External displays are blank, docked laptop, reset the docking station, Windows computer

If the external monitors are not displaying the extended desktop, this is often fixed by power cycling the docking station in a specific way. Though this issue can occur at random times, it does tend to happen most often after a laptop returns to its "regular" docking station after being temporarily connected to other display devices.
With the computer on and signed in to Windows, and the powered-on external monitors connected to the docking station, please perform the following steps in this order to power cycle the dock:

  1. Disconnect the USB-C cable form the laptop's charging port at the top/left edge.

  2. On the top of the docking station, press the power button; its indicator light should turn off. It is also a good idea to remove its power source for a few seconds.

  3. Reconnect the dock's power supply if it was disconnected in the previous step.

  4. While the laptop's USB-C cable is still disconnected, turn the dock back on by pressing that same power button on its top side.

  5. Re-connect the USB-C cable to the laptop's charging port. The dock the indicator light should turn white (assuming the laptop is on).

  6. At this point, external monitors should again show the extended desktop.


If external displays still do not show extended desktop, perform the keyboard shortcut combo of Windows + P. This will bring up the Project menu options at the lower right of the desktop.

On this Project window, select "Extend"
Example: the result of the keyboard combination of the Windows key plus P


If the screens are still blank after selecting Extend, perform the keyboard shortcut, Windows + P again to confirm whether the Extend setting held, or if it reverted back to PC screen only.

If the Project window shows it has reverted back to PC screen only, then driver and/or firmware updates may be required on the equipment.

The IT Partners @ Gies Business Help Desk will be happy to assist! Please contact us by emailing helpdesk@business.illinois.edu or by calling 217-244-0812.


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Doc ID:
151572
Owned by:
Scott L. in UI Gies College of Business
Created:
2025-06-09
Updated:
2026-08-07
Sites:
UI Gies College of Business