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Before you begin troubleshooting

Often, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface will fix many issues. To find out how, see Download drivers and firmware for Surface.

Open Windows Update

Troubleshooting solutions

If you have problems connecting your Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector, try these solutions to identify the issue.

Solution 1: Power reset your external display

For another possible quick solution, unplug your monitor from the power outlet and then plug it back in. 

Solution 2: Check the video input settings

If you’ve connected your Surface to an external display, make sure your external display is set to the current port. For example, if you’re using a DisplayPort connection to an external display, that display must be set to recognize DisplayPort as the video input signal.

Note: Common video input settings include VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, Input, and Source.

Solution 3: Check the port version setting on the external display

Most external displays have an on-screen menu that adjusts the port version used by the display. Adjusting this setting may produce better results. 

Follow the instructions in the display's manual or check the manufacturer's website.

Solution 4: Duplicate or extend your display onto your external display

Press the Windows logo key P on your keyboard, then select what you want to do according to the following table:

If you want to

Choose

See things only on your Surface.

PC display only

See the same things on both your Surface and on the external display (to learn more about display resolutions, go to Solution 7).

Duplicate

Move what's on your Surface to an external display. When you have displays extended, you can drag and move items between the two displays and select a different resolution for your external display (to learn more about display resolutions, go to Solution 7).

Extend

See everything on the external display only (your Surface will be blank).

External display only

Wirelessly connect to compatible displays by using Miracast (all Surface models can do this).

Connect to a wireless display

Solution 5: Check the video cables

Cables are an essential part of having a working connection to your external display. Here are things to consider and check:

  • If using an HDMI video cable, make sure it's rated version 2.0, or, if using DisplayPort cable, it's rated 1.2, and is no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Longer cables can affect video quality.

  • If using thunderbolt connection with USB-C, make sure your cable is rated version 4.0.

  • Make sure all the video connections are secure. Check the connection from the USB-C port or Mini DisplayPort on your Surface, docking station, any video adapter you are using, and the input connection on your external display.

  • Use the cable that came with your monitor, and if using USB-C, confirm it supports video.

  • If the cable that came with your monitor isn’t responding, use a different video cable to connect your Surface.

  • If you're using a video extension cable or video adapter or converter, remove it from your set up to see if it’s causing the problem.

  • If you're using a non-Surface video adapter, contact the adapter's manufacturer for help/troubleshooting.

For a multiple monitor setup

For external displays compatible with daisy chain, please contact display manufacturer for configuration details and specifications. 

As an example, here is how to set up daisy chain with DisplayPort: 

  1. Using a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, connect the Mini DisplayPort on your Surface to the DisplayPort input on the first external display. If only one of your external displays has an output port, connect your Surface to that external display first.

  2. Connect the output port of the first external display to the DisplayPort input port of the other external display.

  3. Follow the monitor manufacturer’s instructions to set both external displays to use DisplayPort 1.2 as an input source. For example, this might be called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows the first display to pass the signal along to the second external display.

Solution 6: Check the display adapter

If you’re using an adapter (like a USB-C to HDMI Adapter, USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter, or USB-C to VGA Adapter), check your connection. Remove the adapter and reinsert it firmly to make sure it’s connected to your Surface.

If your monitor doesn’t support DisplayPort or USB-C, we recommend using HDMI. Otherwise, use DVI or VGA. The adapters listed in the table have been tested for compatibility and can help solve video issues. For other options, see Officially licensed third-party accessories.

USB-C  

Surface USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter for Business

Surface USB-C to HDMI Adapter

Surface USB-C to VGA Adapter

Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub

HDMI

Surface Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 Adapter (Model 1819) - Active

DVI

Gofanco mDP to DVI Active Converter (Model mDPDVIA) - Active

Cable Matters mDP-to-DVI (model 101022) - Active

Note: Use an Active Dual-Linked DVI cable to connect to your external display.

surface-dock-cables-325

VGA

Surface Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter

Note: Avoid using a “Y” splitter cable that splits the signal between two or more external displays.

Solution 7: Change the supported resolution and refresh rates

When you connect your Surface to a TV or monitor, your Surface tries to set the best resolution based on the connector and the resolution of your TV or monitor.

The resolution and refresh rate supported for the external display depends on how many displays are connected and whether the display on your Surface is on or off. It also depends on which processor you have.

To see the supported refresh rate and resolution for single or dual external displays, select your Surface device.

