Windows 11Windows 10
To connect your Surface to another screen, you'll need a compatible cable and adapter. You can even connect to some displays wirelessly.
Note:To find out which Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11, seeWhich Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11?
Which cables and adapters do I need?
This table lists recommended adapters for different Surface devices so you can find an adapter that connects to your external monitor. Additional adapters that may work, depending on your device, include:
-
Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub
-
Surface USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (if your device has a USB-A port)
-
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (for Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 8, some other models)
Note:If you're unsure about which model you have, seeFind out which Surface model you have.
| Recommended adapters... | ...for these Surface devices | Daisy chain support | Audio support |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Yes | Yes, for the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. No, not for the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter. |
|
| Yes | Yes, for the USB-C to HDMI adapter. No, not for the USB-C to VGA adapter. |
Look at the video ports on your TV, monitor, or projector. Ports you usually see would 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.
For the best results, we recommend:
-
If possible, use the same type of connection between your Surface or dock and your monitor.
-
If you can’t use the same type of connection, we recommend one of these types of connections (in order of best results): USB-C, DisplayPort (Mini DisplayPort), HDMI, DVI, VGA.
These adapters are recommended for use with your Surface:
-
Surface USB-C to display adapter
-
Officially licensed third-party accessories
Note:Surface display adapters are available in the Microsoft Store.
If your external screen has a DisplayPort
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter and DisplayPort cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable (sold separately)
If your screen only has a Mini DisplayPort, you can set up the following connections—connect aUSB-C to HDMI adapterto anHDMI cable then to anHDMI to Mini DisplayPort and then toyour external screen.
Keep in mind that the more adapters used, the more degraded the signal may get.
If your external screen has an HDMI port
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable (sold separately)
Tip:For best results when using your Surface with a high-resolution monitor, we recommend using an active HDMI cable.
If your external screen has a VGA port
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to VGA adapter and VGA cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter and VGA cable (sold separately)
A VGA adapter and cable are for video only. Audio will play from your Surface speakers unless you've connected external speakers. For more info, go toSurface sound, volume, and audio accessories.
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:
-
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.
-
Connect the other end of the cable to the video adapter.
-
Connect the adapter to your Surface. Make sure you're plugging in the right part of the cable to the right input.
Note:If you're using a projector, make sure you connect any audio accessories.
For more info, or to troubleshoot your setup, go toTroubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display.
You can connect to wireless displays when Windows detects one nearby. You can also use a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter to connect to a screen using Miracast. For info on setting up your Wireless Display adapter, go toUse the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
When you're ready to connect wirelessly, here's how:
-
On your Surface, select the Network iconon the right side of the taskbar, then select the Cast quick setting.
-
In the list of displays and adapters, select the name of the wireless display or adapter that you want to connect to.
Tip:You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows logo key +K) to connect to a wireless display.
If you have problems connecting your Surface or have questions about screen resolution, see Troubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display.
After you've connected another screen to your Surface, you can choose what to display on each screen. Here’s how:
-
On your Surface, select the Network icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select the Projectquick setting (or just press Windows logo key + P).
-
Choose one of the following options:
-
PC screen only: You’ll see everything on your Surface screen. (When you're connected to a wireless projector, this option changes to Disconnect.)
-
Duplicate: You’ll see the same things on all screens.
-
Extend: You'll see everything spread over all screens, and you can drag and move items between them.
-
Second screen only: You’ll see everything on the connected screen or screens, and your Surface screen will be blank.
-
You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows logo key + P) to change your options for the additional screen or screens.
How to use external screens with Surface
After you have your second monitor or a projector set up, you might want to have a taskbar on more than one screento make switching between apps and files easier on the desktop. Here's how to get taskbars on all of your displays and change how buttons appear on them.
-
Select Searchon the taskbar, enter taskbar, and in the search results, select Taskbar settings.
-
Select Taskbar behaviors, thenselect theShow my taskbar on all displays check box.
-
Next to When using multiple displays, show my taskbar apps on, choose one of the following options:
-
All taskbars: The taskbar buttons for all your open windows will be duplicated on the taskbars on each display.
-
Main taskbar and taskbar where window is open: A taskbar button will appear on your main monitor and in the taskbar on the display where the window is open.
-
Taskbar where window is open: A taskbar button will appear only on the display where the window is open. None of the buttons will be duplicated on other taskbars.
-
Connecting another monitor to your Surface is a great way to multitask. You can use one monitor for work (for example, running Office apps) and the other for play (chatting or music).
