Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a

second screen
Content provided by Microsoft
Applies to: Surface Devices

Select Product Version

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Before you begin troubleshooting

In many cases, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface
will fix many issues. To find out how, see Install Surface and Windows updates.
For another possible quick solution, unplug your monitor from the power outlet and then
plug it back in.
For more info about which video connections your Surface supports, see Surface features.

Setting up your multiple-monitor desktop

Find your device in this table to help you find what you need to set up a second monitor
with your Surface device.
Daisy chain External display/audio
My Surface device
support output port
Surface Pro
Surface Pro 2
Surface Pro 3
Surface Pro 4
Surface Pro 5
Surface Pro 6 Yes Mini DisplayPort
Surface Studio
Surface Laptop
Surface Laptop 2 
Surface Book
Surface Studio 2 Yes  USB-C
Surface Book 2
Surface Book 3
Surface Go
Surface Go 2
Surface Laptop 3
Surface Pro 7
Surface Pro X
Surface 3 No Mini DisplayPort
 
Note
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 on the external screen
 Solution 2: Duplicate or extend your display onto your external screen
 Solution 3: Check the video cables
 Solution 4: Check the display adapter
 Solution 5: Clear your display cache
 Solution 6: Change the supported resolution and refresh rates
 Solution 7: Check your monitor’s compatibility
 Solution 8: Try the adapter on a different external display
 Solution 9: Consider these possibilities if your display is wireless
 
Solution 1: Check the video input settings on the external screen
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 2.
Solution 2: Duplicate or extend your display onto your external screen
Press the Windows logo key +P on your keyboard, or select the action center 

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 Duplicate
resolutions, go to Solution 6.

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
Extend
screens and select a different resolution for your second
screen. To learn more about screen resolutions, go to Solution
6.

See everything on the second screen. The display on your

Second screen only
Surface will be blank.

All Surface models can wirelessly connect to compatible Connect to a wireless

displays by using Miracast. display

If you still don’t see what you expect to see on your second screen, try Solution 3.