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

Extending the desktop to external monitors on a Windows computer can be performed with the keyboard combination of Windows logo key + P (see below). 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 seemingly 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.

  3. While the USB-C cable is still disconnected, press that same button on the dock. This should again turn its indicator light on with an amber color.

  4. 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).

  5. At this point, the external monitor(s) should again show the extended desktop.


If the external displays still do not show extended desktop(s), perform the keyboard 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 will need to be performed on the computer. 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.


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