How To Fix HDMI Port Not Working In Windows 11

Fix “HDMI Port Not Working”

In the digital age, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has become the standard for connecting devices to displays. Whether you’re using a Windows 11 PC, laptop, or tablet, HDMI provides a seamless way to enjoy high-quality audio and video on external monitors, TVs, and projectors. However, like any technology, HDMI connections can encounter issues, and one common problem is the HDMI port not working in Windows 11.

If you’ve encountered this frustrating issue, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various troubleshooting steps to help you fix the HDMI port not working on your Windows 11 device. From checking hardware connections to updating drivers and adjusting display settings, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your HDMI port up and running smoothly. Let’s dive in.

Fixing Windows 11’s HDMI port not working issue

The top fixes to try when your PC or laptop’s HDMI port stops working in Windows 11 are listed below. See them just below.

1. Check Hardware Connections

Verify the condition of the HDMI cable you are using to connect your Windows 11 device to an external monitor. Faulty HDMI cables frequently result in problems with HDMI connections, making it impossible for your device to identify external displays. The first step in troubleshooting an HDMI port issue is to ensure that all hardware connections are secure. Follow these steps:

Disconnect the HDMI cable from both your Windows 11 device and the external display.
Inspect the HDMI cable for any physical damage or bent pins.
Reconnect the HDMI cable firmly to both the Windows 11 device and the display.
Ensure that the display is powered on and set to the correct HDMI input source.
Restart your Windows 11 device and see if the HDMI connection is working.

2. Cleanup the HDMI Port for Dust and Debris

Check the physical HDMI port on your PC or laptop if the HDMI cable is not the issue and you are experiencing Windows 11’s HDMI port not working issues. You see, over time, dust and dirt built up inside your device’s HDMI port can result in a connection problem, which then prevents the HDMI port from functioning on Windows 11.

3. Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is one of the most common and straightforward repairs you may try when Windows 11’s HDMI port not working. Although it sounds simple, Windows 11 problems may usually be resolved with a quick restart.

Save any ongoing work.
Click on the Start button.
Select the Power icon and choose Restart.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

If restarting your laptop or computer does not fix the HDMI port not working in Windows 11 problem, there may be a problem with your device’s display drivers.

In this situation, you can try to fix the HDMI port not working difficulties on your PC or laptop by updating the display driver in Windows 11. Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can lead to HDMI port not working issues. To update your graphics drivers follow the instructions below to upgrade the display driver on Windows 11:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters section. It will list all the integrated and dedicated graphics drivers installed on your computer. Do the following for all of the drivers.

Right-click on the display driver and choose Uninstall Driver. Uncheck the “Delete the driver software for this device.” option in the pop-up if it shows up.
Go to the top menu in Device Manager and under the Action tab, select Scan for hardware changes.
The driver should appear back in the Display adapters list. If it does not, then restart your PC and it will appear back.
Right-click on the display driver again and choose Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will scan for available driver updates and download them.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If it didn’t work, again right-click on the display driver and choose Update Driver but this time select Browse my computer for driver software.
Then select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Select the driver you want to install, generally, it is the pre-selected top option in the list and click Next.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If even that doesn’t work, you can try going to your laptop or graphic card manufacturer’s official website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific model from there and then simply install the drivers and restart your PC to apply the changes.
The following are links to GPU manufacturer driver download websites:

5. Windows Updates

Older versions of Windows can potentially be to blame for the HDMI port not working issue with Windows 11. The HDMI port not working problem is that Windows occasionally has bugs that could lead to problems on your Windows 11 laptop or computer, including the HDMI connector issue.

In this scenario, you must immediately install any new Windows 11 updates found on your laptop or PC. Keeping your Windows 11 system updated is essential for resolving compatibility issues and bugs. Check for Windows updates, and take the actions listed below to accomplish this:

Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
In the Update & Security window, click on Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
Click on Check for updates and let Windows search for and install any available updates.
After the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the brightness control function keys are functioning correctly.

brightness control function key not working

6. Run SFC Scan

Now, you can try the SFC and DISM scans on your device if the previous fixes did not resolve the HDMI port not working in Windows 11 issue on your PC or laptop. You see, problems with Windows 11’s system files and disk images may result in troubles with fundamental features like the HDMI connector and copy/paste.

In this situation, you can start by using Windows 11’s SFC scan to examine all of your system files and replace any that are missing or corrupt. So, adhere to the instructions below to perform an SFC scan in Windows 11:

Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC: sfc /scannow
Be patient and wait till the scanning is complete.

7. Run DISM Scans

Try running the DISM scans if the SFC scan fails to resolve the Windows 11 HDMI port not working issue. The Windows 11 disk images are scanned by these command-line programs, which also address other potential small problems with your device, such as the HDMI connector not functioning. So, adhere to the instructions below to execute the DISM scans in Windows 11:

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC.
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM commands are used for scanning your PC and automatically installing broken or missing Windows files on your PC.

8. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooters

Windows 11 offers built-in troubleshooters that can identify and fix various hardware and software issues like HDMI port not working problems. To run the hardware troubleshooter:

To display the Run dialogue box, use the Windows + R keys.
In the Run box, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
Click on Next to run the troubleshooter.

9. Adjust Display Settings

Incorrect display settings can cause the HDMI port not working correctly. To adjust these settings:

Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.“
Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.“
Verify that the resolution and refresh rate are appropriate for your external display.
Click “Display adapter properties for Display 1″ (or the relevant display) and ensure the correct monitor is selected under the “Monitor” tab.

10. Test with Another Cable and Monitor

To rule out faulty hardware, try using a different HDMI cable and monitor:

Use a known working HDMI cable and connect it to your Windows 11 device and the display.
If possible, connect your Windows 11 device to a different monitor or TV.
If the new cable and monitor work, the issue likely lies with the original cable or display.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a malfunctioning HDMI port can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it on your own. Start by checking hardware connections, adjusting display settings, and updating drivers. If the HDMI port not working problem persists, consider seeking professional help to diagnose and fix any underlying hardware issues. With patience and persistence, you can enjoy the seamless connectivity and high-quality audiovisual experience that HDMI offers on your Windows 11 device.

When choosing an HDMI cable, consider your specific needs. Ensure that the cable supports the features you require, such as 4K resolution, HDR, or high refresh rates, depending on your devices. Additionally, check the cable length to make sure it suits your setup. While it’s not always necessary to buy the most expensive cable, investing in a reputable brand and a cable that meets your requirements will help ensure a stable and high-quality HDMI connection for your devices.