Windows Update Possibly Causing Dual External Monitors Detected as One Display on Laptops?

The issue you are experiencing with dual external monitors being detected as one combined display could potentially be related to a Windows update or a driver compatibility issue. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly resolve the problem:

1. Check Display Settings: Go to Settings > System > Display and ensure that the monitors are set to extend rather than duplicate. Sometimes, the settings may revert after updates.
2. Update Windows: Make sure that all Windows updates are installed, as Microsoft often releases fixes for known issues in subsequent updates.
3. Rollback Drivers: If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back the graphics driver to a previous version that was working correctly. This can be done through Device Manager.
4. Check for Known Issues: Look for any known issues related to your specific laptop models and the Windows version you are using. Dell's support site or forums may have information on similar issues.
5. Test with Different Configurations: If possible, try different combinations of adapters and ports to see if the issue persists. This can help isolate whether the problem is with the laptops, the adapters, or the monitors.
6. Firmware Update: Check if there are any firmware updates available for the dual-monitor adapter you are using. Sometimes, manufacturers release updates to improve compatibility with newer operating systems or hardware.
7. Contact Support: If the issue continues, consider reaching out to Dell support for further assistance, especially since multiple models are affected.

Since you've already performed many troubleshooting steps, it does seem like a systemic issue rather than a hardware failure, particularly if it affects multiple devices simultaneously.

References:

• Using Multiple Display Monitors
• Tested peripherals for Surface devices
• Tested peripherals for Surface devices
• Tested peripherals for Surface devices
• Tested peripherals for Surface devices
• Tested peripherals for Surface devices

Hello Alias, Muhammad Farhan Affendy

Based on your description, the behavior where dual external monitors are detected as one combined display has recently been reported across multiple Dell Latitude models and is linked to recent Intel graphics driver and Windows update changes. Since the adapters and monitors work correctly on unaffected laptops, the issue is not hardware‑related but rather a driver or update regression.

The recommended workaround is to roll back to a prior Intel graphics driver version or install Dell’s validated driver package, which restores proper multi‑monitor functionality. To prevent recurrence, you may also want to temporarily block automatic driver updates until Microsoft and Dell release a permanent fix. During this period, monitoring Dell and Microsoft advisories for patches addressing multi‑monitor detection regressions will be important.

I hope this guidance helps clarify the situation. If you find this answer helpful, please hit “Accept Answer” 🙂.

Harry.

Hello Muhammad,

Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum.

Based on the issue description, coupled with your thorough troubleshooting steps. It might suggest a software conflict, highly probably stemming from a recent Windows Update or an interaction with the Intel Graphics driver and the way the DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) signal is being handled by the WAVLINK adapter.

The following are some suggestions which are worth for consideration in an attempt to resolve this issue.

1.BIOS Update.

• Even though you updated the Intel driver, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on the Dell laptops controls the core hardware functionality, including the USB-C/Thunderbolt/DisplayPort Alt Mode controller. A recent Windows or driver update might require a corresponding BIOS fix from Dell. Try to check the Dell Support site specifically for the latest BIOS update for each affected laptop model (Latitude 5440, 5450, 3430, etc.). Install the latest BIOS, even if SupportAssist did not flag it as a priority. This might be a possible fix for complex docking/display issues.

2.WAVLINK Adapter Driver/Firmware.

• While the WL-UH510 appears to be a driverless adapter (relying on the host system's native DP Alt Mode), it is worth checking by visiting the official WAVLINK support page for the WL-UH510 and check for any dedicated drivers or firmware updates. Sometimes "driverless" only applies to basic functionality, and a separate driver/utility is needed for advanced display configurations.

3.Test with an Alternative Multi-Display Solution.

• Since the issue persists even with "different dual-monitor adapters" (which may be similar DP Alt Mode splitters), try a solution that uses a different technology by testing one of the affected laptops with a DisplayLink-based docking station (e.g., Dell D6000 or similar universal docks). DisplayLink technology uses a dedicated USB driver to render the display outside of the Intel GPU's native output. If a DisplayLink dock works flawlessly, it might confirm the issue is specifically within the interaction between the native Intel/Windows DisplayPort Alt Mode stack and your current adapter.

4.Consideration For System Restore / Rollback the Last Feature Update.

• If this started suddenly on the same week across multiple devices, rolling back the last major Windows Feature Update or Cumulative Update is the most direct way to confirm and temporarily bypass the issue. Try to identify the latest Windows Cumulative Update installed on the week the issue began. Uninstall this update on a pilot machine to see if the behavior reverts to normal. If it does, you can pinpoint the culprit.

Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same issue too.