Article Summary: This article provides information on Latitude E3 Series discrete video option systems. No video on external monitor using DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort connections. prior to Windows start screen.
No video seen on external monitor before Windows starts on Latitude E3 systems including E6420 and E6520 with the cover closed and a DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort external monitor connected.
This is expected behavior based on the design of the system.
During system start-up, Intel is the only active vBIOS, and cannot drive the external DVI, HDMI or Display port displays.
To view the pre-Windows screens open the system lid to display information, or alternatively plug in a VGA external monitor. As soon as the operating system is loaded the external DVI,HDMI and DisplayPort monitors will work fine.