Many Huion pen displays require an HDMI connection to transmit video signals. But what if your desktop computer or graphics card only has one HDMI port, and your main monitor already occupies it? Don't worry—there are smart workarounds to get your Huion display up and running without sacrificing your current setup.
Important Note for Desktop Users with Dedicated Graphics Cards
If your desktop has a dedicated graphics card, you must connect your Huion pen display (and your main monitor) directly to the graphics card ports—not the HDMI port on the motherboard. Once a dedicated GPU is installed, the motherboard's video ports are typically disabled by default. Using them will result in no signal being sent to your display.
Option 1: Use a Different Cable for Your Main Monitor
Most modern graphics cards offer multiple output types, such as:
- DisplayPort
- DVI
- VGA
If your main monitor supports any of these, simply switch its connection to free up the HDMI port for your Huion pen display.
Common Display Cables You Can Use:
Here are examples of alternative cables depending on your monitor and graphics card:
- DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable
- DVI to DVI Cable
- VGA to VGA Cable
Option 2: Use an HDMI Adapter or Splitter
If your monitor only supports HDMI, consider using an HDMI adapter to convert another available port into HDMI.
Recommended HDMI Adapters:
- DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
- DVI to HDMI Adapter
- HDMI Splitter (you can only mirror the displays connected to the splitter)
These adapters allow you to keep your monitor connected while freeing up the HDMI port for your Huion pen display.
What If You're using a Laptop or Mac without an HDMI port?
If you're using a laptop or Mac that lacks an HDMI port, you'll need to check if your device supports USB-C to USB-C video transmission, and if your pen display supports such a connection. We have a detailed guide listing compatible devices and requirements: List of Compatible Devices that Support USB-C to USB-C Connection with Huion Displays.