3 Ways to Fix USB-C to HDMI Not Working

Get your USB-C to HDMI adapter working in no time

by Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things... read more
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  • If your USB-C to HDMI adapter is not working, the issue might be linked to the dedicated driver or problems with the adapter itself.
  • So we recommend updating the USB to HDMI driver using a specialized tool.
  • Recently installed Windows updates may also lead to problems with the connection.
USB to HDMI adapter not working
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USB to HDMI adapters enable users to connect their desktops or laptops to secondary display devices via HDMI, even if they don’t have an HDMI port on their devices.

However, USB to HDMI adapters doesn’t always work for some Windows users. A few even posted on the Microsoft forum about their USB to HDMI adapters not working.

I am using HP-21 Pavilion all in one desktop. My machine is not having VGA or HDMI port. On this machine (Windows 10) I was using display link USB-HDMI Display Adapter to connect projector and Second Monitor. It worked very well. But after windows 10 anniversary updates it stopped working. I tried with latest Display Link drivers. When I insert USB adapter in USB port built in screen becomes black.

Why is USB-C to HDMI adapter not working?

If this issue occurs, it’s possible that your HDMI port isn’t working, so test it with a different cable to ensure everything is in order.

Many are using docking stations to circumvent this problem, but sadly, a few users reported that Windows 11 is not detecting docking stations.

This isn’t the only type of cable that has issues, and many reported that USB-C to DisplayPort cable isn’t working, but that can be easily fixed.

Depending on your use scenario, you’ll most often encounter this problem on the following platforms:

  • Windows 10 : The issue is common for Windows 10 users, and our solutions caters to this iteration of the OS as well.
  • Windows 11: Usually it happens on newer devices with last-gen hardware
  • Mac: Some Mac users complained about problems with USB-C compatibility
  • Android: This can happen to any Android device, ranging from smartphones and tablets, to vide projectors.

Sometimes, the incompatibility can also be related to a device manufacturer or a certain hardware device. Here’s some common scenarios:

  • USB c to HDMI not working on HP laptop: Many users encountered the error with HP laptops. In most cases, the devices didn’t support the functionality they were looking for.
  • USB-C to HDMI not working on Samsung: Samsung devices, too, are prone to this issue. And it’s usually the driver to blame.
  • USB C to HDMI not working on monitor: Some users could not connect the monitor because USB C to HDMI was not working.
  • USB C to HDMI not working on TV: It usually happens with Android TVs

Does USB-C to HDMI always work?

Usually, yes. Depending on your use scenario, you can get pretty good audio and video quality through it. But sometimes you might bump into some issues mainly related to the relevant driver for the adapter or the link itself.

And in most cases, these are easily fixable. However, if you are facing issues with USB-C to HDMI connections, the solutions below should help get things up and running.

How do I know if my USB-C supports video?

There are usually small symbols next to the computer’s USB-C port that indicates whether it supports video transmission or not.

If you see a Lightning symbol or a D (Display port) logo, the USB-C port can connect to an external monitor or TV.

How do I fix my USB-C to HDMI adapter if it’s not working?

In this article

Before trying out the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick checks that should fix trivial issues when USB C to HDMI is not working:

  1. First, connect the USB-C to the HDMI adapter to another port on the computer.
  2. Next, check for damage to the cable; if there’s any, you might have to replace it.
  3. If you have another computer with a USB-C port, connect the adapter and verify if it works. If it does, the problem lies with the initial computer, and the solutions below would help.

1. Update the USB C to HDMI driver

1. Press the WindowsR to open Run.

2. Type devmgmt.msc, and then click OK.

device manager

3. Double-click on Other devices to expand and view the ones under it.

other devices

4. Now, right-click on the USB device and select Update driver.

update driver to fix usb c to hdmi not working

5. Select Search automatically for drivers.

search automatically for drivers

The USB-C to HDMI driver in Windows 10 can often be why it is not working. So make sure to install the latest version of it.

You can manually install the latest driver using the built-in tool called Device Manager. However, remember that the manual method is not always practical and might not work for all cases.

 

Update drivers automatically

You can download the latest driver for your USB to HDMI driver from the company’s website. With a bit of research, you should find the correct driver.

However, the best way to update your drivers is by using a specialized third-party tool that automatically scans your hardware for the latest available version and downloads it.

Sometimes, malfunctioning drivers can cause multiple system errors. If this happens to your PC, you may need to update or reinstall certain drivers entirely. As the process is not quite straightforward, we recommend using a reliable driver updater for the job. Here's how to do it:
  1. Download and install Outbyte Driver Updater.
  2. Launch the software.
  3. Wait for the app to detect all faulty drivers.
    OutByte Driver Updater Scan
  4. Now, it will show you all the malfunctioning drivers listed to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
  5. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
  6. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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2. Scan for hardware changes

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Now, click on the Action menu, and select Scan for hardware changes.scan for hardware changes to fix usb c to hdmi not working
  3. Then try utilizing the USB to HDMI adapter after scanning.

If USB-C to HDMI is not working on the laptop, scan for hardware changes, and it should get the functionality up and running again.

3. Rollback to the previous Windows build

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings and click on Update & Security.update & security
  2. Now, select Recovery from the navigation pane, and click on the Get started button under Go back to the previous version of Windows 10. Remember, you can only do this within ten days of installing an update.get started to fix usb c to hdmi not working
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Some users have said that their USB to HDMI adapters stopped working after installing Windows build updates, and reverting to the previous version helped. You can always perform a System Restore if the Get Start option is greyed out.

These solutions should fix USB to HDMI adapters for most users, but not everybody. As a result, some might need to change their adapters.

Also, these would fix things for users if Anker USB-C to HDMI is not working. Are you having other USB-related problems? Here is a helpful article dedicated to fixing the USB-C if it’s not working correctly on your device.

Users with adapters still within their warranty periods can also return them to manufacturers for repairs if they don’t work.

If you managed to fix things with another method, do not forget to drop it in the comments section below and help your fellow Windows users.

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