How to Fix DisplayPort "No Signal" on Your Monitor

Download Article

Quick & easy solutions to resolve DisplayPort problems

Written by Luigi Oppido | Edited by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Common Causes

|

Fixes

|

Video

It's frustrating when you are trying to connect a monitor to your computer but not getting a signal. If you're seeing "No Signal" or your monitor isn't detected when connected via DisplayPort, you can do a few simple things to fix the issue. This wikiHow article teaches you how to fix a "No Signal" error when your monitor is connected via a DisplayPort on Windows and Mac.

Fixing a DisplayPort "No Signal" Error

Restart your computer and monitor. Inspect the cables and ports for damage, dirt, and loose connections. Try using a different DisplayPort cable or an HDMI cable. Decrease your resolution and/or refresh rate. Update or reinstall your graphics drivers.

Section 1 of 2:

Why You're Seeing "No Signal"

Download Article

The cable or DisplayPort input or output may be damaged or not connected properly. You may have the wrong input source selected on your monitor, or the resolution or refresh rate is set too high. You may need to install or update your graphics drivers. There could also be a hardware or software problem.

Section 2 of 2:

How to Fix "No Signal" Error with a DisplayPort

Download Article

Restarting and reconnecting your devices will give them a chance to reset and attempt to detect the signal automatically. It will also allow you to check the connections to ensure everything is completely plugged in. Shut down your computer, unplug your monitor, disconnect the DisplayPort cable, and reconnect it. Make sure it is firmly connected and not loose. Restart your computer and see if this fixes the issue.
2
Check the cable and ports for dirt or damage. Remove the DisplayPort cable and inspect it. Make sure there is no damage to the cable or the metal connectors. Check inside the connectors on the cable and in the ports on your monitor and computer for dirt, debris, or damage to the pins.
- If dirt or debris is inside the cable connector or the ports, you can remove it using a can of compressed air. Aim the straw attachment inside the port or plug and release quick bursts of air. If debris is still inside, you can try to remove it with a thin toothpick. Be careful not to damage the port or the plug.
Your monitor may have the wrong input selected. If your monitor has a built-in menu system, press the button on your monitor to open its menu, then select the "source select" or "input" settings. Make sure you have DisplayPort selected as the source instead of HDMI or another input. If your monitor has multiple DisplayPort inputs, make sure you have selected the correct numbered port.
If you are able to get a signal using a different DisplayPort cable, it probably means your cable is defective or damaged. You'll need to get a replacement cable .
5
Try using HDMI or a different port. If your monitor has multiple DisplayPort inputs, try using a different one to rule out the possibility that the DisplayPort input may not be working. You can also try using an HDMI cable. If you are able to get a signal while using an HDMI cable, use that temporarily while you do further troubleshooting, even if you intend to use a DisplayPort cable.
- If you are setting up a new computer and just installed a new graphics card , try temporarily connecting to the display output in your motherboard rather than your graphics card. This will allow you to get a signal while you install the graphics drivers and troubleshoot your PC.
Try connecting your monitor to another computer using a DisplayPort connection. If you can get a signal on another computer, the problem is with your computer, possibly the graphics driver or the hardware. If your monitor is not able to get a signal on any device, the issue is with your monitor. You may need to replace your monitor or use a HDMI cable.
7
Update or install your graphics drivers. If you just installed a new graphics card, you can download and install the graphics drivers from your graphics card manufacturer's website. If you have a Mac, you can update your drivers by updating macOS . If you are using Windows, use the following steps to update your graphics drivers: ^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
Go to source}
- Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager .
- Expand Display Adapters .
- Click Update Driver .
- Click Search automatically for drivers .
- Follow the on-screen prompts if an update is available.
8
Change your resolution. If your monitor is only capable of 1080p, but your computer is set to 4K, your resolution will be too high, and your monitor won't be able to get a signal. Use one of the following steps to change your output resolution:
- Windows: Click the Windows Start menu and go to Settings > System > Display . Use the drop-down menu next to "Display resolution" to select a resolution your monitor can output. ^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  Go to source}
- Mac: Click the Apple icon and click System Settings (or System Preferences ). Click Display . Select the monitor you want to adjust, and use the drop-down menu to select a resolution. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
9
Lower your refresh rate. If your computer's refresh rate is too high, your monitor won't be able to get a signal. If you can lower your monitor's refresh rate in the monitor's menu, go ahead and lower it to about 60 Ghz (60 frames-per-second). Use one of the following steps to lower your refresh rate on your computer:
- Windows: Click the Windows Start menu and type "Advanced Display Settings". Click View Advanced Display Settings . Use the drop-down menu to select a refresh rate that matches your monitor's capabilities. ^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  Go to source}
- Mac: Click the Apple icon and click System Settings (or System Preferences .) Click Display . Use the drop-down menu next to "Refresh Rate" to select a refresh rate that matches your monitor's capabilities. ^{[5]
  X
  Research source}