Ubuntu Lockscreen Doesn't Recover from HDMI Connection

Ubuntu Lock Screen Doesn't Recover HDMI Connection: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're experiencing an issue where your Ubuntu lock screen doesn't recover the HDMI connection after using the OS key + L shortcut, you're not alone. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the problem and offer potential solutions.

Understanding the Problem

When you lock your Ubuntu system using the OS key + L shortcut, the screen goes blank, and the system enters a low-power mode. However, if you have an external display connected via HDMI, you might encounter a problem where the display remains blank, and you can't recover the HDMI connection after unlocking the system.

Potential Solutions

Here are some potential solutions to the problem:

Check HDMI Cable Connection

First, ensure that the HDMI cable is properly connected to both the computer and the external display. A loose connection could be the cause of the problem.

Change HDMI Port

If the HDMI cable is properly connected, try changing the HDMI port on either the computer or the external display. Sometimes, a faulty HDMI port can cause this issue.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can also cause this problem. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Software & Updates" from the menu.
2. Click on the "Additional Drivers" tab.
3. Select the recommended driver and click "Apply Changes."
4. Restart your system and check if the problem is resolved.

Change Power Management Settings

Changing the power management settings can also help resolve the issue. To change the power management settings, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Terminal" from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

3. Add the following lines to the "Device" section:
   Option "BlankTime" "0" Option "StandbyTime" "0" Option "SuspendTime" "0" Option "OffTime" "0"

4. Save the file and restart your system.

The problem of Ubuntu lock screen not recovering HDMI connection after using the OS key + L shortcut can be frustrating, but it's usually easy to resolve. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to recover the HDMI connection and get your external display working again.

References

• External monitor not working after lock screen
• Ubuntu 20.04 - External Monitor not working after lock screen
• How to Fix External Monitor Not Working in Ubuntu 18.04