External Monitor Limited to Low Resolution When Connected Through an HP Docking Monitor

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Summary

When using multiple monitors connected through an HP docking monitor, one of the external displays may only show low resolution options such as 1280×800, even though higher resolutions are supported. This issue can usually be resolved by resetting power to the HP docking monitor, not the affected external monitor.

Who This Article Is For

Gwinnett County employees using HP docking monitors with multiple external displays.

Symptoms

  • An external monitor is stuck at a low resolution (for example, 1280×800).

  • Higher resolution options do not appear in Windows Display Settings.

  • Display scaling, refresh rate, or other advanced display features are missing.

  • The issue affects a monitor that is connected through another monitor, rather than one directly connected to the dock or laptop.

How to Fix It

 

Step 1: Power Reset the HP Docking Monitor

This is the most important step and resolves the issue in most cases.

  1. Turn off the HP docking monitor (the monitor connected directly to the laptop or dock).

  2. Unplug the power cable from the HP docking monitor.

  3. Wait about 30 seconds to allow the docking monitor to fully power down.

  4. Plug the power cable back in.

  5. Turn the HP docking monitor back on.

Important: Do not power cycle only the monitor experiencing the resolution issue. The reset must be performed on the HP docking monitor.

 

Step 2: Verify Display Settings

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.

  2. Select the affected monitor.

  3. Confirm that higher resolution options are now available and select the appropriate resolution.

 

Step 3: Restart the Computer (If Needed)

If the resolution options still do not appear:

  1. Save any open work.

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. Recheck the display settings after logging back in.

Need Help?

If you are not comfortable checking cables, power connections, or display settings, you do not need to troubleshoot this yourself.

The IT Service Desk is happy to assist and can walk you through the steps or resolve the issue for you. Call 770.822.8915 or submit a ticket through the IT Service Portal, and let us know you are experiencing a monitor resolution issue with an HP docking monitor.

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