Why does my HDMI to VGA cable is not working?


HDMI & VGA Port

Simply connecting the HDMI to VGA cable will not work. There is a little work you have to do in order to get the Adapter to work.

In this guide, you don’t have to download any third-party software or write code to fix it. Just follow this guide and you will able to enjoy your Old Monitor with Sound. And also there is a small guide that will help you in the selection of a Gaming Monitor for a better and more immersive experience.

The main reason your HDMI to VGA cable is not working is because of the wrong products you just bought the cables only Or it can be that your adapter needs an external power source.
To fix HDMI to VGA connection first make sure it’s the adapter, not the cable, or you can use the latest HDMI to VGA converter that comes along with an adapter that doesn’t require an external power source.

After getting the latest Adapter that converts HDMI to VGA Signal or if you haven’t bought one yet then just select any adapter from the list down there.

How do I get HDMI to work with VGA?

Let’s just perform some basic checks.

  • The monitor is connected to the power supply( if you have an extra socket in your room then connect it separately for better results).
  • The monitor switch is on.
  • The HDMI to VGA adapter is in working condition, not the defective one.
  • And most important is that you are using the HDMI to VGA Adapter, not the cable only.

Check the product that you just bought and if it’s a cable with the inbuilt power source, then you are good to go, or if it’s an adapter also. But if it’s just a cable, better to return or exchange it. Simply connecting the cables will not work.

HDMI to VGA Adapter is connected to the power source

Make sure your adapter is getting power. To convert the HDMI digital Audio/Video Signal the adapter needs power. To not get tangled in wire you can choose the HDMI to VGA adapter that doesn’t need the power source or you can go with an External Power source.

Detecting the Second Display

After connecting HDMI to VGA adapter to Laptop or Pc to the Old Monitor or to its VGA port. Now just come to your Laptop/Pc and check if the system has detected the second display.

To check it open Settings > Go to Display > then Multiple Display. After clicking on the Multiple Display, click on the Detect other display.

Windows 11 Multiple Display Settings

If you can see the two boxes in the display setting with the number on them then your adapter is working. The issue you are facing is gone.

In case it still not working then check the cable and pins for any physical damage. If you find one then just buy a new one or replace it, if you have recently purchased it.

One more step you can do is that just restart the system and check for any updates.

Why your HDMI to VGA cable is not working?

People are buying HDMI to VGA cables from the internet because they are cheaper than an HDMI to VGA adapter. But the problem is that you can’t just connect the red wire to another red wire.HDMI is a next-generation technology that uses Digital Signals and VGA is an older one and uses Analogue signals. They are electrically and electronically different.

so make sure to check for the adapter, not for the cable.

How to select the correct interface for your device and why it’s important?

If you choose the wrong display interface, you might limit your monitor’s graphics ability. It’s the reason why you should spend some time before selecting the right adapter or cable. It would be best if you focused on the refresh rate and the resolution before making the right choice. So, if you’re ready to know more, read along.

Check your system port type here is a small reference chart/table

So there are approx 9 ports that are used to transfer data between the second display and will make your gaming experience to the next level,

