Problems Solved: Windows Display Fixes, PowerShell Updates, and Security Terms Explained
🖱 Why Can’t I Move My Cursor to My Second Screen?
Scenario:
You’ve connected a second monitor (like an LG HDR display) to your Windows 11 PC, but your cursor won’t cross between screens. You can use both displays individually, but Windows doesn’t seem to treat them as one extended desktop.
Step 1: Don’t Worry About the “2006 Driver”
If you open Device Manager and see a driver from 2006, don’t panic. Microsoft intentionally dates its default drivers this way to prevent them from overwriting newer manufacturer drivers. Monitors rarely need their own drivers — they use these generic Windows ones just fine.
Still, it’s smart to check that your graphics driver is current:
- Go to Acer’s support page (or your PC manufacturer’s site).
- Look for a driver labeled VGA, Display, or Graphics.
- Download and install it — it ensures full support for dual displays and higher resolutions.
Step 2: Ignore the “Detect” Button
If you already see two display thumbnails under Settings → System → Display, clicking “Detect” will simply say “Didn’t detect another display.” This message appears because both monitors are already recognized.
Step 3: Enable “Extend These Displays”
Windows might still be mirroring or using only one display.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System → Display.
- Scroll to the Multiple displays section.
- From the dropdown, choose Extend these displays.
- Click Keep changes when prompted.
Now your mouse should move freely between screens, and you can drag windows back and forth.
Step 4: Arrange Display Order
If your cursor moves the wrong way (e.g., left when you move right), adjust your screen positions:
- In the Display settings, drag the monitor icons so they match the physical setup on your desk (left/right, top/bottom).
- Click Apply to save.
Tip:
If “Extend” still doesn’t work, try a different HDMI cable or port. Some PCs only support dual displays via a specific output (e.g., HDMI + DisplayPort).
🖥 Why Does My Monitor Turn Off Automatically?
Scenario:
Your new LG monitor keeps going to sleep, especially when you’re reading emails or not moving the mouse much. Even using a “mouse jiggler” didn’t help.
Step 1: Check the Monitor’s Internal Settings
Most modern LG displays have built-in “auto power save” features because they double as TV screens. These settings can override your PC’s power plan.
- Press the menu button (front, side, or back of the monitor).
- Navigate with the joystick or buttons to General → Automatic Standby, Sleep Timer, or Energy Saving.
- Set this option to Off.
Step 2: Adjust Windows Power Settings
If the monitor still sleeps too soon:
- Open Settings → System → Power & battery.
- Under Screen and sleep, extend the time for both “on battery” and “plugged in.”
- Try 20 minutes or Never for testing.
- Save changes.
Step 3: Check for Screen Saver Activation
In Windows Search, type Screen saver and open Change screen saver.
If one is active, set it to None.
Step 4: Update LG OnScreen Control (Optional)
If your LG monitor came with companion software, update or uninstall it temporarily. Some versions mistakenly treat inactivity as a signal to power down.
⚙️ How Do I Update PowerShell in Windows 11?
Scenario:
You keep seeing a message in PowerShell that says:
A new version of PowerShell is available. Visit https://aka.ms/PSWindows
Step 1: Understand the Message
This isn’t an error — just a friendly reminder from Microsoft that a new version of PowerShell (now called PowerShell 7) is available. You can keep using your current version safely.
The address https://aka.ms/PSWindows is a Microsoft short link that takes you directly to the PowerShell release page.
Step 2: Update (Optional)
If you’d like the latest version:
- Copy and paste that web address into your browser.
- Download the MSI installer for Windows (x64 recommended).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- After installation, open PowerShell and type:
$PSVersionTableYou’ll see the updated version number.
Step 3: Know When to Update
You only need the newest version if you:
- Run advanced scripts
- Use modern cmdlets (like in Azure or Intune automation)
- Want improved speed and error handling
For everyday users, the default version works perfectly fine.
🔐 What’s the Difference Between Passwords, Passkeys, Passcodes, and PINs?
This confuses a lot of people — and for good reason. The names sound alike, but they protect your data in very different ways.
1. Passwords
- What: A traditional string of characters (letters, numbers, symbols).
- Where it lives: On the server of the service you log into (e.g., Microsoft, Google, Facebook).
- Problem: If that service gets hacked, your password could be exposed.
2. PINs (Windows Hello PINs)
- What: Usually a 4–6 digit code to log into your PC.
- Where it lives: Locally on your computer, inside a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
- Why safer: Even if someone steals your Microsoft password, they can’t log in to your PC without that physical device and your PIN.
- Limitation: If you reuse the same PIN on multiple devices, you weaken its protection. Each device should have a unique one.
3. Passkeys
- What: A newer, passwordless login standard.
- How it works: Your PC or phone stores a private key, while the online service keeps a public key.
When you log in, the system verifies the match — without sending your password anywhere. - Unlock method: Fingerprint, face recognition, or your device PIN.
- Advantage: Passkeys can’t be stolen through phishing, because they never leave your device.
4. Passcodes
- Often used interchangeably with “PIN,” especially on phones.
- Shorter and simpler than passwords, but context matters — for example, your iPhone passcode unlocks the device, not your online accounts.
Bottom Line:
| Type | Stored Where | Used For | Safer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Password | On servers | Online accounts | ❌ Prone to leaks |
| PIN | TPM (local device) | Windows login | ✅ Safer locally |
| Passkey | Local + public key pair | Account sign-in | ✅ Most secure |
| Passcode | Device memory | Unlocking phones/tablets | ✅ Limited scope |
Best Practice:
Use a unique PIN for each Windows device, and consider switching to passkeys where available (Google, Microsoft, and Apple already support them). They’re faster, easier, and much harder to hack.
🧭 Summary
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor won’t move to 2nd screen | “Duplicate” display mode or wrong arrangement | Set “Extend these displays” and align monitors |
| Monitor goes to sleep | Built-in standby or energy settings | Disable “Automatic Standby” in monitor menu |
| PowerShell update alert | Notification for new release | Optional: download via https://aka.ms/PSWindows |
| PIN vs Password confusion | Different security systems | Use device-specific PINs and adopt passkeys |
