Is your Microsoft Surface device not connecting to or detecting the monitor through the dock? It could be because Surface is compatible with only certain monitors. So, if the monitor is not compatible, you may see a blank screen or a No Signal message.
But, if the issue occurs even with compatible monitors, it could be due to a problem with the cables or adapters. Some of the other reasons why your Surface Dock is not working with the monitor could be outdated graphics driver or firmware, incorrect video input settings or port version, incompatible video cable, or accumulated display cache.
Surface not detecting Monitor through Dock
If your Microsoft Surface device is not working, connecting to or detecting the monitor through the dock, we have some proven solutions to help you fix the issue.
- Preliminary steps
- Set a proper project mode
- Use the appropriate video cables
- Check the display adapter
- Change the supported resolution and refresh rates
- Clear display cache
- Update Surface Dock Firmware
1] Preliminary steps
Before you proceed to try the primary troubleshooting methods, here are a few steps you can try to rule out any complex issues.
- Firstly, learn how to use the Microsoft Surface Dock properly.
- Restart your Surface device and the monitor.
- Unplug your monitor’s power cable and then plug it back in.
- Make sure you set your monitor to the current port, for example, when using a DisplayPort connection, the monitor should be able to identify the DisplayPort as the video input signal.
- Make sure the Surface device’s port version setting is adjusted through the monitor’s on-screen display.
- Connect your Surface to a different monitor and if it still doesn’t work through the dock, you may need to change the adapter.
- Update the graphics drivers to the latest version.
- Check for and install Windows Updates which may also install some of the required drivers.
Read: How to connect your Surface wirelessly to your TV and other displays
2] Set a proper project mode
To extend your Surface display through the dock to the external monitor, press the Win + P shortcut to open the Project to screen mode. This will help you select the correct external display. You can now choose a way to project.
- If you want Surface to be the primary display – Select PC screen only.
- If you want to see both on your Surface and on the external monitor – Select Duplicate.
- If you want to drag and move what’s on your Surface to the monitor – Select Extend.
- If you want to see everything on the monitor and the Surface device will be blank – Select External display only/Second screen only.
- If you want to connect to compatible monitors via Miracast – Select Connect to a wireless display.
3] Use the appropriate video cables
If your Surface dock is not working with the monitor, there could be an issue with the video cable. Hence, it’s important to check if the video cable is appropriate:
- If using an HDMI video cable – Check if it’s rated version 2.0.
- If using a DisplayPort cable – Make sure it’s rated 1.2.
- Check that cables are not more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, because longer cables can lead to poor video quality.
- If using a Thunderbolt connection with USB-C – Check if your cable is rated version 4.0.
- Ensure that the video connection from the USB-C port or Mini DisplayPort on your Surface device, dock, or any other video adapter you are using, and the input connection on your monitor is all secure.
- Make sure you are using the cable that came with your external display. But if using USB-C, verify if it supports video.
- If the cable supplied with your monitor isn’t working – Buy and use a different video cable to connect your Surface dock or device.
- If using a video extension cable, video adapter, or converter – Detach it from your setup to understand if that’s causing the problem.
- But if you’re using a third-party video adapter – Reach the adapter’s manufacturer for further help.
Read: Fix Surface sound and audio problems & issues with accessories
4] Check if the display adapter is connected properly
For those using adapters like a USB-C to HDMI Adapter, USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter, or USB-C to VGA Adapter, disconnect and reconnect the adapter firmly to the Surface docking station.
But if the external display doesn’t support DisplayPort or USB-C, you may use HDMI. Otherwise, you may use a DVI or VGA cable.
5] Adjust the supported resolution and refresh rates
If you are trying to connect your Surface Dock to an external monitor, the display can reach a maximum refresh rate or resolution. The data shown below indicates the maximum refresh rate and display resolution for Surface devices that are using a single or two external monitors:
When connecting to a single 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)* |
When connecting two 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)* |
*Data courtesy – Microsoft
6] Clear display cache
You may also clear the display cache to fix the issue when Surface is not detecting the monitor through the dock. You may follow Solution 2 in our detailed guide on how to fix Surface Book Dock issues & problems.
Read: Surface won’t Turn on, Startup, or Wake from Sleep
7] Update Surface Dock Firmware
It could be possible that the firmware of the Surface Dock does not support the monitor or the accessories (cable/adapter). Therefore, it’s recommended to visit the Surface Support website and update the Surface firmware to the latest version to avoid such issues.
How do I connect my Surface Dock to my monitor?
To connect the Surface Dock to your monitor, firstly, you need to connect your USB computer attachments to the USB ports of your docking station. Then, connect the video cable of your monitor to the Mini DisplayPort and make sure it’s compatible. But, if the monitor cable doesn’t have a Mini DisplayPort connector, you would need to invest in a compatible adapter or cable.
How do I display my Surface on my monitor?
To display your Surface on a monitor, connect the USB-C cable from the adapter to the USB-C port of your Surface. Now, plug the video cable from your external monitor or TV into the adapter. Make sure you use an appropriate cable based on the display’s video connection type, for example, DisplayPort, HDMI, or VGA.
