Ever wonder how to connect an external monitor to your HP all-in-one desktop computer?
Many models of HP All-In-One (AIO) desktop have no obvious way to connect a second monitor due to the lack of video ports, and models such as the HP Envy 23" and 27" have an input-only HDMI port. But don't worry, you can output video through the USB ports on your HP all-in-one desktop! Here's how:
If your All-In-One has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt port:
To connect a second monitor to your All-In-One, all you'll need is the appropriate video cable. If your monitor's inputs are different from the output of your AIO, you may also need an adapter to convert the format into one compatible with your monitor.
Generally speaking, external monitors can be used in one of three modes:
Duplicate: Displays the same image on all displays (also called mirroring.)
Extend: Combines all displays into one shared workspace (also called spanning)
Projector: Displays an image on the external display, while disabling the built-in display
These can be selected from within OS Display Settings in Windows or macOS.
Troubleshooting an external monitor:
Try restarting all involved devices
Make sure all cabling and hardware is undamaged
Check compatibility between all components. Keep in mind that just because a format can be physically adapted doesn't necessarily mean the signal is compatible.
Some adapters only work in one direction. For example, DisplayPort to HDMI, or DVI to VGA.
Make sure your software is up to date and properly configured - both the operating system and firmware. A firmware update from the manufacturer can sometimes resolve hardware issues.
If you don't have a video-out port, or only have an HDMI-in port:
If your HDMI port is an "Input" port, it cannot be used to connect an external display, but is intended to allow the use of the All-In-One itself as a display. In this case you can use a USB Display Adapter to connect an external monitor. These connect to a USB port, and provide one or more connections for external displays. Although these are typically less capable at 3D tasks, they can run desktop applications and full screen video.
Using an All-In-One as a monitor for a laptop or game console:
HDMI In/Out Ports
Input select button
Many All-In-Ones (AIOs) can be used as a display for game consoles, laptops, or other computers. If your HP All-In-One has an HDMI-in port, simply plug one end of an HDMI cable into your source device, and the other end to your AIO. Some AIOs will display the signal immediately, while others may require you to press the "Display Source" button, sometimes labeled "HDMI" or "Input Switch."
If your All-In-One does not have an HDMI-In port, it may have another type of input, such as DisplayPort or USB-C.
The source button is sometimes located on the bottom or back of the computer.
Why can't I use the HDMI port on my HP Envy all-in-one desktop?
The HDMI port on some models of HP all-in-one desktops is for input only. This is handy for when you want to use your desktop as a display for another device such as a video game console or DVD player, but it can preclude the use of a second monitor.
On the HP Envy all-in-one desktop, for example, the "HDMI IN" port is located on the lower left hand side of the monitor. To use it, just plug in your HDMI output device and switch the computer from PC mode to HDMI mode using the HDMI IN button under the bottom left hand side of the display. To change back to PC mode, just hold the HDMI IN button.
Why aren't USB-C alt modes working on my HP Envy?
Although advertised as a capability, a number of HP Envy systems of various types appear to to be unable to output video through their USB-C port.
In some cases this can be due to a limitation of the hardware. Alt Modes are used to transmit native HDMI or DisplayPort signals over a USB-C cable, and allow for it to be directly connected to a display. However to enable this feature, the computer must have the appropriate hardware. Some HP Envy systems only support the DisplayPort alt mode, and must be used with DisplayPort displays, or adapted to the proper format.
In other cases it appears that the USB-C port is not capable of video output at all. This may be due to hardware issues, or may be caused by a driver or firmware incompatibility.
HP does guarantee that any USB-C port advertised as "Thunderbolt 3" compatible will support standard Alt Modes, and can be adapted directly to HDMI or DisplayPort.
If your USB-C port doesn't appear capable of outputting video, you're not out of luck! You can still use an active USB to video adapter.
Generally speaking, an adapter is only necessary if the format of your source and display differ. If your AIO is not capable of outputting a video signal, you may benefit from a USB Display Adapter.
Do you have a giant chart of HP All-In-Ones that would indicate what ports and controls I might have?
As luck would have it, we do. This chart shows which models have video in/out capability, and whether they have a source select button.
