Managing and Removing Ghost or Unattached Displays in Windows Display Settings

Summary: Learn how you can fix the issue of extra or "ghost" monitors showing up in your Windows Display Settings.

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Instructions

Seeing Extra Monitors in Windows Display Settings? Here is How to Fix It.

Sometimes, Windows might show extra monitors in your Display Settings—even when those monitors are not connected. These are often called "ghost" or "phantom" monitors, and they can be a bit confusing. But do not worry, fixing the issue is straightforward.

If you are dealing with something else—like connecting a new monitor, fixing common display problems, setting up multiple monitors, having trouble with multi-monitor displays, or troubleshooting touchscreen issues, check out our helpful guides.

Try These Steps to Remove Ghost Monitors:

  1. Remove Extra Monitors from Control Panel
    Open the Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, then right-click and remove any extra Generic PnP Monitors you see.

  2. Uninstall from Device Manager
    Open Device Manager, find any Generic PnP Monitors listed under the "Monitors" section, right-click, and choose Uninstall.

  3. Update Your Video Drivers
    Head over to the Dell Support website and download the latest video drivers for your system—whether it is Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD. You will find them under the Drivers & Downloads section, in the Video category.

  4. Restart Your Computer
    After installing the drivers, restart your PC. Once it boots up, only the monitors that are connected should appear in your Display Settings.

 

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series , Alienware and Dell Gaming Monitors, C Series, D Series, E Series, P Series, S Series, SE Series, UltraSharp Premier (UP) Series, UltraSharp (U) Series, Dell Monitors, Dell Plus Monitors, Dell Pro Monitors, Dell Pro Plus Monitors, G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, XPS Tablets, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000108307
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 23 July 2025
Version:  7
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