How to Remove “Input Not Supported” in Monitor: 10 Easy Fixes
Seeing the message “Input Not Supported” on your monitor can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to use your computer, play games, or watch videos. This issue usually occurs when the monitor cannot handle the resolution or refresh rate settings from the connected device. Luckily, there are several simple fixes that you can try to remove this error and restore your display. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 easy solutions to fix the “Input Not Supported” error on your monitor.
1. Check and Adjust the Display Resolution Settings
One of the most common causes of the “Input Not Supported” error is that the resolution settings on your computer are set too high for the monitor to handle. To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the display resolution to a compatible level.
- Lower the resolution settings: Right-click on your desktop, select Display Settings, and scroll down to the “Display Resolution” section. Select a lower resolution that is supported by your monitor, such as 1920×1080 or 1280×720, depending on your monitor’s capabilities.
- Adjust the refresh rate: Sometimes, the refresh rate is set too high for the monitor. Go to Advanced Display Settings and under “Refresh rate,” select a lower value (usually 60Hz is safe for most monitors).
By adjusting these settings, you ensure that your computer sends a signal to the monitor that it can recognize, preventing the “Input Not Supported” error.
2. Change the Input Source on the Monitor
Sometimes, the issue of “Input Not Supported” occurs because the monitor is set to the wrong input source. If you’re using a DisplayPort, HDMI, or VGA connection, ensure that the monitor is correctly set to the appropriate input.
- Use the monitor’s input button: On most monitors, there is a button to switch between input sources. Make sure the monitor is set to the correct input, such as DisplayPort or HDMI, depending on the cable you are using.
- Navigate the on-screen display menu: Use the monitor’s on-screen menu (OSD) to select the input source that matches the one connected to your computer.
Setting the correct input source is a simple yet effective solution to fix the issue of the monitor displaying “Input Not Supported.”
3. Update Graphics Drivers on Your Computer
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues between your computer and the monitor, leading to the “Input Not Supported” error. Updating your graphics drivers can resolve these issues.
- Update your drivers through Device Manager: Right-click on Start, select Device Manager, and expand the “Display Adapters” section. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver to check for available updates.
- Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website: If Device Manager doesn’t find any updates, visit the graphics card manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to manually download and install the latest drivers.
Keeping your graphics drivers up to date ensures your computer and monitor are compatible and can communicate properly, preventing the “Input Not Supported” message.
4. Check the Monitor’s Supported Resolution and Refresh Rate
Different monitors have different limitations when it comes to resolution and refresh rate. If your display settings exceed what the monitor supports, the “Input Not Supported” error will appear.
- Consult the monitor’s user manual: Check the supported resolution and refresh rate for your specific monitor model. Common resolutions for monitors include 1920×1080, 2560×1440, or 3840×2160, while standard refresh rates are 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz.
- Match the computer’s output with the monitor’s capabilities: Make sure the resolution and refresh rate settings on your computer are within the monitor’s supported range.
By ensuring the computer output is within the monitor’s capabilities, you can avoid errors like “Input Not Supported” caused by incompatible display settings.
5. Perform a System Restore or Reset Graphics Settings
If the issue started after a recent update or software change, performing a system restore or resetting your graphics settings might fix the problem.
- Perform a system restore: If you recently updated your system and started seeing the “Input Not Supported” message, you can restore your computer to a previous working state. Open Control Panel, go to System and Security, and select System, then choose System Protection and click System Restore.
- Reset graphics settings to default: In some cases, resetting your graphics card settings to their default values can help. You can do this through your graphics control panel, such as the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings, and restore the settings to their default configuration.
These steps help remove any software-related issues that might be causing the “Input Not Supported” error.
6. Test the Cable and Port for Physical Issues
Sometimes, the “Input Not Supported” error is due to issues with the cable or port you’re using to connect your monitor to the computer. A loose, damaged, or incompatible cable can disrupt the connection and cause this error message.
- Inspect the cable: Check the DisplayPort, HDMI, or VGA cable for any visible signs of damage such as fraying, cuts, or bent pins. A faulty cable could lead to a signal failure between the computer and the monitor.
- Try a different cable or port: Swap the cable with a known working one or try connecting the monitor to a different port on the computer. For instance, if you’re using HDMI, try switching to DisplayPort or vice versa. You can also test a different port on the monitor if available.
By ensuring that the cable and port are in good condition and correctly connected, you can eliminate hardware-related issues causing the “Input Not Supported” error.
7. Use a Different Monitor to Check for the Issue
If none of the above steps resolve the “Input Not Supported” error, the problem might be with the monitor itself. Testing the setup with a different monitor can help you pinpoint if the issue lies with the monitor.
