A standard USB 3.0 port is designed for data, not video. To send an HDMI signal (which carries both high-definition video and audio), the adapter contains a tiny graphics processor called a DisplayLink chip or similar technology (e.g., Silicon Motion, Fresco Logic). The operating system needs a software driver to communicate with that chip, effectively turning the USB port into a virtual graphics card.
Without the correct driver, the adapter may power on, but your computer will not recognize a second monitor.
The functionality of a USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter is distinct from standard video outputs. usb 3 to hdmi driver
Before troubleshooting drivers, it is vital to understand the hardware. A standard HDMI port on your laptop is connected directly to your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). It uses native protocols. A USB 3 to HDMI adapter is different. It is essentially an external graphics card.
The adapter contains a small chipset (usually manufactured by DisplayLink, Silicon Motion, or Fresco Logic) that converts data from USB protocol to HDMI video protocol. A standard USB 3
Why the driver is mandatory:
If you plug the adapter in and see a "Device descriptor request failed" or nothing happens at all, you are missing the driver. If you plug the adapter in and see
If you are exhausted by driver hunting, you have three alternatives.