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Book 2 13" or 15"

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

60 Hz

30 Hz

2560 x 1600

4096 x 2304

Surface Book 3 13.5" or 15"

120 Hz

4096 x 2304

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Go

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

 -

Surface Go with LTE Advanced

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

-

-

Surface Go 2

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 2 with LTE Advanced

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 3  

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 4  

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop 2 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

2560 x 1600

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop 3 with Intel processor

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 3200

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop 3 with AMD processor

30 Hz

60 Hz

7680 x 4320

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop 4 with Intel processor

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 3200

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

-

3840 x 2160

-

Surface Laptop 4 with AMD processor

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

-

3840 x 2160

-

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Surface Laptop 5 (USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4)

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop 5 (USB-C Surface Dock 2)

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

Surface Laptop 5 (mDP Surface Dock 1)

60 Hz

-

4096 x 2160

-

60 Hz

30 Hz

2560 x 1440

4096 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop Go

60 Hz

-

4096 x 2304

-

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

2560 x 1600

Surface Laptop Go 2 (USB-C)

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 4096

5120 x 3200

-

60 Hz

-

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop Go 2 (mDP Surface Dock)

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 4096

5120 x 2880

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop Go 2 (USB-C Surface Dock 2)

30 Hz

60 Hz

7680 x 4320

5120 x 3200

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop Go 3

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 4096

5120 x 2880

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop SE

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

-

-

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Laptop Studio

120 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

4096 x 2304

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Laptop Studio 2

120 Hz

5120 x 3200

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Pro 6 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

2560 x 1600

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Pro 7             

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 3200

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 7+                 

30 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 3200

5120 x 2880

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Pro X (USB-C)                              

30 Hz

60 Hz

4096 x 2160

4096 x 2304

-

-

Surface Pro X (USB-C Dual port)                        

-

-

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro X (mDP Surface Dock)      

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Surface Pro 8 (USB-C)

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

-

-

Surface Pro 8 (USB-C Dual port)

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 8 latest Surface Dock

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Surface Pro 9 (USB-C)

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

-

-

Surface Pro 9 (USB-C Dual port)

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 9 latest Surface Dock

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 9 with 5G (USB-C)

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

-

-

Surface Pro 9 with 5G (USB-C Dual port)

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 9 with 5G latest Surface Dock

-

-

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface model

Single display - Max refresh rate

Single display - Max display resolution

Dual display - Max refresh rate

Dual display - Max display resolution

Surface Studio with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

-

4096 x 2304

-

60 Hz

30 Hz

2560 x 1600

4096 x 2304

Surface Studio 2+

120 Hz

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

4096 x 2304

60 Hz

-

4096 x 2304

-

When using Surface Dock

When connecting through Surface Dock there’s a maximum display refresh or resolution possible, even if some Surface model capabilities exceed this. The following table specifies the max refresh rate and display resolution for Surface devices that are using either one or two external displays. 

Connected to one external monitor

Surface Dock model

Max refresh rate

Max display resolution

Surface Dock

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Dock 2

30 Hz

7680 x 4320

Surface Dock 2

120 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz

3840 x 2160 (USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4)*

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz (8 bit color)

3840 x 2160 (USB-C, DisplayPort 1.3 or later - HBR3)*

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

30 Hz (10 bit color)

3840 x 2160 (USB-C, DisplayPort 1.2 or later - HBR2)*

* Both the host device and the external display need to support the Thunderbolt™, DisplayPort, High Bit Rate (HBR) standards.

Connected to two external monitors

Surface Dock model

Max refresh rate

Max display resolution

Surface Dock

30 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Dock

60 Hz

2560 x 1600

Surface Dock 2

60Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz

3840 x 2160 (USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4)*

*Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock only supports one 4k external display when using a USB-C connection instead of a USB4/ Thunderbolt™ 4 connection to the host device.

When you use two external displays, you may be able to achieve a higher refresh or display resolution on one display by lowering the refresh or display resolution used on the other. 

Solution 8: Try the adapter on a different external display

To see if your video adapter is working, connect your Surface to a different TV, monitor, or projector. If you can’t get what’s on your Surface display to show on a different external display, you might need to replace the adapter.

Solution 9: Clear your display cache

Note: Don't use these steps if you're running Windows in S mode.

Here's how to clear your cache:

  1. Undock your Surface from the Surface Dock or disconnect the monitor from your Surface.

  2. Download the Surface Dock registry file. Choose to Open the file. This file will clear your cache, whether you have a dock or not.

  3. Select and run surface dock registry.reg.

  4. Select Yes to allow changes to your Surface, select Yes to confirm, and then select OK to close.

  5. Restart your Surface, reconnect the Dock and/or monitors, and try your external display again.

More connection help

If you are unable to resolve your issue with solutions above, please refer to Connect Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector for more information on how to connect your Surface to other devices.

