It’s always a good idea to buy a Docking Station as it allows you an easy and convenient method to extend your desktop canvas. Also referred to as a port replicator, a Docking Station gives you the luxury of connecting different peripherals to your computer.
So did you buy a Targus Docking Station, and it can’t detect your monitor? If yes, we say Oops!! We can’t imagine how bewildered and frustrated you must feel.
We’re here to save you. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to fix the “Targus Docking Station Not Detecting Monitor” problem.
So please sit back, relax, read along and ensure you don’t miss any part as we provide a detailed guide.
Targus Docking Station Not Detecting Monitor: Possible Causes
Let’s quickly establish the possible causes of this problem before we start going through the troubleshooting methods. Hardware issues are primarily the common causes of this problem, but software issues can arise too.
Your Targus Docking Station might not be detecting monitor because of the following reason:
- Faulty cable or ports
- Incompatible settings configuration
- Incompatible system requirements
- Outdated drivers and graphics card
- Other hardware malfunctions
Targus Docking Station Not Detecting Monitor: DIY Fixes
As we said above, hardware issues are mainly the causes of this problem. However, the fixing processes can be straightforward. Highlighted below are some strategies you can follow to fix the problem effectively. Ensure you follow the steps until you find one that solves the problem.
1. Check Hardware Components
It’s essential to check if the hardware devices are well plugged. As simple as this sounds, an incorrect connection can cause your Docking Station not to detect the monitor. Check all cables and connections to be sure the problem isn’t coming from there.
Inspect the cables for any physical faults or damages. If there’s any, you’ll need to replace the component. You can disconnect all the wires and gently plug them back, ensuring the connections are tight enough. Furthermore, ensure you select the correct I/O connection method.
Also, check the monitor you’re connecting with the Docking Station. Are you confident it’s working efficiently? You can try and connect it to another laptop to be sure it’s in a good working connection.
2. Restart Your Devices
Restarting your devices( both computers and Docking Station) is known to solve minor glitches or malfunctions that cause incompatibility between them. Restarting them will bring in a new user session that can fix the problem and thereby detect the monitor. Follow the steps below to reboot the devices correctly:
- Switch off your computer and disconnect the AC Adapter
- Unplug the Docking Station from your computer
- Now unplug the power cord of the Docking Station
- Unplug the monitor from the Docking Station
- Press the Power button on the Docking Station for a few seconds to reset it and drain the residual power.
- Now switch on the Docking Station and plug it into the computer.
- Turn on the computer as well
- Finally, connect the Docking Station to the monitor
Your docking monitor should recognize the monitor now. If it doesn’t, continue reading.
3. Check System Requirements
You should check the system requirements of your docking station to determine if it matches your system specs. Not every Docking Station is universal, and you must choose the one that fits your system requirement. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to change it or buy a new one.
You can visit the Targus website under the Docking Station section to search for a compatible Docking Station for your system. However, if you have a compatible Docking Station, you should continue reading.
4. Check The Display Settings
When there’s an incomplete configuration in the display settings, it can cause the Docking Station not to detect the monitor. Adjusting the display settings can fix the problem and ensure the Docking Station works appropriately. Follow the simple steps below to modify the display settings:
- Right-click anywhere on the Desktop Screen on your PC
- Select Display Settings
- From the menu, extend the Multiple Displays tab
- Select Detect so your PC can detect the displays connected
- Select either Extend or Duplicate, depending on your wish
- Your monitor should light up, and you can now press Identify from the Display Settings window
5. Update Docking Station Drivers
Your Docking Station needs the latest drivers to perform to its maximum functionality. Your Docking Station driver directs your dock about how to interact with your computer by communicating with the operating system.
So if your Docking Station is not responsive and can’t detect your external monitor, you should consider installing the latest driver available. Follow the process below to download the driver for your Targus Docking Station successfully.
- Unplug your Docking Station
- Visit the Targus website at www.Targus.com
- Download the latest DisplayLink video card driver. If there’s a previous version already installed, it will overwrite it.
- After the download process, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You’ll need to reboot after the installation for the change to effect.
6. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Similarly, for your computer to effectively communicate with your Docking Station and other graphics components, it needs to have the latest graphic driver installed. An outdated video driver can cause failure in connection problems when you attempt to connect with a second screen. Read along on how to update your graphics driver.
- Right+click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager
- Locate the Display Adapters section and expand it
- Right-click on the Graphics Driver
- Click on Update Driver
- Let the process run automatically
7. Install Pending Windows Updates
When you update your system’s operating system, it ensures system compatibility fixes and incorporates security patches on your system. So it’s essential to update your system windows as it could help fix the “Docking Station not detecting monitor” problems. Therefore,
- Press Windows key + I to jump to the Settings menu
- Select Update & Security
- Click on Check for Updates
Your windows should return a prompt of updates if there are any. You can then follow the on-screen instructions to update your computer’s window. Afterward, you can now retry the connection and see if your Docking Station can now detect your monitor.
If the problem remains, you can try to restart your graphics driver by pressing the Windows key + Ctrl+Shift+B. You should hear a beep sound that indicates your computer is responsive. This process should resolve the glitch that’s causing the problem.
8. Contact Manufacturer Support
If any of the above problems can’t solve your Docking Station problem, please consider contacting your manufacturer’s support for further instructions on how to fix the problem.