Intel Arc Graphics (Core Ultra) - Periodic 2-second display dropout through KVM switch (works fine o

[flyingcar]

## Summary

Intel Arc Graphics on a Dell Precision 5490 (Core Ultra, Meteor Lake) experiences periodic ~2-second complete display dropouts when connected to an external monitor through a TESmart HKS201-P23 HDMI KVM switch. The identical signal path works flawlessly on Linux (Ubuntu, same KVM, same monitor, same cables).

## System Configuration

- **Laptop**: Dell Precision 5490
- **Processor**: Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake)
- **GPU**: Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) + NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada (discrete)
- **Driver version**: 32.0.101.8860 (June 2026, latest from Intel DSA)
- **OS**: Windows 11 Enterprise 10.0.26100
- **External display**: HP 24mh (1920x1080 @ 60Hz)
- **KVM**: TESmart HKS201-P23 (HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, built-in EDID emulation)
- **Connection**: Laptop USB-C → USB-C/HDMI adapter (tested with both Dell and Anker) → HDMI → KVM → HDMI → Monitor
- **Intel Arc is driving both displays** (internal + external via Thunderbolt 4 / DP Alt Mode)

## Symptoms

1. Periodic complete video dropout lasting approximately 2 seconds
2. Audio over HDMI drops simultaneously
3. Occasional brief green flash/flicker preceding or instead of the full dropout
4. Frequency: approximately 5-15 times per day during active use
5. More frequent during video conferencing (Zoom) — likely related to increased HDCP/video pipeline activity

## Evidence That This Is an Intel Windows Driver Issue

- **Linux works perfectly**: Same monitor, same KVM, same HDMI cables, same type of USB-C to HDMI adapter (Anker hub) — zero display issues on a Linux laptop through the identical signal path.
- **Two different USB-C adapters tested**: Both Dell-branded dongle and Anker USB-C hub exhibit the same behavior, ruling out the adapter hardware.
- **KVM works fine with other systems**: The Linux laptop connected to the same KVM input port has no issues.

## Troubleshooting Already Attempted (No Effect)

| Action | Result |
|--------|--------|
| Updated driver from 32.0.101.8247 to 32.0.101.8860 | No improvement |
| Disabled Panel Self Refresh (FeatureTestControl = 0x9252) | No improvement |
| Set DisableHDCP = 1 (DWORD) under adapter registry key | No improvement (appears ignored by Arc driver) |
| Tested with two different USB-C to HDMI adapters | Same behavior on both |

## Registry Keys Modified (for reference)

Path: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4d36e968-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}\0001

- FeatureTestControl: 0x9252 (PSR disabled)
- DisableHDCP: 0x1 (not honored by driver)

## Event Log Correlation

The ETW provider `Intel-Gfx-Display-External` logs Event ID 10 (Error) with no message payload. Some (but not all) dropouts correlate with these events. Sample timestamps from 24h period:

2026-07-14 13:59:02 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-14 14:56:08 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-14 15:56:15 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-14 16:03:13 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-15 08:24:54 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-15 10:38:24 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-15 13:11:58 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-15 13:23:45 EventID=10 Level=Error
2026-07-15 13:23:46 EventID=10 Level=Error

Note: Not all visible dropouts produce an event (a confirmed 2-second dropout at ~13:46 was not logged).

## Suspected Root Cause

The Intel Arc Windows driver appears to be overly aggressive in re-training the HDMI link or re-authenticating HDCP when minor signal variations occur through the KVM. The Linux driver (i915/xe) handles the same conditions gracefully without visible disruption. The increased frequency during Zoom calls suggests HDCP re-authentication activity may be a contributing factor.

## Requested Action

1. Investigate why the Arc Windows driver triggers full link re-initialization through KVM switches where Linux does not.
2. Consider adding a configurable HPD debounce interval or HDCP re-auth tolerance setting.
3. Honor the DisableHDCP registry key (or provide an equivalent mechanism for Arc drivers) to allow users to disable HDCP on non-DRM workloads.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello flyingcar,

Thank you for posting in Intel community Forum.

For me to better understand and diagnose the issue further, let me ask you to provide detailed responses to the following questions. This information will help me isolate the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action moving forward.

1. Was it working fine before?

2. If yes, what was the last change made in the system before the issue started?

3. What are the troubleshooting steps that you tried so far?

4. For me to review the hardware and the driver installed, please help generate the SSU logs of your system. Kindly refer to the link below for the steps:

How to get the Intel® System Support Utility Logs on Windows*

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician