Issue with Thunderbolt Display Detection in Windows 11

In this article, we will explore potential solutions if the display is not being detected through Thunderbolt in Windows 11. If your laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port, you can utilize it to connect an external display either through a docking station or directly using a Thunderbolt-compatible USB C to HDMI converter cable. Should your external display fail to show any content after being connected to your laptop via Thunderbolt, please refer to the following troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshooting Steps for Thunderbolt Display Detection in Windows 11

Follow the remedies listed below if your Thunderbolt port fails to detect the display on your Windows 11 laptop. In the event that you are employing a USB hub to connect your display, try plugging it directly into your computer (assuming you have the appropriate compatible cable).

1. Inspect your cable
2. Perform a Power Cycle
3. Roll back your graphics card driver
4. Update the Thunderbolt controller driver
5. Implement a Registry fix
6. Update your system’s BIOS

Let us delve into each respective solution in detail.

1] Inspect your cable

The initial step is to verify the status of your Thunderbolt cable. Ensure that you are using a compatible cable that is free from any damage. If your laptop provides multiple Thunderbolt ports, attempt connecting your external display to each port individually to ascertain if this resolves the issue.

2] Perform a Power Cycle

Conducting a power cycle for all relevant devices, including your computer, external display, and docking station (if applicable), may prove beneficial. The outlined steps will guide you through the process of performing a power cycle:

1. Power off all devices.
2. Disconnect the power cord and any connected peripherals.
3. Wait for a few minutes.
4. Reconnect the power cord and restore power to the devices.
5. Power on your devices and connect the display to your laptop using the Thunderbolt cable.

3] Roll back your graphics card driver

Consider reverting to a previous version of your graphics card driver. This process entails installing the preceding driver version for your graphics card. If your display previously functioned correctly with the Thunderbolt cable, rolling back the graphics card driver might offer a resolution. Apply the steps below to roll back your graphics card driver:

1. Access the Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters category.
3. You will encounter multiple display drivers (one for your laptop and another for your external display). Right-click on the graphics card driver associated with your external display and select Properties.
4. In the Properties window, navigate to the Driver tab.
5. Click on the Roll Back driver option (if available).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with rolling back your graphics card driver.

Alternatively, you can manually download the previous version of your graphics card driver from the manufacturer’s official website and install it.

4] Update the Thunderbolt controller driver

In addition, it is advisable to update the Thunderbolt controller driver on your system. Obtain the latest Thunderbolt controller driver from intel.com.

5] Implement a Registry fix

Some users have reported success in resolving this issue by modifying the Registry Value for the graphics card. Consider attempting this solution as it may address your problem. Prior to proceeding, it is recommended to create a System Restore Point and backup your Registry to facilitate restoration in the event of any complications. Proceed as follows to implement this fix:

To implement this solution, you will need to identify the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) for your graphics card. The instructions below will guide you in locating the appropriate GUID:

1. Launch the Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters category.
3. Select the graphics card driver associated with your display.
4. Right-click on the graphics card driver and select Properties.
5. Navigate to the Details tab.
6. Select Class Guid from the Property dropdown menu.
7. The GUID for your graphics card will be displayed in the Value box.

Right-click on the GUID and select Copy. Paste this copied GUID into Notepad, as you will need it later.

Now, open the Registry Editor. Copy the following path and paste it into the address bar of the Registry Editor. Press Enter to proceed.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ControlClass

Expand the Class folder by double-clicking on it. Locate the GUID you copied to Notepad. Alternatively, paste the GUID into the address bar of the Registry Editor as shown below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ControlClass{GUID}

Replace “{GUID}” with the correct GUID in the above path and press Enter. Ensure that the correct GUID is selected in the Registry Editor. Expand the folder corresponding to the GUID of your graphics card. You will encounter several subfolders within. Select the 0002 subfolder. If it is absent, you can manually create it. Right-click on the folder that corresponds to your GPU’s GUID and proceed to New > Key. Provide the newly created key with the name 0002.

Select the 0002 key and locate the RMEnablePhyRepeater value on the right side. If the value is absent, create it manually. To do this, right-click in the empty area on the right side and proceed to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this value “RMEnablePhyRepeater”.

Right-click on the RMEnablePhyRepeater value and select Modify. Set its Value data to 1. Click OK to save the changes.

Restart your system.

6] Update your system’s BIOS

Some users have reported resolution of the issue following an update to their system’s BIOS. You might try this remedy as well. Update your BIOS and observe whether it resolves the problem.

Recommended Reading: Differences between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C cables explained.

Can Thunderbolt be used with Windows 11?

Yes, Thunderbolt is compatible with Windows 11. If your laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port, you can utilize it to connect various devices, such as a Thunderbolt external monitor, provided you possess a compatible Thunderbolt cable.

What can cause Thunderbolt to be unable to recognize my monitor?

Several factors can contribute to Thunderbolt’s failure to recognize your monitor, including usage of an incompatible cable, a broken or damaged cable, outdated firmware on your Thunderbolt controller, or a corrupted display driver, among others.

Further Reading: USB-C not working, charging, or recognized on Windows.