Docking Station Not Detecting Monitor: 3 Ways to Fix it

Manually update the Nvidia driver to troubleshoot this problem

Fix » Laptop & PC

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by Henderson Jayden Harper 

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fix external monitor not detected through docking station

When an external monitor is not detected through a docking station, the computer can’t recognize the presence of the connected device.

Most often, that problem occurs due to improper connection or driver issues, but it may also be caused by incompatibility or incorrect display settings.

Before applying the solutions below, check if all the cables are connected correctly, restart your PC and your monitor and, if possible, check the docking station, cables and monitor with another device to troubleshoot the source of the issue.

How do I get my monitor to work with my docking station?

1. Manually update the driver

  1. Go to the Nvidia official download center and download the latest Nvidia GPU driver.
  2. Then, left-click the Start button, type Device Manager, and press Enter to open it.
  3. Expand the Display Adapters entry for the driver, right-click on the Nvidia driver, and select Update driver from the drop-down.
  4. Further, click on Browse my computer for drivers from the options on the new window.
  5. Then, navigate to the location of the downloaded driver file and click Next.
  6. Click the Install this driver software anyway option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Installing the Nvidia GPU driver version 531.18 will fix bugs affecting it and install the latest features to resolve the docking station issues.

Further, check other steps for updating graphics drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues.

Ensure your system performs smoothly and avoids all GPU driver errors by using a complete driver update assistant, namely Outbyte Driver Updater, that will do the job for you. Here's how to safely update your drivers:
  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
  3. Now, it will show you a list of all faulty drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
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  4. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
  5. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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2. Run the hardware troubleshooter via the CMD

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter to open the Windows Hardware and Device Troubleshooter: mysdt.auxiliary diagnostic device
  4. Click Next to proceed with the scan and troubleshooting process.
  5. After the troubleshooting, try to perform the task and check if it works.

Running the troubleshooter will resolve hardware connection issues responsible for the Dell Docking station not detecting external monitors.

Kindly read our guide on how to fix Command Prompt not working on your PC.

3. Check the display settings

  1. Firstly, press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Select System from the menu, then click on Display.
  3. Then, check the Multiple Displays option, then press the Detect button.
  4. Select the correct source for your monitor’s controls so that you’re using the appropriate video port.

The above steps will enable the Multiple Displays feature on the computer and help select the correct device.

Alternatively, we have a comprehensive guide on Windows 11 not detecting docking stations and the steps for fixing the problem.

In conclusion, if the docking station is not working on your PC, go through the solutions in this article. Also, we have a review of the best docking stations for Windows laptops.

Should you have further questions or suggestions regarding this guide, please drop them in the comments section.

More about the topics: docking station, monitors

Henderson Jayden Harper

Henderson Jayden Harper Shield

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.