Is your HP monitor showing the frustrating “Input Signal Not Found” error message? This common issue prevents your monitor from displaying content and often leads to the “display going to sleep” message. The error occurs when your monitor isn’t receiving a signal from your computer, usually due to connection issues, wrong input source, or driver problems.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn 8 proven methods to fix input signal not found on HP monitor, including solutions for HDMI inactive issues and DisplayPort problems.
Why Does Your HP Monitor Show “Input Signal Not Found”?
When your HP monitor displays “Input Signal Not Found,” it means the monitor isn’t receiving any video signal from your computer. This error typically appears when you first turn on your computer or wake it from sleep mode. The monitor then shows “display going to sleep” to save power since it’s not receiving a signal.
Common causes include:
- Loose or damaged cables
- Wrong input source selected
- Outdated or corrupted display drivers
- Hardware issues with graphics card or RAM
- Power management settings
- Monitor firmware issues
Understanding these causes helps you apply the right fix for your specific situation.
Method 1: Check and Select the Correct Input Source
The most common reason for “input signal not found” is simply having the wrong input source selected. HP monitors typically have multiple input options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA.
Here’s how to check and change your input source:
- Locate the menu button on your HP monitor (usually on the front or bottom bezel)
- Press the menu button to open the on-screen display (OSD)
- Navigate to the “Input Source” or “Input Control” section
- Select the input type you’re using (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.)
- Wait a few seconds for the monitor to detect the signal
If you’re using multiple inputs, make sure you’ve selected the correct one. For example, if you’re connected via HDMI but the monitor is set to DisplayPort, you’ll see the “input signal not found how to fix” message. This simple step resolves many cases of input signal not found on HP monitors.
Method 2: Inspect and Replace Cables for HDMI and DisplayPort
Loose or damaged cables are another common cause of signal issues. A cable that worked fine yesterday might suddenly fail today.
Follow these steps to check your cables:
- Check physical connections: Ensure both ends of your cable are securely plugged into the monitor and computer
- Inspect for damage: Look for bent pins, frayed wires, or other visible damage
- Try a different cable: If possible, test with a known-working cable
- Try different ports: Use a different HDMI or DisplayPort port on both monitor and computer
For specific issues with “Input signal not found HP monitor HDMI inactive,” focus on HDMI connections. The “HDMI inactive” message means your monitor isn’t detecting a signal through the HDMI port. Similarly, if you’re experiencing “Input signal not found display port” issues, check your DisplayPort cable and connections carefully.
Sometimes cables fail internally even when they look fine on the outside. Testing with a different cable is often the quickest way to rule out cable problems.
Method 3: Power Cycle Your Monitor and Computer
Power cycling can resolve temporary glitches that cause signal issues. This simple fix often resolves the “Input signal not found HP monitor display going to sleep” problem.
Here’s how to properly power cycle your equipment:
- Turn off both your monitor and computer completely
- Unplug the power cable from both devices
- Wait at least 30 seconds (this allows residual power to drain)
- Plug the power cables back in
- Turn on your monitor first, then your computer
Power cycling resets the connection between your monitor and computer, clearing any temporary communication errors. This method is particularly effective if the “input signal not found” error appears after waking from sleep mode or when the monitor was working fine previously.
Method 4: Update Display Drivers on Windows 10
Outdated or corrupted display drivers are a common cause of signal issues. This is especially relevant for “8 ways to fix input signal not found on hp monitor windows 10” users.
To update your display drivers:
- Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager”
- Expand “Display adapters”
- Right-click your graphics card and select “Update driver”
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
- Follow the on-screen instructions
If Windows doesn’t find newer drivers:
- Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)
- Download the latest drivers for your specific model
- Install the downloaded drivers and restart your computer
For HP monitor-specific drivers:
- Visit HP’s support website
- Enter your monitor model number
- Download and install any available monitor drivers or firmware
Updating drivers ensures proper communication between your computer and monitor, often resolving signal detection issues.
Method 5: Check Monitor Firmware and Settings
Sometimes the issue lies with the monitor itself rather than your computer. Outdated firmware or incorrect monitor settings can cause signal problems.
To update HP monitor firmware:
- Download and install HP Display Center from the Microsoft Store
- Launch the application
- Navigate to the “Advanced” menu
- Select “Firmware Update”
- Follow the on-screen instructions
To adjust monitor sleep settings:
- Press the menu button on your monitor
- Navigate to “Settings” or “Setup”
- Find the “Power” or “Sleep” settings
- Adjust the sleep timer or disable auto-sleep if needed
These steps can help prevent the “display going to sleep” issue and ensure your monitor stays awake when it should be receiving a signal.
Method 6: Test Different Ports and Connections
If you’re still experiencing issues, testing different ports and connections can help isolate the problem.
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Test different ports: If your monitor has multiple HDMI or DisplayPort ports, try each one
- Test with another computer: Connect your monitor to a different computer to see if the issue persists
- Test with another monitor: Connect your computer to a different monitor to check if the problem is with your computer
This method helps determine whether the issue is with your monitor, computer, cables, or settings. For example, if your monitor works fine with another computer, the problem likely lies with your original computer’s settings or hardware.
Method 7: Reset Graphics Card and RAM
If you’re comfortable with computer hardware, checking your graphics card and RAM connections can resolve persistent signal issues.
Important: Only attempt this if you’re comfortable working inside your computer case.
