When your DisplayPort is not working, it can be frustrating, especially if you heavily rely on your computer for work or entertainment. Common issues that can arise include no video input, screen flickering, and other related problems.

There are numerous possible causes for this, ranging from outdated drivers to hardware-related issues, but thankfully, there are numerous ways to fix your DisplayPort when it stops working.

1. Reconnect the Cables

Cables Connected to White Switch Hub for Internet

When experiencing a DisplayPort problem, starting with a thorough check of the cables is a good idea. Loose or faulty cables are a common culprit behind port issues. They can lead to poor connections that cause display-related problems, such as no video output.

To address this, ensure the cables are properly connected to establish a stable connection. Switching cables can also help identify any cable-related issues.

In some cases, the cable may be internally damaged or have a damaged connector, preventing the proper transmission of video signals. In such situations, replacing the cable may be necessary.

2. Clean the Port

dusting off io ports on motherboard
Image Credit: Jhet Borja

DisplayPort problems can also arise from dirt, debris, or dust accumulation obstructing the connection. This is why it's essential to clean the port periodically.

If it's been a while since you've cleaned the DisplayPort, you can use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to remove the dirt and debris from the port. However, handling the process carefully is crucial to avoid damaging the port. We recommend refraining from using any liquids in the process.

To begin the cleaning process, switch off the computer and disconnect all cables to prevent accidental damage.

3. Choose the Right Input Source

Connecting the cable to the correct active port is important if your monitor has multiple input sources. For example, if the active DisplayPort is D1, the cable won't function properly if plugged into the D2 port. You can find information about active ports in the user manual provided by your manufacturer.

Once you have determined which port is active, connect the cable and check if that fixes your problem.

4. Restart Display Drivers

Sometimes, issues with the display drivers can cause DisplayPort problems. These drivers act as a link between the graphics card and the operating system, and if they become outdated or corrupt, they can cause various display-related issues.

One potential solution for these issues is to restart the display drivers. To do this on a Windows machine, unplug the device from the DisplayPort on your monitor and press the Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B keys. You should hear a beep. Once you hear the beep, plug the DisplayPort cable back in and check to see if the issue has been resolved.

5. Update Drivers

If restarting the drivers does not work, the next thing you can do is update the display drivers. This can be done in Windows using the Device Manager utility pre-installed on your system. This utility allows the users to control and manage the hardware devices installed on the computer.

To proceed, follow these steps:

  1. Type Device Manager in the search utility on the taskbar and choose Open from the results available.
  2. In the following window, expand the Display adapters section and right-click on your display driver.
  3. Choose Update driver from the context menu.
    Choose the Update driver option
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers. The utility will then scan your system for an updated version of the driver, which you can install by following the on-screen instructions.
    Let the Device Manager search for drivers automatically

If the latest version of the driver is not available through the automatic search, you can download it manually from the manufacturer's website and install it on your system. Once you've downloaded the driver, follow these steps:

  1. Return to the Device Manager and right-click on your Display driver.
  2. Choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
  3. Click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
    Choose a display driver
  4. Now, select the driver you downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Alternatively, you can also uninstall the display driver and use the generic Microsoft Basic Display Adapter driver instead.

In case you're a Mac user, you can launch the System Preferences utility and choose Software Update. Now wait for the system to connect to Apple's servers and check for available updates. If an update is available, you can install it by following the on-screen instructions.

macOS update to Monterey

In Linux, when you connect a hardware device to your computer, a device file is created in the /dev directory, allowing the system to interact with the device. While most Linux drivers are open source, included with the operating system, and updated automatically, there are also closed-source, proprietary drivers that you can install manually.

The installation process for updating display drivers may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution. For example, you can use the Additional Drivers utility on Ubuntu, while on Linux Mint, you may use Driver Manager. These tools can detect and assist you in installing the proprietary drivers for your hardware and can be launched using the search utility provided.

It's also worth noting that even though some devices require proprietary drivers, sometimes open-source drives have been written to increase performance, efficiency, and compatibility.

6. Disable DisplayPort 1.2

If you have an AMD GPU and are experiencing display port issues, DisplayPort version 1.2 may be the culprit. You can try disabling this port version and enabling an earlier protocol version by accessing the graphics card settings. Keep in mind that if you are using an 8K monitor, disabling DisplayPort 1.2 will limit the maximum resolution and refresh rate supported by your display.

Fix Your DisplayPort Issues

If you have tried all the solutions and are still experiencing problems, it may be time to seek professional help or reach out to the manufacturer for further guidance. To prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, it is crucial to keep your display drivers up-to-date and ensure that all connections are secure and free from damage or debris.