Related topics

Before you begin troubleshooting

Often, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface will fix many issues. To find out how, see Download drivers and firmware for Surface.

For another possible quick solution, unplug your monitor from the power outlet and then plug it back in.

Setting up your multiple-monitor desktop

Find your device in this table to see what you need to set up a second monitor with your Surface device.

My Surface device

Daisy chain support

External display/audio output port

Surface Pro
Surface Pro 2
Surface Pro 3
Surface Pro 4
Surface Pro 5
Surface Pro 6

Surface Studio

Surface Laptop
Surface Laptop 2 
Surface Book

Yes

Mini DisplayPort

Surface Studio 2    

Surface Book 2
Surface Book 3

Surface Go
Surface Go 2
Surface Go 3
Surface Go 4

Surface Laptop 3
Surface Laptop 4
Surface Laptop Go
Surface Laptop Go 2
Surface Laptop Go 3

Surface Pro 7
Surface Pro 7+
Surface Pro X

Surface Laptop Studio 2

Yes

USB-C

Surface 3

No

Mini DisplayPort

Notes: 

  • For the USB-C to HDMI adapter, we recommend using the HDMI adapter with a HDMI 2.0 cable or higher.

  • HDMI connections can also transmit audio signals. We also recommend you use Microsoft’s USB-C adapters on the devices equipped with the USB-C port.  For more info, see Surface sound, volume, and audio accessories.

Troubleshooting solutions

If you have problems connecting your Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector, try these solutions to identify the issue.

Solution 1: Check the video input settings

If you’ve connected your Surface to a second screen and you don’t see video output from your Surface, check the source selection or video input settings on the second screen. For example, if you’re using an HDMI connection to a second screen, that screen must be set to recognize HDMI as the video input signal.

To check and, if necessary, change the video input setting on your second screen, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for the screen or check the manufacturer’s website.

Note: Common video input settings include VGA, DVI, AUX, DisplayPort, HDMI, Line in, Input, and Source.

If you’ve checked the input settings on the second screen and it’s still not working, try Solution 3.

Solution 2: Check the DisplayPort version setting on the external screen

Most external screens have an on-screen menu that adjusts the DisplayPort version used by the monitor. Adjusting this setting may produce better results. 

Follow the instructions in the screen's manual or check the manufacturer's website.

Solution 3: Duplicate or extend your display onto your external screen

Press the Windows logo key +P on your keyboard, or select the action center  Notification icon in taskbar on the taskbar, and select Project

If you want to

Choose

See things only on your Surface display.

PC screen only

See the same things on both your Surface display and on the TV, monitor, or projector (to learn more about screen resolutions, go to Solution 7).

Duplicate

Move what's on the screen across your Surface display and onto the TV or monitor screen. When you have displays extended, you can drag and move items between the two screens and select a different resolution for your second screen (to learn more about screen resolutions, go to Solution 7).

Extend

See everything on the second screen (the display on your Surface will be blank).

Second screen only

Wirelessly connect to compatible displays by using Miracast (all Surface models can do this).

Connect to a wireless display


If you still don’t see what you expect to see on your second screen, try Solution 4.

Solution 4: Check the video cables

Use a good quality video cable that’s no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Longer cables can affect video quality. Make sure all the video connections are secure. Check the connection from the USB-C port, Mini DisplayPort on your Surface, docking station, any video adapter you are using, and the connection on the video port on your TV, monitor, or projector. Here are some tips:

  • Use the cable that came with your monitor or verify that the cable supports video. Always do this with Surface devices with USB-C ports.

  • If the cable that came with your monitor isn’t responding, use a different video cable to connect your Surface.

  • If you're using a video extension cable or video converter, remove it from your set up to see if it’s causing the problem.

  • If you're using a video adapter from another company and you're having trouble, contact the adapter's manufacturer for help.

For monitors that support DisplayPort

If your monitor supports DisplayPort, we recommend that you use a Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable that’s no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. DisplayPort will allow you to use the highest supported resolution and refresh rate with your Surface.

For a multiple monitor setup

If you're trying to daisy chain multiple monitors, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Two monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 input ports and at least one DisplayPort output port

  • Standard DisplayPort cables with at least one Mini DisplayPort end

For Surface devices that support daisy chaining, here’s how to set it up:

  1. Using a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, connect the Mini DisplayPort on your Surface to the DisplayPort input on the first monitor. If only one of your monitors has an output port, connect your Surface to that monitor first.

