Using the Power Button Does Not Turn on External Monitor

Summary: The external monitor does not turn on when connected to the Thunderbolt port. This occurs after turning off or on and when unplugging and plugging in the power cable.

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Symptoms

After connecting the computer to an external monitor and powering the monitor off after waiting 30 seconds, powering it on again or unplugging and plugging in the power cable causes the monitor to not turn on. The monitor also does not appear in Device Manager.

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250
  • Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250

Cause

Note: This article is internal only. Remember this when talking to the customer.

A NVIDIA driver issue causes the external monitor issue.

Resolution

Note: Before starting the update, perform the following:
  • Back up all personal data. For more information, refer to Back Up and Recovery.
  • Connect the AC adapter.

Updating the BIOS to version to the latest on the computer resolves the issue. To download and install the BIOS, refer to the BIOS Update Guide.

Once BIOS is updated to the latest version, update the NVIDIA driver to 32.0.15.7324, A03 or later. 

Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250
Article Properties
Article Number: 000308419
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 23 May 2026
Version:  5
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