What troubleshooting step should be taken first when facing no video output from an HP PC?

When encountering no video output from an HP PC, the most logical initial step is to check the monitor connection and power status. This action addresses the most straightforward potential issues that could prevent video output. Verifying that the monitor is properly connected to the PC and that it is powered on ensures that the display is functioning as expected.

Physical connections can easily become loose or disconnected, and a lack of power to the monitor will obviously result in no video being displayed. If the connections and power status of the monitor are fine, it allows the technician to then proceed to troubleshoot other potential causes safely and systematically, like examining the PC itself for issues such as those related to the graphics card or software settings.

This approach minimizes unnecessary steps and focuses on resolving the most common and easily rectifiable problems first.