  2. Connect the output port of the first monitor to the DisplayPort input port of the other monitor.

  3. Follow the monitor manufacturer’s instructions to set both monitors to use DisplayPort 1.2 as an input source. For example, this might be called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows the first monitor to pass the signal along to the second monitor.

If you've ruled out cables as the problem, go to Solution 5.

Solution 5: Check the display adapter

If you’re using an adapter (like a USB-C to HDMI Adapter, USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter, or USB-C to VGA Adapter), check your connection. Remove the adapter and reinsert it firmly to make sure it’s connected to your Surface.

If your monitor doesn’t support DisplayPort, we recommend using HDMI. Otherwise, use DVI or VGA. The adapters listed in the table have been tested for compatibility and can help solve video issues. For other options, see Officially licensed third-party accessories.

USB-C

Surface USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter for Business

Surface USB-C to HDMI Adapter

Surface USB-C to VGA Adapter

Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub

HDMI

Surface Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 Adapter (Model 1819) - Active

DVI

Gofanco mDP to DVI Active Converter (Model mDPDVIA) - Active

Cable Matters mDP-to-DVI (model 101022) - Active

Note: For best results, use a DVI Dual Link Cable.

surface-dock-cables-325

VGA

Surface Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter

Note: Avoid using a “Y” or “dual-link” adapter that splits the signal between two or more monitors.

If you’re using a Mini DisplayPort adapter, make sure the adapter is plugged in correctly. The adapter will only work when the connector is plugged in with the flat side of the connector aligned with the flat side of the Mini DisplayPort.

Mini DisplayPort on Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2

Here’s what a Mini DisplayPort looks like. It might be located in a different place on your Surface or docking station.

If you still don't see what you expect to see on your second screen, try Solution 6.

Solution 6: Clear your display cache

Note: Don't use these steps if you're running Windows 10 in S mode.

Here's how to clear your cache:

  1. Undock your Surface from the Surface Dock or disconnect the monitor from your Surface.

  2. Download the Surface Dock registry file. Choose to Open the file. This file will clear your cache, whether you have a dock or not.

  3. Select and run surface dock registry.reg.

  4. Select Yes to allow changes to your Surface, select Yes to confirm, and then select OK to close.

  5. Restart your Surface, reconnect the Dock and/or monitors, and try your external display again.

If you still don't see what you expect on your second screen, try Solution 7.

Solution 7: Change the supported resolution and refresh rates

When you connect your Surface to a TV or monitor, your Surface tries to set the best resolution based on the connector and the resolution of your TV or monitor.

The resolution and refresh rate supported for the external display depends on how many displays are connected and whether the display on your Surface is on or off. It also depends on which processor you have.

For one external display, here’s the supported resolution and refresh rate:

Surface

Max refresh rate

Max screen resolution

Surface 3

30 Hz
60 Hz

3840 x 2160
2560 x 1600

Surface Book

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Book with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Book 2 13” or 15”

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Book 3 13.5" or 15"

120 Hz

4096 X 2304

Surface Go

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go with LTE Advanced

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 2

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 4

60 Hz

1920 x 1280

Surface Go 2 with LTE Advanced

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Laptop 2 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Laptop 3 with Intel processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

5120 x 3200
5120 x 2880

Surface Laptop 3 with AMD processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

7680 x 4320
5120 x 2880

Surface Laptop 4 with Intel processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

5120 x 3200
5120 x 2880

Surface Laptop 4 with AMD processor

30 Hz

7580 x 4320

Surface Laptop 4 with AMD processor

60 Hz

5120 x 2880

Surface Laptop Go

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Laptop Go 2

30 Hz
60 Hz

5120 x 4096
5120 x 2880

Surface Laptop Go 3

60 Hz

1536 x 1024

Surface Pro 1796 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro 1796 with m3 processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 2

24 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2160
3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 3

24 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2160
3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 4 with Core M processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 4 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro 6 with i5 or i7 processor

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro 7

30 Hz
60 Hz

5120 x 3200
5120 x 2880

Surface Pro 7+

30 Hz
60 Hz

5120 x 3200
5120 x 2880

Surface Pro X (USB-C)

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2160
4096 x 2304

Surface Studio with i5 or i7 processor*

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Laptop Studio 2

120 Hz

2400 x 1600

For two external displays, here’s the supported resolution and refresh rate:

Surface

Max refresh rate

Max screen resolution

Surface Book

60 Hz

2560 x 1600

Surface Book with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Book 2 13” or 15”

