2019 MacBook Pro external monitor not working, blocks apps

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Level 1

4 points

2019 MacBook Pro external monitor not working, blocks apps

My external monitor has stopped working. I have been using a JVC TV as an external monitor and it has stopped working with my 2019 MacBook Pro. I can access all the system setting with the external monitor disconnected, when I connect the external monitor the Mac screen shows the desktop and I cannot access any apps such as system manager so I am unable to investigate what has happened. It's possible that the Mac thinks a ghost window is active but I can find a way of of closing it down. Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Mar 9, 2026 1:55 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

141,697 points

Mar 9, 2026 12:01 PM in response to hewie1

disconnect the display, then open

settings > displays ...

connect your display, making sure that the connection to the Mac is the LAST action, and everything on the cable is powered up and ready-to-go before connecting to the Mac.

if it is not recognized, hold the Option key and you should see a (detect displays) button appear in a corner

pressing detect displays should cause your display to be recognized.

if not, what shows in the hardware pane under USB when you

Option-Apple menu > system Information

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Answer 2

Mar 9, 2026 7:56 AM in response to hewie1

"ghost window active" is not a problem generally seen on Macs. If the display disappears, the windows are moved to the nearest edge of the still-working display.

Intel Mac after 2016 models do not have a direct HDMI port. How are you making the connection to a TV? what cables, adapters, and Docks?

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Answer 3

hewie1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 9, 2026 10:10 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Hi, thanks for responding. I’m using a USB C to VGA cable. It worked for a few weeks before the problem occurred.

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