Have you purchased the latest Acer gaming monitor, plugged it in, and double-clicked it to launch your favourite game? Maybe you finally bought that 4K screen and are now looking for something to binge-watch on Netflix. However, before you could even put your old monitor away, you discovered that the new one had an issue with the resolution. Perhaps you were looking forward to living in 19201024 but your operating system had other ideas, keeping you at 1024728.
Nobody loves it when this happens, and it happens more frequently than it should. You might want to pull your hair out when you see the Generic PnP Monitor line in the driver window.
However, most people make a greater out of it than is necessary. We’ll explain why this problem arises, what it means, and how to fix or live with it in this article.
The Generic PnP Monitor: An Explanation
A generic PnP monitor is not a type of monitor, contrary to popular perception. It’s also not a label designated for low-cost or off-brand goods. When the operating system cannot recognise the model number or does not recognize/have the right drivers, this label is applied.
Monitors (especially newer-generation models) come with drivers, just like most other pieces of hardware. These allow you to use a variety of specific functions. Simply said, when your operating system uses the necessary drivers, monitors operate better, or at least as intended.
As a result, the term “generic PnP monitor” is nothing more than a forewarning that things may not go as intended. It means that your computer is having trouble detecting the external monitor. It doesn’t rule out the possibility of using it.
What Is Causing an Error?
This is where things become interesting in terms of why this mistake happens. It usually comes down to a connection problem. This is why most people identify the message “generic PNP monitor” with a low-cost product.
Different cables can be used to connect your monitor to a graphics card. VGA was originally the standard, but as time passed, the globe moved on to DVI, then HDMI, and so on. Most displays and graphics cards can now support at least two types of connections.
This does not, however, imply that all cables are created equal or provide the same level of service. It also does not guarantee that your graphics card or computer will detect all possible connections.
As a result, the problem can occasionally be traced back to the wire. When using a VGA over a DVI cable, HDMI over VGA, etc., the connection between the graphics card and the monitor may not be appropriate.
Then there’s the possibility of malfunctioning hardware. Something may be wrong with your monitor; it may still work, but not well enough for your computer to change the resolution to the necessary level.
In other circumstances, the wires themselves may fail to join properly. You can see the screen and use the monitor, but not at the desired resolution.
Finally, there are the common (particularly on Windows) driver issues. The generic PnP monitor driver error might be caused by corrupted or outdated drivers. If the OS can’t load the drivers, but the display works, you can utilise it to a limited extent.
How To Fix Generic PNP Monitor Errors
You now know what can cause your operating system to give you this error. You can try some of the following fixes once you’ve done some troubleshooting to narrow down the problem.
Replacing the Cable
If your PC still has trouble recognising your monitor, try a new cable. Depending on what your graphics card can support, try other connectors including VGA, DVI, and HDMI.
It’s also a good idea to do this after you’ve unplugged your monitor and rebooted your computer. When the system boots up, it will be able to run a new scan.
Updating the Drivers
Occasionally, simply attaching the monitor into your computer is sufficient to establish a connection. However, a number of things can prevent your operating system from automatically locating the suitable driver.
- If that’s the case, the remedy is probably straightforward.
- Bring up the search bar on your Start Menu.
- Hit “Enter” after typing “Device Manager.”
- Expand the list of monitors in the Monitors section.
- Determine which generic PnP monitor to use.
- Select “Update Driver” from the context menu.
- Allow your operating system to look for updated applications online.
Another option is to first uninstall the driver.
- In the Search Bar, type “Device Manager.”
- Expand the list of Monitors.
- Select the monitor you want to use by right-clicking it.
- Choose “Uninstall Device” from the drop-down menu.
- On the Device Manager toolbar, go to the Action Menu.
- Select “Scan for Hardware Changes” from the drop-down menu.
Before restarting your device, let the procedure complete. Working from a clean installation, this procedure may make it easier for your OS to automatically discover the suitable driver.
There is another option if this doesn’t work out. Go to the manufacturer’s website for your monitor. To find the right driver, enter the model or product serial number.
Download and install the driver manually, then restart your device.
Fixing the Display Adapters
Are you using the most recent driver for your graphics card? Maybe you’re using an integrated display adapter that hasn’t been updated in a while.
The “generic PnP monitor” error can be caused by an outdated driver.
- Go to the Device Manager tab.
- Next to the Display Adapters, click the arrow icon.
- Choose your card and install the latest driver.
- You can also manually download and install the most recent driver.
Reboot your computer and see if you still get the “generic PnP monitor” error.
How Often Does This Happen to You?
The “generic PnP monitor” mistake appears frequently, believe it or not. Even after a fresh Windows installation, you can acquire it. Even after installing the correct drivers, you may become trapped with it.
Some devices appears to make Windows work harder to identify them. On Linux-based operating systems, this is a less regular phenomenon.
It isn’t, however, the end of the world. In the vast majority of cases, it’s a little blunder that doesn’t require correction. If you want to solve it, you now know how to recognise the common suspects and what steps to follow.
With that in mind, please let us know when you had this encounter. Was it a specific operating system, graphics card, or monitor brand? Was it an error that provoked an OCD-like fix-it habit, or did it have no effect on your viewing experience? Please share your thoughts in the section below.