Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a second screen

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.

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 + Pon your keyboard, then select what you want to do according to the following table:

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 setup 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.

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.

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

Solution 6: Clear your display cache

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.

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.

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.