ljmartinez247

Q: macbook air detects a display that is not connected

I usually have a second monitor connected to my MacBook Air. I disconnected the second monitor and my mac is still recognizing it. When I open windows that were previously on the second display, they immediately go into that second display when the second monitor is not connected. I've never had this issue before. How do I fix this

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Apr 3, 2016 8:41 PM

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Q: macbook air detects a display that is not connected

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  • by judysings,

    judysings judysings Apr 5, 2016 7:30 AM in response to ljmartinez247
    Community Specialists
    Apr 5, 2016 7:30 AM in response to ljmartinez247

    Hello ljmartinez247,

    If you disconnect your second monitor and the MacBook Air thinks it is still connected, you can refresh the display by putting the computer to sleep.  Here is some additional information regarding working with external displays.

     

    Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac

    • If you're using an external display, sleep and wake your Mac to make it check for connected displays:
    1. Press the power button on your computer to put it to sleep, or choose Apple menu > Sleep.
    2. Wait a few moments, then press a key on your keyboard or click your mouse or trackpad to wake your Mac.
    • You can resolve many display issues by updating the software on your Apple devices, cables, and adapters. If you can see an image on your screen, check for software updates using the Mac App Store:
    1. Connect your external display and any Apple video cables or adapters that you use with it.
    2. From the Apple menu, choose App Store.
    3. Click the Updates button in the App Store window.
    4. Install any OS X or firmware updates that are listed.

    If you're using a display, hub, extender, or adapter not made by Apple, check with the manufacturer for any updates that might be available.

    • Disconnect the video cable where it plugs into your Mac, then plug it back in to reseat the connection.

     

    Take care,