Dual-Display Glitch: Extended display works, but not duplicate display

Maddie 0 Reputation points
2026-10-05T02:13:21.43+00:00

My roommate's Windows 11 gaming laptop has historically had no issues with duplicate display but now exhibits a disorienting glitch every time we try to switch from extended display (which somehow became the new default) to duplicate display.

The relevant device specs are as follows:

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Windows 11 laptop Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11400H @ 2.70GHz (2.69 GHz) Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.73 GB usable) Graphics card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU (4 GB) Intel(R) UHD Graphics (128 MB) Storage 174 GB of 477 GB used System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

We are connecting the laptop via HDMI port/cable to our SONY TV. Again, previously, we have encountered zero issues doing so with all the same equipment and cables. We have regularly used both the duplicate display and "show only 2" dual-display options (i.e., programs are visible on the TV, display 2, while the laptop screen, display 1, remains black). Last night, I attempted to switch from "show only 2" to "duplicate display" mode, wanted to switch it to duplicate display using the shortcut (FN+F9). It began to glitch uncontrollably. The screen bounces out like it is shifting normally from one mode to the other, but then in a matter of seconds, it does it again. It continues rapidly switching between dual-display modes until we unplug the HDMI cable.

Troubleshooting Attempts:

  • Shutdown/restart
  • Tried alternative HDMI cable
  • Tried alternative HDMI TV port
  • Tried same HDMI cables with a different laptop display port (used HDMI-to-USB-C adapter connected to laptop's USB-C port)
  • Checked for Windows updates - system is up-to-date
  • Checked for updates to display adaptors - drivers are up-to-date
  • Uninstalled display drivers, installed a driver updater, reinstalled display drivers and performed additional updates identified by driver updater program (Outbyte Driver Updater)

Ever since the first attempt to switch from "show only 2" to duplicate display, each time the laptop restarts and is connected to the second display it now defaults to extended display and appears to function normally. When I try to switch from extended display to duplicate display, however, the glitching returns and does not stop unless disconnected from the second display. Even when reconnected, and even when I try to revert changes or reselect extended display, the glitching returns/continues. The only way to make the glitching stop and return to the seemingly-functional "extended display" mode is to restart the laptop.

Duplicate display still functions normally on a different laptop connected with the same cables to the same SONY TV. The issue lies with this ASUS gaming laptop, but I have reached a dead-end in my troubleshooting efforts based on the existing queries I've found online.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. Ivan B 124.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-05T02:47:06.62+00:00

    Hi ,

    Search for msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot, and post it here so we can see the correct laptop model or desktop configuration.

    Go to the Start menu > Settings > System > Display, take a screenshot, and post it here.

    Thanks

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-05T02:13:43.36+00:00

    Since extended display works and the problem starts specifically when switching to duplicate, focus on Windows display mode and the display driver.

    1. Force the projection mode again with the keyboard.
      • Press Windows key + P.
      • Select Duplicate.
      • If it starts looping again, try cycling through Duplicate, Extend, and PC screen only to see whether Windows can re-detect the internal panel correctly.
    2. Reset the graphics driver when the glitch starts.
      • Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B.
      • This resets the graphics driver and can fix display issues without a full restart.
    3. Roll back the display driver if the issue began after an update or driver change.
      • In the taskbar search box, type Device Manager.
      • Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
      • Right-click the display adapter, select Properties > Driver tab.
      • Select Roll Back Driver.
      • Restart the laptop and test duplicate mode again.
    4. If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, reinstall the display driver.
      • In Device Manager > Display adapters, right-click the display adapter.
      • Select Uninstall device.
      • Select Attempt to remove the driver for this device and then Uninstall.
      • Restart if prompted.
      • Open Device Manager again.
      • Right-click the display adapter and select Update driver.
      • Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    5. Disconnect extra accessories while testing.
      • Leave only the TV connected.
      • Docks, dongles, adapters, and other accessories can cause conflicts.
    6. Test the direct HDMI path only.
      • Since the issue is isolated to this laptop, test with the laptop’s built-in HDMI connection only while troubleshooting.
      • If a USB-C video adapter or other display hardware is connected, remove it during testing.
    7. If the problem continues, file it through Feedback Hub.
      • Include that Extend works, but switching to Duplicate causes repeated display mode switching until HDMI is unplugged.
      • Include the laptop model, Windows 11, and that the same TV and cables work with another laptop.

    Important note: uninstalling and reinstalling display drivers can temporarily affect display output until Windows reloads the driver. Perform that step only after saving work.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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