Top 8 Fixes for Display Connection Might Be Limited Error on Windows (2024)

The error message ‘Display connection might be limited’ typically appears on a Windows machine when you connect your monitor to your computer using a USB-C cable. This issue is commonly caused by incompatible hardware, outdated drivers, rogue third-party apps, or incorrect BIOS settings.

USB-C offers a convenient single-cable solution for high-quality audio/video, data transfer, and power delivery. If you are unable to take advantage of this, the tips that follow should fix the issue and help you get back to work.

1. Rule Out Any Compatibility Issues

Only computers with USB-C ports that support DisplayPort alternate modes can transmit video and audio signals. This allows a USB-C port to transmit display signals on top of its data and power delivery capabilities. If your computer supports some Display Alt modes but not others, it may restrict your monitor’s peak display and audio capabilities, resulting in errors.

If unsure, refer to your PC and monitor’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to ensure both devices are capable of video output over a USB-C cable.

2. Use the Correct USB Cable and Port

Using the right USB-C cable is also important. You need to ensure that your USB-C cable is certified for DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3, as these support video output and are suitable for connecting your laptop to various monitors.

Additionally, the error message ‘Display connection might be limited’ can also appear if your display has new features that your USB-C cable does not support, such as HDR support and faster refresh rate. The same is applicable if you are using an external USB hub or docking station as well.

Additionally, if you connect a display to a port that doesn’t support power delivery, you may not be able to charge your laptop or transfer data from a single connection, causing Windows to display this error. Try switching to a different port, if available, to see if that resolves the issue.

3. Disconnect and Reconnect the Display and Clean the Port

If you see the error even after using the right cables and devices, try disconnecting and reconnecting your monitor. And while you’re at it, give the port and connectors a good cleaning. This should resolve any issues caused by loose or improper connections and fix the error.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter on Windows can scan your devices for any irregularities and attempt to fix them automatically. You can try running this tool to see if it fixes the ‘Display connection might be limited’ error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Type the following command in the Open field and press Enter.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 2: Click Advanced.

Step 3: Tick the ‘Apply repairs automatically’ checkbox and click Next.

Wait for the troubleshooter to do its job, then check if the error reappears.

5. Update USB Drivers

Outdated or incompatible USB drivers on your PC may be the cause of your USB-C port problems. In that case, updating the drivers on your PC should resolve the issue. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2: Double-click on ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’ to expand it. Right-click on the first entry and select Update driver. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to finish the updates.

Repeat the above steps to update all the USB drivers on your PC, and then check if the error still persists.

6. Install Windows Updates

If updating USB drivers proves ineffective, you can check if there are any pending Windows updates. To do so, press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app and navigate to the Windows Update tab. Click the Check for updates button to download and install pending updates.

7. Try Clean Boot Mode

When you run Windows in a clean boot state, it only operates with essential apps and services. As such, the following steps can verify if the ‘Display connection might be limited’ error on Windows is occurring due to a third-party app or program.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Under the Services tab, mark the box that reads ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ and then click the Disable all button.

Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

Step 4: On the Startup apps tab, select a third-party app and click the Disable button at the top. Repeat this step to disable all the third-party startup apps.

Restart your computer in a clean boot state. If you are able to connect your computer to an external display without any errors, then one of the third-party apps or programs is likely the cause of the problem. You will need to review any recently installed apps and programs and uninstall them to resolve the issue.

8. Reset BIOS

The BIOS, also known as the Basic Input Output System, is responsible for ensuring that all of your computer’s hardware components interact properly. If there is a problem with the BIOS settings on your PC, you may encounter such errors. To resolve this, you will need to reset the BIOS to its default settings.

Step 1: Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to open the search menu. Type recovery options in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Click the Restart now button next to Advanced startup.

Step 3: Select Restart now to confirm.

Step 4: Wait for your PC to reboot and then click on Troubleshoot.

Step 5: Select Advanced options.

Step 6: Select the UEFI Firmware Settings option.

Step 7: Click the Restart button to boot into the BIOS.

Step 8: Once you’re in BIOS, press F9 to access the Setup Defaults option. Then, select Yes.

Step 9: Press F10 to save changes and exit BIOS.

Once you complete the above steps, restart your PC; the error should not appear afterward.

No More Display Troubles

USB-C is gaining popularity as a versatile interface, so it can be frustrating when you can’t use the port to output to a monitor. We hope that one of the aforementioned tips has helped fix the ‘Display connection might be limited’ error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.