HDMI 2.1 Not Working Fix

Switch GPU mode to dGPU in Armory Crate
Open ASUS Armory Crate, navigate to System → GPU Mode. Change from Eco (iGPU only) or Auto to dGPU mode. Restart. HDMI is connected to the NVIDIA dGPU and will not output in iGPU-only mode.
Update NVIDIA GPU Driver
Go to NVIDIA GeForce Experience or download the latest Game Ready Driver from NVIDIA’s website. Select the ASUS ROG GPU when prompted. Install and restart the laptop.

Test with a Different HDMI 2.1 Cable
Replace your current cable with a certified HDMI 2.1 cable (48 Gbps bandwidth). Test at a lower resolution first (1080p) to confirm signal. If it works at lower resolution, the monitor or cable may not support 4K 120Hz.
Set Correct Refresh Rate in Display Settings
Settings → System → Display → Advanced display. Set the refresh rate to match what your external monitor supports. Mismatched refresh rates can cause a blank screen even when signal is detected.
“My ROG SCAR 18 HDMI worked after switching to dGPU mode in Armory Crate. Had no idea the iGPU mode disables the HDMI port.” — Danial, Kota Kinabalu

Ryan holds a Computer Science degree and has spent over 15 years troubleshooting Windows hardware and driver issues across major laptop brands. He writes practical, step-by-step guides for everyday users at softwaredriverdownload.com.
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