1. VGA Port
  • It can be found in many computers, projectors, video cards, and High Definition TVs.
  • VGA port is the main interface between computers and older CRT monitors. Even the modern LCD and LED monitors support VGA ports but the picture quality is reduced. VGA carries analog video signals up to a resolution of 648X480.
2. Digital Video Interface ( DVI )
  • DVI is a high-speed digital interface between a display controller like a computer and a display device like a monitor.
  • The digital signals can be either single link or dual link where a single link supports a digital signal up to 1920X1080 resolution and a dual-link supports a digital signal up to 2560X1600 resolution.
  • This is a high-speed digital interface between a display controller like a computer and a display device like a monitor.
  • The digital signals can be either single link or dual link where a single link supports a digital signal up to 1920X1080 resolution and a dual-link supports a digital signal up to 2560X1600 resolution.
3. Display Port
  • Display Port is a digital display interface with optional multiple-channel audio and other forms of data.
  • The latest version DisplayPort 1.3 can handle a resolution of up to 7680 X 4320.
  • The latest DisplayPort 1.4a (in production) version has support for 4K (3840 x 2160) at 120 Hz or 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60 Hz. An improved DisplayPort version 2.0 specification is released in June of 2019 with an increased bandwidth of 77.37 Gbps (approximately).
4. High Definition Media Interface ( HDMI )
  • HDMI is an abbreviation of High Definition Media Interface. HDMI is a digital interface to connect High Definition and Ultra High Definition devices like Computer monitors, HDTVs, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, High Definition Cameras, etc.
  • It can carry digital video signal up to a resolution of 4096×2160 and 32 audio channels.
  • The latest version of HDMI is 2.1 with much-improved bandwidth, resolution, and support from video card manufacturers. While HDMI 2.0 has a data bandwidth of 18 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 has a staggering 48 Gbps bandwidth. Coming to the display resolution, HDMI 2.1 supports 4K and 8K at a 120 Hz refresh rate. Most modern (at least high-end) graphics cards like Nvidia RTX 3090 provide a couple of HDMI 2.1 Ports to connect with monitors and TVs.
5. USB Type C
  • USB Type C is the latest specification of the USB and is a reversible connector. It is supposed to replace Types A and B and is considered future-proof.
  • It has various features it can be used for fast charging, fast data transferring, Connect second display, etc.

HDMI vs. DisplayPort for Gaming: Which One Should You Use?

The display port, HDMI, and DVI offered the same performance until high-resolution monitors with high refresh rates hit the market. And this shift has made choosing the right type of cable or adapter an important task.

If you select the wrong display interface, you might limit your monitor’s graphics ability and eventually, this can cause your some problems further also. It’s the main reason why you should spend some time before selecting the right adapter or cable. It would be best if you focused on the refresh rate and the resolution before making the right choice.

Display InterfaceMonitor ConfigurationCompatible Display interface
1440P with 60HZ refresh rateHDMI port, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI1440P with 60HZ refresh rateHDMI port, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI
4K with 30HZ refresh rateHDMI port, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI4K with 30HZ refresh rateHDMI port 1.3 and later, DisplayPort 1.0 and later, Dual-link DVI
4k with 144HZ refresh rateHDMI port, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI1440P with 144HZ+ refresh rateHDMI port 2.0 and later, DisplayPort 1.2, and later versions. DVI won’t work in this case
1080p with 60HZ refresh rateHDMI, DisplayPort, DVI( it will support 720P or 1080P below 30HZ )1080P with 60HZ+ refresh rateHDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI won’t support Ultra High resolution
1080p with 144HZ refresh rateHDMI, DisplayPort, DVI ( dual-link cable )1080P with 144HZ+ refresh rateHDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI won’t support Ultra High resolution,  dual-link DVI cable because the single link cable won’t support it

Here are some best picks you can get to connect your HDMI to VGA port

Moread HDMI to VGAOpens in a new tab.Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female)

Best for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTVs, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox, and More
REC Trade 5-in-1Opens in a new tab.Type C to HDMI/VGA/Audio/USB 3.0 Port/USB C

Multiport Adapter Converter USB C to HDMI VGA Hub Adapter
MuxLab HDMI to VGA AdapterOpens in a new tab.Male to Female | 1080P Full HD (1920×1200)

HDMI 1.3 | DVI 1.0 | for PC, Laptop, Media Player, Projector, Monitors | No External Power | Plug and Play | No Driver

These solutions will help to choose and fix your HDMI to VGA connection problem if you any assistance you need regarding it feel free to comment, we glad to help you.

Vishal Kumar

Finding a solution related to tech has been his keen area of interest, He like tech and is also a noob gamer who gives his best when he's in focus mode. Like other tech and apps, there are some bugs and he knows it and figuring out to solve them.

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