Alienware m15 R7 AMD, m17 R5 AMD, and Dell G15 5525 External Video Mode Changes Abnormally when Using a USB Type-C to HDMI Dongle

Summary: Information about the external video mode changing abnormally when using a USB Type-C to HDMI video dongle.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

When an external monitor is connected with a USB Type-C to HDMI dongle, the video will automatically change to extended mode even if a duplicate or second screen mode is wanted. This behavior happens with BIOS version 1.4.3 installed on the Alienware m15 R7 AMD, m17 R5 AMD, or Dell G15 5525.

 
Note: This only affects AMD models and non-AMD models DO NOT have this issue.

Cause

Possible issue with Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS).

Resolution

Disable VBS

The issue disappears when the VBS feature is disabled. The VBS feature is disabled by default, but the following steps can be used to check and disable the VBS option if its enabled.

  1. Boot to Windows.
  2. Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard and type: "Core Isolation"
    Windows Search Core Isolation
  3. In the "Core Isolation" window, check if the "Memory integrity (VBS)" option is On.
    Windows Core Isolation Window Option On
  4. If the option is On, switch "Memory integrity (VBS)" to turn it Off. The computer requires a restart.
    Windows Core Isolation Window Option Off
  5. Reboot the computer.
  6. Open "Control Panel," then choose "Uninstall a Program."
    Windows Control Panel
  7. Choose "Turn Windows features on or off."
    Windows Programs and Features
  8. In "Windows Features," uncheck "Virtual Machine Platform" and click "OK," the computer requires a reboot.
    Windows Features
  9. Reboot the computer and VBS will be turned off.

Affected Products

Alienware m15 R7 AMD, Alienware m17 R5 AMD, Dell G15 5525
Article Properties
Article Number: 000204207
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 23 Apr 2025
Version:  5
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