Windows
Second monitor stopped displaying after an unexpected shutdown
The second monitor was not displaying after a power outage caused an unexpected shutdown. Rebooting the workstation and fixing the monitor cables restored the display.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-04-03.
Affects
Versions
- Windows
Hardware
- second monitor
- docking station
- workstation
What you see
- Second monitor does not display anything after the workstation reboots unexpectedly.
Why it happens
Likely Likely an unexpected shutdown after a power outage left the workstation and monitor connection in an atypical state.
When it shows up
A second monitor is missing or blank after a workstation has had an unexpected shutdown, especially after a power outage.
You are in this case if:
- The issue follows an abnormal reboot or power event.
- The monitor returns after the workstation is rebooted and the cables are corrected.
1 fix below
The steps that killed it
The steps are behind a quick check
There are two ways in and both take a few seconds. Signing in opens the steps on every bug page; so does reading the picture.
Or answer this
Drawing a picture for you.
Can't read it? Sign in instead.
Someone from XL.net killed this on a Windows computer on 2026-04-03. It is written up from that one repair, so it cites no outside page.