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600

Surface Book 3 13.5" or 15"

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Go

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go with LTE Advanced

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 2

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Go 4

30 Hz

1920 x 1280

Surface Go 2 with LTE Advanced

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600

Surface Laptop 2 with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600

Surface Laptop 3 with Intel processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop 3 with AMD processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop 4 with Intel processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop 4 with AMD processor

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Laptop Go

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600

Surface Laptop Go 2

60 Hz

3840x2160

Surface Laptop Go 3

30 Hz

1536 x 1024

Surface Pro 1796

60 Hz

2560 x 1600

Surface Pro 1796 with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro 1796 with m3 processor

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 2

30 Hz
60 Hz

3840 x 2160
2560 x 1440

Surface Pro 3 with i3 processor

60 Hz

1920 x 1200

Surface Pro 3 with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

3840 x 2160
2560 x 1440

Surface Pro 4

60 Hz

2560 x 1600

Surface Pro 4 with Core M processor

30 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 4 with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro 6 with i5 or i7 processor

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600​

Surface Pro 7

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro 7+

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Pro X (USB-C Dual port)

60 Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Pro X (mDP Surface Dock)

60 Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Studio with i5 or i7 processor*

30 Hz
60 Hz

4096 x 2304
2560 x 1600

Surface Laptop Studio 2

120 Hz

2400 x 1600

When using Surface Dock

When connecting through Surface Dock there’s a maximum screen refresh or resolution possible, even if some Surface model capabilities exceed this. The following table specifies the max refresh rate and screen resolution for Surface devices that are using either one or two external displays. 

Connected to one external monitor

Surface Dock model

Max refresh rate

Max screen resolution

Surface Dock

60Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Dock 2

30Hz

7680 x 4320

Surface Dock 2

120Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz

3840 x 2160 (USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4)*

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz (8 bit color)

3840 x 2160 (USB-C, DisplayPort 1.3 or later - HBR3)*

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

30 Hz (10 bit color)

3840 x 2160 (USB-C, DisplayPort 1.2 or later - HBR2)*

* Both the host device and the external display need to support the Thunderbolt™, DisplayPort, High Bit Rate (HBR) standards.

Connected to two external monitors

Surface Dock model

Max refresh rate

Max screen resolution

Surface Dock

30Hz

4096 x 2304

Surface Dock

60Hz

2560 x 1600

Surface Dock 2

60Hz

3840 x 2160

Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock

60 Hz

3840 x 2160 (USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4)*

*Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock only supports one 4k external display when using a USB-C connection instead of a USB4/ Thunderbolt™ 4 connection to the host device.

When you use two external displays, you may be able to achieve a higher refresh or screen resolution on one display by lowering the refresh or screen resolution used on the other. 

If changing the resolution of your display and adjusting desktop sizes don’t help, try Solution 8.

Solution 8: Check your monitor’s compatibility

You can find a wide variety of compatible monitors for your Surface. Check your monitor and cables to make sure they have the right certifications.

Connection

Certification

HDMI

HDMI

USB-C video input

USB-IF and VESA

USB-C cable

USB-IF

DisplayPort

VESA

If you find that your monitor is compatible, but you still need help, try Solution 9.

Solution 9: Try the adapter on a different external display

To see if your video adapter is working, connect your Surface to a different TV, monitor, or projector. If you can’t get what’s on your Surface display to show on a different external screen, you might need to replace the adapter.

Solution 10: Consider these possibilities if your display is wireless

All Surface models can wirelessly connect to compatible displays using Miracast. To do this, press Windows logo key  P and select Connect to a wireless display. You can also wirelessly connect your Surface to an HDMI-compatible display by using the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.

If you're having problems wirelessly connecting your Surface to a display, try the following solutions in order. For info about how to fix problems with your Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, see Troubleshooting Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter with Surface.

Make sure your display supports Miracast

To wirelessly connect your Surface to a display without using the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, the display must be compatible with Miracast. Visit the manufacturer's website to see if your TV, monitor, or projector supports Miracast.

Restart your Surface and your TV, monitor, or projector

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. On your Surface, select Start  > Power  > Restart . If there's an update available, it might say Update and restart . Turn the TV or other display off and on, then try connecting them again.

To learn more, see Restore or reset Surface for Windows.

Install the latest updates

In many cases, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface will fix the issue. To see how, go to Download drivers and firmware for Surface.

Turn off Bluetooth on your Surface

Bluetooth can occasionally interfere with Miracast. Select action center Notification icon in taskbar in the taskbar and make sure Bluetooth is off.

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