- Connect a different monitor: If you have access to another monitor, connect it to your computer using the same cable. If the new monitor works fine, this suggests the original monitor may be the cause of the issue.
- Test the original monitor with a different device: Similarly, connect the problematic monitor to a different device like another laptop or desktop. If the monitor works with another device, your original computer setup might be to blame.
This step helps you confirm whether the problem is with your monitor or the device it’s connected to.
8. Update Monitor Firmware
Some monitors, particularly those with advanced settings or features, may require firmware updates to resolve compatibility issues with certain resolutions or input sources. Outdated firmware can also lead to the “Input Not Supported” message.
- Check for firmware updates: Visit the manufacturer’s website for your monitor model to see if any firmware updates are available. Manufacturers sometimes release updates to improve compatibility with newer hardware or software configurations.
- Follow the instructions to update the firmware: Most monitors allow you to update the firmware via USB or through the monitor’s built-in menu system. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the monitor.
Updating the firmware ensures your monitor is fully compatible with your computer’s display settings, helping to avoid errors like “Input Not Supported.”
9. Check the Monitor’s Resolution Settings
Some monitors allow you to configure resolution settings directly on the monitor itself, especially those with built-in menus. If your monitor is set to a resolution that is too high for the connected device, it might trigger the “Input Not Supported” error.
- Access the monitor’s on-screen menu: Use the buttons on your monitor to open the on-screen display (OSD) menu. Check the resolution settings and make sure they align with the resolution your computer is outputting.
- Adjust to a compatible resolution: If your monitor has a higher native resolution than your computer’s output, try lowering it within the OSD menu.
By matching the monitor’s settings with your computer’s output, you can prevent the “Input Not Supported” issue from occurring.
10. Reboot Both the Monitor and the Computer
Sometimes, the “Input Not Supported” error is caused by temporary software or hardware glitches. A quick reboot of both the monitor and the computer can resolve these issues.
- Turn off both devices: Shut down your computer and turn off the monitor. Unplug the monitor from the power source for 30 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on.
- Restart the computer: After powering on the monitor, restart your computer to ensure that the display settings refresh and the connection is re-established.
Rebooting both devices is a simple yet effective way to clear temporary issues and restore the connection.
FAQs: How to Remove “Input Not Supported” in Monitor
- What should I do if my monitor shows “Input Not Supported” after connecting it to my laptop? If your monitor shows “Input Not Supported” after connecting to your laptop, the first thing to do is check the display resolution settings on your laptop. Ensure the resolution is set to a level compatible with your monitor. You can adjust the resolution by going to Display Settings on your laptop and lowering it to a supported resolution like 1920×1080. Additionally, check the monitor’s input settings to ensure it’s set to the correct port, such as HDMI or DisplayPort.
- How can I fix the “Input Not Supported” issue when using HDMI on my monitor? If you’re using HDMI and encountering the “Input Not Supported” error, try adjusting the refresh rate and resolution settings on your computer. Right-click on the desktop, go to Display Settings, and reduce the resolution or change the refresh rate to a standard setting, like 60Hz. You should also check the HDMI cable and port to ensure they’re working properly and securely connected. If necessary, test a different HDMI cable or port to rule out hardware issues.
- Why does my monitor say “Input Not Supported” when I try to play a game or stream videos? This issue could be related to your monitor’s resolution or refresh rate settings. When gaming or streaming, your computer may try to output a resolution or refresh rate that is too high for the monitor. To fix this, lower the resolution in the Display Settings of your computer to a value supported by the monitor, such as 1080p or 720p. Additionally, check the game or video player settings to ensure they are outputting at a compatible resolution.
- Can updating my graphics drivers fix the “Input Not Supported” error on my monitor? Yes, updating your graphics drivers can often resolve the “Input Not Supported” issue. Outdated or corrupted drivers may cause compatibility problems with the monitor’s resolution or refresh rate. To update your drivers, open Device Manager, find Display Adapters, and right-click on your graphics card to select Update Driver. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to manually download the latest drivers. This can help ensure smooth communication between your computer and monitor.
- How do I know if the “Input Not Supported” error is caused by the monitor or the computer? To determine whether the issue is with the monitor or the computer, try connecting the monitor to another device, such as a different laptop or desktop. If the error disappears when using another device, the issue likely lies with your original computer’s settings or configuration. Alternatively, test your computer with a different monitor. If the second monitor works without the “Input Not Supported” error, it suggests the issue may be specific to your original monitor’s settings or compatibility.