Troubleshooting Windows 10 Display Issues: Rest Mode Problems, Multiple Monitors, and More

Resolving Frustrating Windows 10 Display and Sleep Issues

As Windows 10 continues its dominance as the leading PC operating system, many users inevitably encounter display and sleep issues. Forum threads abound with users facing blank screens, multi-monitor woes, and computers that won’t wake from sleep.

We’ve examined numerous first-hand accounts to provide tips on troubleshooting the most common Windows 10 display and sleep problems. Follow these fixes to resolve nagging issues, optimize your user experience, and unlock the full potential of Windows 10.

Troubleshoot Blank and Non-Functioning Displays

Imagine sitting down at your desk, moving your mouse to wake your monitors, and…nothing. Or perhaps only one display lights up, while the other remains dormant.

This frustrating issue has affected scores of Windows 10 users after a period of inactivity. Here are some effective troubleshooting techniques:

Why can’t I update Windows 10 without a feature update?

Some devices that are running Windows 10 or Windows 11, version 19H1 and above, aren’t able to install monthly security updates because of file or metadata corruption within the servicing stack. These devices may not be able to become up to date without a Feature Update. How does the troubleshooter mitigate the problem?

Why is Windows 10 not booting?

If for some reason it doesn’t give you that option (very rare), then you can do one of two things: 1. Restart the PC, and as soon as Windows 10 tries to load; remove the power supply or press and hold the Power button to force shutdown. Repeat this process three to four times, and Windows should automatically load the Boot options.

• Restart your PC and displays. This reboot often fixes the problem.

• Check your video connections. Make sure cables are firmly plugged into the proper ports.

• Reset your power plan defaults in Settings > Power & Sleep. This clears any errant settings.

• Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart your graphics driver.

• Update your GPU drivers in Device Manager to eliminate any compatibility issues.

• Adjust resolution and scaling under Display Settings to match your monitor’s capabilities.

• Switch out video cables. Faulty HDMI or DisplayPort cables frequently cause blank screens.

• Verify monitor settings match the necessary refresh rate and input source.

• Run a full antivirus scan to check for potential malware causing conflicts.

• Install all available Windows Updates, which may contain fixes for display bugs.

Fix Multi-Monitor Madness

Using two or more displays enhances productivity but also invites potential headaches. Screens mirrored incorrectly, improper primary display settings, and monitors not detecting can leave you with a disjointed mess.

How do I find out if a Windows 10 issue has been resolved?

Find information on recently resolved issues for Windows 10, version 21H2. To find a specific issue, use the search function on your browser (CTRL + F for Microsoft Edge).

Why does Windows Update not reinstall device drivers?

A known issue with Windows Update is causing some device drivers that have been recently updated (say, within a day or two) of the major upgrade not to migrate to the updated system. Running Windows Update again after the major update should locate and reinstall the missing device drivers.

Combat multi-monitor disorder by:

• Checking physical connections and reseating cables.

• Resetting power options to defaults. Errant settings often break multi-display.

• Updating GPU drivers. Old drivers frequently fail to detect all monitors.

• Changing display arrangement in Settings to extend or duplicate.

• Setting the proper monitor as the main display.

• Adjusting each monitor’s individual settings to detect input sources accurately.

• Toggling hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling off/on in Graphics Settings.

• Using the Nvidia Control Panel to enable multiple displays if using an Nvidia GPU.

• Making sure all displays are checked and enabled in the advanced display settings menu.

Make Windows 10 Wake From Sleep

Few things are more irritating than a Windows 10 PC failing to exit sleep mode on demand. Suddenly your computer refuses to wake up, no matter how furiously you click your mouse and pound the keyboard.

Escape this state of hibernation hell by:

• Verifying your sleep and power settings are configured properly under Power & Sleep.

  How to update Windows 10 display drivers?

  a) Press Windows +X keys on the keyboard. b) Select Device Manager. c) Find and display drivers and expand it. d) Right-click the display drivers, and click Update. e) Follow the onscreen instructions to update display drivers driver software. f) Reboot the computer and check. If the issue persist, follow the below method.

  What are some problems when upgrading Windows 10?

  On Windows 10, there are at least three types of problems when trying to upgrade. For example, you can come across issues with Windows Update, reactivation, and storage, which are usually not a problem with the new version. Instead, they are common issues during upgrades.

  How do I fix a Windows 10 display problem?

  3) For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver. You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

• Turning off screensavers, as they can conflict with sleep timers.

• Disabling hybrid sleep mode under advanced power settings to prevent sleep/hibernate conflicts.

• Updating monitor drivers, since incorrect drivers can block wake ability.

• Running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to check for driver issues.

• Doing a clean reboot, which often clears any sleep glitches.

• Checking Startup Programs and disabling unnecessary apps that may interfere with sleep.

• Installing all available Windows updates, including those specific to sleep bugs.

When All Else Fails, Contact Support

Despite your best efforts, display and sleep problems may persist. If you exhaust all troubleshooting options, reach out to Microsoft’s support channels or your PC/laptop manufacturer for personalized assistance. Support agents can diagnose your unique situation, identify any incompatible software or faulty hardware, and suggest tailored solutions.

Should I run Windows Update again after a major update?

Running Windows Update again after the major update should locate and reinstall the missing device drivers. (We recommend doing this anyhow following a major update to ensure no further updates are necessary at that point.) For more, see Update Windows 10.

Will Microsoft fix Windows 10 problems in the May 2019 update?

If all of these problems are any indication, Microsoft has a lot of work to do. Plus, there are still a lot of Windows 10 problems that are still around, like printer connectivity issues. But, who knows, maybe Microsoft will actually fix some of these problems in the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, which should be out soon .

How to uninstall and reinstall Windows 10 display drivers?

Update the display drivers through Device manager. Please follow the steps given here to uninstall and then reinstall the Display drivers. a) Press Windows +X keys on the keyboard. b) Select Device Manager. c) Find and display drivers and expand it. d) Right-click the display drivers, and click Update.

With proper troubleshooting and help from the Windows community, you can triumph over pesky display and sleep disorders. Follow these tips to maintain an optimal Windows 10 experience. Let us know if you have any other nagging issues so we can craft more definitive troubleshooting guides.

References

1. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/common-multi-monitor-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
2. https://superuser.com/questions/1292435/windows-on-second-monitor-moves-to-primary-monitor-after-sleep-lock

Why does Windows 10 start up to an error?

Some Windows devices might start up to an error. This issue might happen after losing network connectivity or transitioning between Wi-Fi networks. After installing updates released November 2022, you might have Kerberos authentication issues. You might experience an error in which the desktop or taskbar disappearing then reappearing.