Connect Surface Duo to a TV or external screen

To connect your Surface Duo to an external screen, you'll need a compatible cable and an adapter (sold separately). You can even connect to some displays wirelessly. 

Which cables and adapters do I need?

  • On Surface Duo. Your Surface Duo has a USB-C port which can output video to an external display. You’ll need to use the USB-C port and a compatible adapter or cable.

  • On your TV, monitor, or projector. Look at the video ports on your TV, monitor, or projector. Ports you usually see include HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA. This will help you determine what adapters and cables you need for your device, as they're often sold separately.

These adapters are recommended for use with your Surface Duo:

Video port on TV, monitor, or projector

What you'll need

HDMI port

A USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable (both sold separately)-OR- A USB-C to HDMI cable (sold separately)

DisplayPort

A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter and a DisplayPort cable (both sold separately)-OR- A USB-C to DisplayPort cable (sold separately)

VGA port

A USB-C to VGA adapter and VGA cable (both sold separately)-OR- A USB-C to VGA cable (sold separately)

Set up your TV, monitor, or projector

Make sure you have the correct cable(s) and adapter(s) for your devices. When you're ready, here's how to set it up:

  1. Plug one end of the video cable into the port on the external screen. Make sure that your TV, monitor, or projector is turned on.

  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the video adapter.

  3. Plug the USB-C connector on the adapter into the USB-C port on your Surface Duo. If you're using a projector, make sure you connect any audio accessories.

Connect to a screen wirelessly

You can connect to wireless displays using Miracast or Chromecast when Surface Duo detects one nearby. The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter accessory can be used with your Surface Duo. For more info on how to set it up, see How do I set up my Microsoft Wireless Display adapter?

When you're ready to connect wirelessly, here's how:

  1. After you plug your wireless adapter into your TV, change the input on your TV to the corresponding HDMI port that your wireless adapter is plugged into. If you're not sure how to do this, check the manual that came with your TV.

  2. On your Surface Duo, connect to a Wi-Fi network at home or work. Learn how

  3. On your Surface Duo, open Settings, then tap Connected devices > Cast.

  4. On the Cast screen, tap Menu (three vertical dots in the upper right corner), then select the Enable wireless display check box.

  5. On the Cast screen, tap the wireless display name. The two screens on your Surface Duo will be duplicated and shown on the external display.

Tip: To quickly connect to a wireless display the next time, swipe down from the top of the screen to get to quick settings, then swipe down again and tap Screen Cast.

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