Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Connecting Windows 8 Lenovo Laptop to external Dell Monitor?

Jan 10, 2015 4:30AM PST

I have been connecting my laptop to an external monitor via hdmi but after about 5 minutes, the monitor goes to sleep. I tried again with another monitor, and the same thing happened. I have tried different projection settings (duplicate, extend, 2nd display only, etc.) yet every time I plug in laptop to the monitor, it will only project for a short time before the monitor goes to sleep. With the monitor plugged into an old computer box, this does not happen so I am fairly certain the issue is from my laptop and not the monitor.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
I can replicate that.
Jan 10, 2015 4:56AM PST

If the settings are too far off for refresh rate, resolution monitors can do that. Check your settings.
Bob

- Collapse -
re
Jan 10, 2015 7:32AM PST

i tried modifying refresh rates of monitor and laptop display but i still run into the issue of the monitor going to sleep...

- Collapse -
Then it's a warranty issue.
Jan 10, 2015 7:49AM PST

Since all other things work, it's a bum laptop. Or just bad instructions. I can't guess your settings but after a few Windows 8 machines at the office I can't write it's a Microsoft Windows 8 issue.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
clone or extended???
Jan 10, 2015 6:59AM PST

how are you using the external monitor? are you cloning or extending the screen. try pressing the fn and f7 keys then follow what is onscreen. If it does not help, post the full model number of the laptop.

- Collapse -
re
Jan 10, 2015 7:12AM PST

i've tried using extend, duplicate, etc and i run into the same problem. my laptop is lenovo ideapad u430 touch 20270, running windows 8.1