When your HP computer monitor shows a "No Signal" message, it usually means the display is not receiving video output from the PC. This problem can occur on desktops or laptops and may be caused by outdated drivers, incorrect display settings, faulty cables, or hardware conflicts. This guide explains the most common causes and provides proven solutions, starting with the most effective fix: updating display-related drivers using Driver Sentry.
Update Display and Chipset Drivers Using Driver Sentry
Outdated or corrupted graphics, chipset, or monitor drivers are one of the most common reasons an HP monitor displays "No Signal". Before trying hardware replacements or advanced troubleshooting, updating drivers should be your first step.
Download and Install:
Click the "Download" button to download the installer. Save the file to your Windows computer.
Double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose an installation location and complete the setup.
Run a Full Driver Scan:
Open the program from the desktop shortcut or the Windows Start menu, click the "Scan" button.
Driver Sentry will analyze all system drivers, including graphics cards, display adapters, monitor drivers, and chipset components.
Update All Drivers:
The tool will list all drivers requiring updates, click "Repair Now" button.
Driver Sentry will automatically download and install the latest recommended drivers.
Restart Your Computer:
Wait for the update process to finish.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Updating these drivers ensures proper communication between your GPU and monitor and often resolves "No Signal" issues immediately.
Check Monitor Input Source Settings
If your drivers are updated but the issue persists, the monitor may be set to the wrong input source.
Steps to Verify Input Source:
1. Turn on the monitor.
2. Press the Menu or Input button on the monitor.
3. Confirm the selected input matches the cable in use:
HDMI
DisplayPort
VGA
DVI
4. Switch manually to the correct input and save the settings.
Many HP monitors do not automatically detect the correct input, especially after system restarts or cable changes.
Inspect Display Cables and Ports
A loose or damaged cable can prevent the signal from reaching the monitor.
What to Check:
Disconnect and reconnect the video cable securely on both ends.
Try a different HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable.
Plug the cable into a different port on the graphics card.
Avoid using adapters if possible, especially HDMI-to-VGA converters.
If you are using a docking station, connect the monitor directly to the PC to rule out dock-related issues.
Restart and Reset Display Detection in Windows
Sometimes Windows fails to detect the monitor correctly.
Manually Detect the Monitor:
Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings".
Scroll down and click "Advanced display settings".
Select "Detect" to force Windows to search for connected displays.
If multiple displays are listed, set the correct one as the primary display.
Test with Another Monitor or Computer
To determine whether the problem is with the monitor or the PC:
Connect the HP monitor to another computer.
Connect a different monitor to your HP computer.
If the HP monitor works on another system, the issue is likely driver- or GPU-related. If it fails everywhere, the monitor may be defective.
Reset Graphics Driver Output
In some cases, the graphics driver may be stuck in an incorrect output mode.
Quick Reset Shortcut:
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B.
The screen may flicker briefly.
Check if the signal returns.
This shortcut restarts the graphics driver without rebooting the system.
Check BIOS and Graphics Card Seating (Desktop Only)
For HP desktop users:
Shut down the PC and unplug it.
Open the case and reseat the graphics card firmly into the PCIe slot.
Ensure the GPU power cables are connected properly.
Enter BIOS and confirm the correct primary display device is selected.
Final Thoughts
An HP computer monitor showing "No Signal" is usually caused by driver issues, incorrect input settings, or connection problems. Updating graphics, monitor, and chipset drivers using Driver Sentry should always be your first troubleshooting step, as it resolves the majority of cases quickly and safely. If the issue persists, methodically checking cables, display settings, and hardware will help identify the exact cause. By following these solutions in order, you can restore your HP monitor's display signal without unnecessary hardware replacements.
