The screen goes black for 3-4 seconds and then comes back on

[MuratYR]

I'm using an HP Elitebook 8 G1i 14" notebook. The notebook is connected to a G5 dock and I'm using an E27 monitor.

I bought this notebook 3 weeks ago. I installed a new Windows. When the computer boots up and reaches the lock screen, the screen goes black for 3-4 seconds and then comes back on. After entering my username and password, the desktop opens. When I lock the screen and enter my password again, it goes black again for 3-4 seconds. Sometimes the monitor stays black until I lift the notebook screen. The monitor comes back on when I lift the notebook screen.

Here's what I've tried:

I formatted and reinstalled Windows on another notebook of the same model.
I tried HDMI and DisplayPort cables.
I tried two different docks, one with audio.
I tried a different monitor.
I updated the dock's firmware.
I updated the notebook's BIOS.
I updated all drivers using Support Assistant.
I installed the latest Intel graphics card driver.
I installed different Windows versions (24H2 and 22H2).

I tried everything. None of these worked.

If I disable the Intel graphics card in Device Manager, the problem is fixed. Or if I connect the monitor from the dock directly to the notebook, it fixes the problem.

Other than that, there's no solution. I think it's a problem with the graphics card driver.

Note : Every time a problem occurs, this error appears in the event viewer.

The description for Event ID 10 from source Intel-Gfx-Display-External cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

0
268435459
815616
268435456
2000
2415919114
0
32.0.101.8247

The message ID for the desired message could not be found

I would appreciate your help on this matter.

[RedCapsicum9]

That tells us this isn’t a bad monitor, not a bad dock, and not a faulty notebook. This is almost certainly a graphics driver handshake issue when the system switches display states. What’s happening is during boot or when you lock/unlock the screen, Windows reinitializes the external display through the dock. The Intel graphics driver briefly drops the signal, resets, and then comes back that’s your 3–4 second black screen. The fact that it works fine when you disable the Intel driver or plug the monitor directly into the notebook confirms this is a driver + dock interaction problem, not hardware failure.

Here’s the proper fix path..

First, do a full clean graphics driver removal using DDU in Safe Mode not just a normal uninstall. After that, install the official HP graphics driver for your exact EliteBook model from HP’s support page. Don’t use the generic Intel driver for this setup. OEM drivers are often tuned specifically for dock behavior.

Next, disable Windows Fast Startup. That feature causes display reinitialization issues during boot and lock transitions. Also check BIOS settings for anything related to hybrid graphics, Thunderbolt security, or display switching and make sure they’re set properly.

If Panel Self Refresh is available in Intel Graphics Command Center, turn that off too.

Based on your testing, this is 99% a driver-level display reset issue not a dying GPU. If after a clean OEM driver install it still happens, then the most stable workaround is either staying on the HP-tuned driver or connecting the monitor directly to the notebook.

[MuratYR]

Hello,

First of all thanks for detailed information. 

I've uninstalled Display Driver with DDU latest version in Safe mode.

I've downloaded latest Graphic driver from HP and restarted.

after the restart on ctrl+alt+del screen, monitor screen went black and then back on.

Fast startup has already disabled with GPO. Inten Graphic software info like below. 

I recorded a video to show the problem, but I can't share it here because the company logo, etc., is visible. If you have a link or email address I can send it to directly, I can send it to you.

For example, after a restart, the screen goes black and then comes back on the first login. Then, when I try to open Spotify Web through any browser, the screen goes black for about 10 seconds. Or, when I go into the HDR menu in the display settings, the screen completely turns off and doesn't come back on until I unplug and plug the USB Type-C cable from the dock, but when I open the notebook lid and look, there's an image on the notebook screen.

If I try to access Spotify Web first and the screen goes black and then comes back on, I can access the HDR menu without any problems. Or, if I access the HDR menu first and the screen goes black and then comes back on, I can access Spotify Web without any problems.

[MuratYR · Accepted solution]

Hello,

I've fixed the problem. HP release new “HP Application Enabling Software Driver” (sp170094) for this issue and fixed now.

FYI