Sometimes, the third time isn't quite the charm. Here's how to fix issues with your third monitor on Windows.

Adding more than one screen to your computer is pretty straightforward with Windows, but there are times when the system fails to recognize the additional monitors, which can result in frustration.

Sometimes, Windows fails to recognize a third monitor. And while this is by no means a Windows-exclusive issue, Microsoft's operating system does have ways to fix the issue, be it hardware or software-related.

Below, we have discussed five effective troubleshooting methods that worked for other affected users.

If any one of your monitors in a multiple monitor setup is not working, the first thing you should do is to reconnect all of them one by one. More often than not, the issue is caused by a temporary glitch within the system, and reconnecting the monitors from scratch can resolve the issue.

To get started, unplug the cables and then set up the monitors one by one.

An outdated or corrupt graphic driver may also prevent your PC from detecting the third monitor. Drivers allow Widows to detect and use the hardware components, so you are likely to run into issues when the drivers themselves are not working properly.

The solution in this case is simple: all that you need to do is update the graphics drivers. In this method, we will first install an updated version of the graphics driver on your system.

If that does not do the trick, we will then proceed with disabling the Intel Integrated GPU driver.

To install the latest updates, here is how to proceed:

You can now check if the issue is resolved. If not, try disabling the Intel Integrated GPU driver in the Device Manager. There are times when this driver interferes with the process of the default graphics driver of Windows, causing issues like the one at hand.

Follow the steps below to do so:

You can now try reconnecting the third monitor and check if it works now.

Another way to resolve issues with hardware is by using the built-in relevant troubleshooting utilities within Windows. The most appropriate tool, in this case, will be the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

This troubleshooter scans the system for hardware-related problems. If any issues are found, it will either fix them automatically or recommend effective fixes that you can apply.

Here is how to run this utility:

There is also a chance that the display settings in the Control Panel of the graphics card are not configured correctly. To ensure that the settings are correct in your case, you need to access the multiple display settings in the Control Panel of your graphic’s card.

The steps of doing so will vary depending on the graphics card you are using. However, you can typically access these settings by expanding the Display section on the right pane of the Control Panel.

Once you are able to access these settings, make sure the boxes for all the monitors you want to use are check-marked. Hopefully, adjusting these settings will fix the issue for you once and for all.

Typically, the display is automatically extended to the second and third monitors when you connect them to your computer. If this has not happened automatically for you, you'll get no signal on the third monitor. It may look like something is wrong with it, but in truth, Windows knows it's there; it just hasn't been told to use it yet.

Fortunately, you can tell Windows to use it yourself. Here is how:

Another way of doing it is via Windows Settings. If the steps above do not work for you for some reason, follow these:

There are many benefits to using multiple monitors; they optimize your work performance and reduce downtime greatly. Adding a third monitor to your computer is usually quite straightforward, but you may encounter problems at times. By now, you should have fixed the problem with one of the methods listed in this guide.

Zainab is a tech content writer based in Pakistan. When not toiling away at her desk writing about all things tech, she can be found in her small library reading business and productivity books. Expertise: Windows, Android, Browsers.

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