Windows 10 is a blessing for most people, especially for people who are fascinated with the latest technologies. With the inbuilt new features, it has a lot of bugs and errors, agree or not, this is the bitter truth. The most recent issue that is being faced is that when one tries to connect a generic PnP monitor .
It is clear that this is a driver issue, but might also be related to cable or hardware problem. Below, are a few easy ways to overcome this obstacle.
What is a Generic PnP Monitor?
PnP means Plug and Play. In simple terms, when you connect an external device (USB devices, Card readers, monitor) to a computer, the windows detects the hardware and installs the right drivers for its proper running.
When you plug in a generic PnP monitor in Windows 10 , the basic driver is automatically installed. This may or may not result either in proper functioning or you may not get the required resolution. Windows 10 may also not be able to install the driver completely.
Go to display settings > Advanced settings > Monitor > Properties to check the type of the monitor.
Why Do You See Generic PnP Monitor in Device Manager?
The Device Manager panel shows all the internal and external devices installed on a PC/Laptop. Generic PnP monitor issue generally does not occur on a laptop because this works as the default option no matter whichever version of windows is installed on it. This issue generally arises on PC/Desktop.
Open Device Manager, you will find the Generic PnP monitor in the Monitors dropdown.
Commonly, below are the reasons that might result in PnP/non PnP monitor problem.
- When you upgrade the system from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10, your All-in-one PC/desktop might have the generic PnP monitor issue.
- If you have a graphics card installed in your system and you are trying to connect the monitor using a VGA or an HDMI cable.
- When you are trying to connect a second monitor to the CPU, it shows as a Generic PnP monitor in the Device Manager Panel.
How to Fix Generic PnP Monitor Problem in Windows 10?
You may want to find the exact issue. Go to Device Manager panel and if you find a yellow exclamation with Generic PnP Monitor option, you might want the follow the below steps to fix the issue.
1. Update Generic PnP Monitor Driver
There is a huge chance that the issue is being caused by the driver. This method has generally worked for many users.
Step 1: Open the Device Manager Panel.
Step 2: Expand the Monitors option, right click on Generic PnP Monitor , and click on Update Driver option.
Step 3: A dialog box opens, click on Search automatically for updated driver software . Windows will search for the driver on the internet; the system will download and install it automatically.
Step 4: The system restarts automatically if the issue prevails, it means the previous step did not work as Windows was not able to find the required driver.
Step 5: Go back to step 3, click on Browse my computer for driver software option.
Step 6: Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer .
Step 7: Click on the box next to Show compatible hardware option. This will show the compatible devices. Here, look for the compatible device and install it.
Step 8: Restart the PC once the driver is installed.
This should resolve the problem, try the next option if this does not work.
2. Update the Display Card Driver
An unsupportive display card driver may also result in this issue. In such a case, try updating the graphics card driver.
Step 1: Open the Device Manager Panel
Step 2: Expand the Display Adapter option, right click on your graphics card, and click on Update Driver option.
Step 3: A dialog box will click on Search automatically for updated driver software . Windows will search for the driver on the internet; the system will download and install it automatically.
Step 4: Restart your system, once the driver is installed.
If Windows is unable to find the driver, go the graphics card manufacturer’s website, look for the latest driver, download and install it.
This should fix the issue, if not try the next method
3. Uninstall Generic PnP Monitor Driver
Rolling back the existing driver also helps overcome the issue at times. In this method, you need to uninstall the generic PnP monitor driver.
Step 1: Follow these steps Device Manager > Monitors > Generic PNP Monitor > Uninstall to uninstall the monitor .
Step 2: Now, click on Scan for hardware changes .
Windows will automatically detect the monitor and install the required driver again.
If this didn’t help still, follow the next method.
4. Run the System File Checker
This works as an automatic troubleshooter. When you perform this action, the system automatically checks for problematic drivers and corrupt system files, repairs/restores them. Follow the steps below to perform this.
Step 1: Type command prompt in the search box, Right-click on Command Prompt option and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: The system will scan and fix the issue automatically. This might take some time, so be patient.
If this still doesn’t work, try the next method.
5. Check for Windows 10 Updates
It is important for you to update your operating system at regular intervals. This helps fix many errors and bugs.
Step 1: Go to: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update .
Step 2: Click Check for updates .
If there and pending update, Windows will download and update the operating system automatically.
If this still doesn’t work, you can check for the last resolution.
6. Reconnect Monitor
For desktop users, this method will definitely help you. Perform the below steps to execute this method.
Step 1: Turn Off/Shut Down your PC.
Step 2: Remove the power cord and the VGA/HDMI cable and plug in again after a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Reboot the PC.
Windows will automatically detect the monitor’s model and install the required drivers.
This method should definitely resolve the generic PnP monitor issue.
You might want to perform one or more methods to resolve the issue. These methods are tested and helped resolve the issues for many people.
How to Fix Generic PnP Monitor Problem in Windows 10? [Video]
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