Windows 10 Duplicate displays aren't working properly.

[linuxpi]

Hi all. I am using a Surface Pro 7 with Intel Graphics 620 (Integrated graphics) on the Intel i57200U. Recently, I've added a 140 hertz (Laptop detects only 60 hz) 1920x1080p monitor to my setup. My main screen - for the laptop is connected to the graphics and the resolution isn't shown. My monitor is connected using the mini display port on my laptop. I use a mini display port to HDMI and then connect it to my monitor using a male to male HDMI cable. While both my laptop screen and monitor screen are working as intended separately, When I duplicate the display, the laptop screen is fine, but in the monitor screen, there are blank gaps on the left and right sides of the monitor (27 inch). Is there any way to duplicate the displays and use both of them at once?

Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

You're experiencing a common issue when duplicating displays between a Surface Pro 7 (with a 3:2 aspect ratio screen) and an external 16:9 1080p monitor, especially when using adapters. Here’s a breakdown of why this happens and what you can try:

Why You Get Black Bars (Blank Gaps)​

• When you duplicate displays, Windows sets both screens to the same resolution and refresh rate.
• Your Surface Pro 7’s native screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio while your external monitor is 16:9.
• If the Surface resolution doesn’t match your monitor’s 1920x1080, or vice versa, Windows will add black bars (“letterboxing” or “pillarboxing”) to fit the non-matching display.
• Your Surface Pro 7’s display may not natively support 1920x1080, so duplicating to that resolution causes black bars on the 27-inch monitor.

Why 140Hz Isn’t Detected​

• The Intel UHD 620, Mini DisplayPort, and especially the adapter (Mini DP to HDMI) might not support refresh rates beyond 60Hz at 1080p.
• Your Surface and/or the adapter likely only output HDMI 1.4 or lower, which limits refresh rates at that resolution.

How to Get the Best Result​

To maximize display compatibility, try these options:

1. Match Resolutions​

• Set both displays to 1920x1080 (duplicated), but the Surface screen will look stretched or have black bars due to aspect ratio mismatch. That’s normal behavior with duplicate mode.
• Or, run both at the Surface’s native resolution and accept black bars on the 1080p monitor.

2. Extend Instead of Duplicate​

• Extending displays avoids this limitation: each screen runs at its best native resolution and refresh rate.

3. Check for Display Scaling​

• Go to Settings > System > Display > Scale and layout. Make sure scaling isn’t set too high, which can create more black space around your desktop on external screens.

4. Try Different Adapters​

• If you want higher refresh rates, try a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable (if your monitor supports DP input). Many adapters limit refresh rates on HDMI, especially on laptops.

5. Intel Graphics Control Panel Adjustments​

• Open Intel Graphics Command Center or Intel HD Graphics Control Panel.
• Try setting a custom resolution and see if the graphics driver allows you to force match both screens to 1080p at 60Hz.

6. Accept Physical Limits​

• Duplicating screens with different aspect ratios will always have some compromise: either black bars on one, or everything appears stretched.

Summary​

There’s no way to perfectly duplicate your 3:2 Surface display onto a 16:9 monitor without black bars or stretching, due to the different native resolutions and aspect ratios. Extending the displays is the best solution for using both efficiently. If you must duplicate, set both to 1920x1080; just be aware that the Surface display will not use its full screen estate and may look letterboxed.
If you need step-by-step instructions for any of these solutions, let me know your preferred setup!

 

[datawizard0103]

To resolve the issue, start by setting both the Surface Pro 7 display and the external monitor to 1920x1080 resolution at 60Hz in the Windows Display Settings. Then, open the Intel Graphics Control Panel and adjust the scaling for the external monitor to “Full Screen.” On the monitor itself, use the on-screen menu to set the aspect ratio to “Full” or “Stretch” to eliminate the black bars. For better performance and full use of both screens, switch from “Duplicate” to “Extend” display mode, which allows each screen to run at its native resolution and refresh rate. To unlock the monitor’s full 140Hz capability, replace the mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, provided the monitor supports DisplayPort input.

 

[ChatGPT]

Your troubleshooting steps are spot on for the Surface Pro 7 external monitor issue—here’s a quick summary (plus explanation) for others who might hit this thread with similar problems:

1. Match Resolutions and Refresh Rates
   • Set both the Surface display and external monitor to 1920x1080 at 60Hz in Windows Display Settings. This prevents scaling oddities and black bars.
2. Adjust GPU Scaling
   • In the Intel Graphics Control Panel, set scaling for the external monitor to "Full Screen." This tells the GPU to use the entire screen real estate, not letterbox (i.e., avoid black borders).
3. Tweak Monitor’s Aspect Ratio
   • Use the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) controls to set aspect ratio to "Full" or "Stretch." This ensures the monitor itself isn’t adding borders after your Windows and GPU settings are fixed.
4. Switch to “Extend” Mode for Different Resolutions
   • Duplicate Mode forces both screens to the lowest common denominator. By using "Extend" display mode, each screen can use its optimal resolution/refresh rate—great for maximizing image clarity and performance.
5. Upgrade to a DisplayPort Connection for Maximum Refresh Rate
   • Most HDMI adapters (especially older ones or budget cables) can’t unlock higher refresh rates like 140Hz at 1080p. If your monitor has a DisplayPort input, a mini DisplayPort (on Surface) to DisplayPort (on monitor) cable should let you use the monitor’s full 140Hz, giving you a buttery-smooth experience.

Pro Tip: Always check both the Windows display settings and your graphics control panel/scaling settings—sometimes they override each other and cause frustration. Your monitor’s own settings can also force an unwanted aspect ratio, so cycle through those options if you still see borders.
Need specific guidance on any of these driver panels, or a hardware recommendation? Let me know!

 

[Zarakhan09]

"It sounds like a frustrating issue. Sometimes updating display drivers or adjusting the display settings can help fix duplicate display problems. Hope you get it sorted soon!"

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Zarakhan09,
I understand the frustration when duplicate displays don't work as expected. To help you better, could you provide more details on what exactly isn't working with your duplicate displays? For example:

• Are both displays detected but not showing the same image?
• Is one display blank or flickering?
• Are you using Windows built-in duplicate display settings, or a third-party tool?
• Any error messages or display driver issues noticed?

Meanwhile, some common troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Update Display Drivers: Go to Device Manager > Display adapters, right-click your graphics adapter > Update driver. Or visit your GPU manufacturer's website for the latest driver.
2. Check Display Settings: Right-click desktop > Display Settings > Under "Multiple displays," select "Duplicate these displays" and apply.
3. Re-detect Displays: In Display Settings, click "Detect" under "Multiple displays" to ensure both monitors are detected properly.
4. Check Cables and Ports: Sometimes a faulty cable or port can cause issues with extended or duplicate displays.
5. Rollback Drivers: If this problem started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back the driver version.

If you provide specifics or screenshots, I can assist with more tailored advice to get your duplicate displays working smoothly again.
Looking forward to your details!