To reset your graphics card:
- Turn off and unplug your computer
- Open the computer case
- Locate the graphics card (the card with monitor connections)
- Carefully remove the graphics card from its slot
- Clean the card’s connector pins with compressed air
- Reseat the graphics card firmly in its slot
- Close the case and reconnect everything
To check RAM:
- With the computer off and case open, locate the RAM sticks
- Release the retention clips on each end of the RAM sticks
- Remove the RAM sticks
- Clean the gold connectors with compressed air
- Reseat the RAM sticks firmly until the clips click back into place
Loose graphics cards or RAM can prevent your computer from sending a proper video signal, causing the “input signal not found” error.
Method 8: Contact HP Support or Consider Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the above methods and still see “input signal not found,” it might be time to seek professional help.
Contact HP support when:
- The monitor is under warranty
- You suspect a hardware failure
- You’re not comfortable performing hardware troubleshooting
- Multiple monitors show the same issue with the same computer
Before contacting support:
- Have your monitor model number ready
- Note which troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried
- Be prepared to describe when the issue started and any error messages
HP support can provide specialized assistance and may offer repair or replacement options if your monitor is defective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Troubleshooting
When fixing “input signal not found” issues, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overlooking simple cable connections – Always check cables first before trying complex solutions
- Not checking input source – Many users waste hours on complex fixes when the issue is just wrong input selection
- Ignoring power cycling – This simple step resolves many temporary glitches
- Assuming it’s a hardware failure – Most signal issues are software or connection-related
- Skipping basic troubleshooting – Try simple fixes before moving to complex solutions
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll save time and frustration while troubleshooting your HP monitor.
Pro Tips for Preventing Future Signal Issues
Once you’ve fixed the current issue, follow these tips to prevent future problems:
- Regular driver updates – Check for graphics driver updates monthly
- Secure cable management – Use cable ties to prevent cables from coming loose
- Proper shutdown procedures – Always shut down your computer properly rather than just turning off the monitor
- Monitor firmware updates – Check for HP monitor firmware updates quarterly
- Quality cables – Invest in high-quality, certified cables for reliable connections
- Avoid moving connected equipment – Minimize movement of your computer and monitor while cables are connected
These preventive measures will help maintain a stable connection between your computer and HP monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my HP monitor say “input signal not found” after waking from sleep?
Sleep mode can disrupt the signal connection between your computer and monitor. This is often caused by power settings that put the monitor to sleep before the computer or driver issues that don’t properly restore the display connection. To fix this, try adjusting your power settings to keep the monitor awake longer, update your graphics drivers, or disable sleep mode temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Power cycling both devices often restores the connection after sleep-related signal loss.
HP monitor goes to sleep with “no signal” message even when computer is on?
When your computer is running but the monitor shows “no signal” and goes to sleep, it typically means the monitor isn’t receiving a video signal. Check your input source, cable connections, and try power cycling both devices. Also, verify that your computer is actually sending a signal by checking if it’s properly booted and that the graphics card is functioning. Sometimes, the computer might appear to be on but isn’t actually sending video due to hardware or software issues.
Monitor shows “Input Signal Not Found” after unplugging and replugging HDMI cable?
This common issue occurs when the monitor doesn’t automatically detect the reconnected cable. Try manually selecting the correct input source through the monitor’s menu, or power cycle the monitor to force it to rescan for connections. Some monitors don’t automatically switch inputs when cables are reconnected, requiring manual input selection. Also, ensure the cable is firmly seated in both the monitor and computer ports, as loose connections are a frequent cause of this problem.
HP monitor says HDMI inactive and won’t connect to PC?
The “HDMI inactive” message means your monitor isn’t detecting a signal through the HDMI port. Check that the cable is securely connected, try a different HDMI cable, and ensure your computer’s video output is working properly. Also, verify that your computer isn’t in sleep mode and that the graphics card is functioning. If possible, test the same cable and monitor with another device to isolate whether the issue is with the monitor, cable, or computer.
DisplayPort shows no signal but HDMI works perfectly?
This suggests a DisplayPort-specific issue. Try a different DisplayPort cable, check that the cable is firmly seated, and ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Some monitors also have specific DisplayPort settings that need adjustment. Additionally, DisplayPort connections can be more sensitive to cable quality and length than HDMI, so try a shorter, higher-quality cable if available. If the issue persists, there might be a problem with the DisplayPort port on either the monitor or graphics card.
How do I fix “input signal not found” when monitor has no signal on both HDMI and DisplayPort?
When both HDMI and DisplayPort show no signal, first check that your computer is actually sending a signal. Try connecting to a different monitor, check your graphics card is properly seated, and verify your computer is booting properly. If you hear beeps when starting the computer, those beep codes can indicate hardware problems. Also, check that your graphics card has power connected if required, and that the computer is actually completing its boot sequence rather than getting stuck early in the process.
Why does my monitor keep saying no signal then going to sleep?
This cycle occurs when the monitor repeatedly fails to detect a signal and enters sleep mode to save power. The root cause is typically a persistent connection issue, driver problem, or hardware failure that prevents proper signal detection. Common causes include loose cables, incorrect input source, outdated drivers, graphics card issues, or monitor hardware failure. Try systematically checking each potential cause, starting with the simplest solutions like cable connections and input source selection before moving to more complex troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Fixing “input signal not found” on your HP monitor doesn’t have to be frustrating. By following these 8 proven methods, you can resolve most signal issues and get your display working properly again. Start with the simple solutions like checking input sources and cable connections before moving to more advanced troubleshooting like driver updates and hardware checks.
Remember that most signal issues are caused by simple problems that are easy to fix. The key is to be systematic in your approach and try each method in order. If you’ve tried all these methods and still can’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to contact HP support for professional assistance.