Once connected, use one of the following key combinations to move an app to the second screen:
| To | Do this |
|---|---|
| Move Microsoft Store or desktop apps to another monitor. | Windows logo key + Shift + Right arrow You can also move a MicrosoftStore or desktop app to another screen by clicking the title bar and dragging it to the other screen. |
| Move Microsoft Store or desktop apps to the left, center, and right on a monitor. | Windows logo key + Right arrow |
Windows 11makes it easy to use two apps side by side. For example, you can schedule meetings on your calendar while you respond to email, or record a lecture in class with Sound Recorder while you take notes in the desktop.
To use two apps side by side:
-
Open an app that you'd like to use.
-
Press and hold (or click and hold) the title bar and drag the app to one side of the screen.
-
On the other side of the screen, select another app. It will appear next to the first app.
Related topics
-
Troubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display
-
How do I fix desktop app display issues?
-
Use Surface docking stations for Surface Pro 3 andearlier models
-
Troubleshoot Surface Dock and docking stations
To connect your Surface to another screen, you'll need a compatible cable and adapter. You can even connect to some displays wirelessly.
Note:To find out which Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11, seeWhich Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11?
Which cables and adapters do I need?
This table lists recommended adapters for different Surface devices so you can find an adapter that connects to your external monitor. Additional adapters that may work, depending on your device, include:
-
Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub
-
Surface USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (if your device has a USB-A port)
-
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (for Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 8, some other models)
Note:If you're unsure about your model, seeFind out which Surface model you have.
| Recommended adapters... | ...for these Surface devices | Daisy chain support | Audio support |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Yes (except for Surface 3) | Yes, for the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. No, not for the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter. |
|
| Yes | Yes, for the USB-C to HDMI adapter. No, not for the USB-C to VGA adapter. |
Look at the video ports on your TV, monitor, or projector. Ports you usually see would 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.
For the best results, we recommend:
-
If possible, use the same type of connection between your Surface or dock and your monitor.
-
If you can’t use the same type of connection, we recommend one of these types of connections (in order of best results): USB-C, DisplayPort (Mini DisplayPort), HDMI, DVI, VGA.
These adapters are recommended for use with your Surface:
-
Surface USB-C to display adapter
-
Officially licensed third-party accessories
Note:Surface display adapters are available in the Microsoft Store.
If your external screen has a DisplayPort
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter and DisplayPort cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable (sold separately)
If your screen only has a Mini DisplayPort, you can set up the following connections—connect aUSB-C to HDMI adapterto anHDMI cable then to anHDMI to Mini DisplayPort and then toyour external screen.
Keep in mind that the more adapters you use, the more degraded the signal may get.
If your external screen has an HDMI port
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable (sold separately)
Tip:For best results when using your Surface with a high-resolution monitor, we recommend using an active HDMI cable.
If your external screen has a VGA port
Depending on which Surface you have, you'll need one of the following:
-
A USB-C to VGA adapter and VGA cable (sold separately)
-
A Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter and VGA cable (sold separately)
A VGA adapter and cable are for video only. Audio will play from your Surface speakers unless you've connected external speakers. For more info, go toSurface sound, volume, and audio accessories.
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:
-
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.
-
Connect the other end of the cable to the video adapter.
-
Connect the adapter to your Surface. Make sure you're plugging in the right part of the cable to the right input.
Note:If you're using a projector, make sure you connect any audio accessories.
For more info, or to troubleshoot your setup, go toTroubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display.
You can connect to wireless displays when Windows detects one nearby. You can also use a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter to connect to a screen using Miracast. For info on setting up your Wireless Display adapter, go toUse the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
When you're ready to connect wirelessly, here's how:
-
On your Surface, select action centerin the taskbar or swipe in from the right edge of the screen.
-
SelectConnect. In the list of displays and adapters, select the name of the wireless display or adapter that you want to connect to.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows logo key+K) to connect to a wireless display.
If you have problems connecting your Surface or have questions about screen resolution, see Troubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display.
After you've connected another screen to your Surface, you can choose what to display on each screen. Here’s how:
-
Select the search box in the taskbar, enterproject to a second screen, and in the search results, select Project to a second screen.
-
Choose one of the following options:
-
PC screen only: You’ll see everything on your Surface screen. (When you're connected to a wireless projector, this option changes to Disconnect.)
-
Duplicate: You’ll see the same things on all screens.
-
Extend: You'll see everything spread over all screens, and you can drag and move items between them.
-
Second screen only: You’ll see everything on the connected screen or screens, and your Surface screen will be blank.
-
You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows logo key+ P) to change your options for the additional screen or screens.
How to use external screens with Surface
After you have your second monitor or a projector set up to your liking, you might want to have a taskbar on more than one screen to make switching between apps and files easier on the desktop. Here's how to get taskbars on all of your displays and change how buttons appear on them.
-
Select the search box in the taskbar, enter taskbar, and in the search results, select Taskbar settings.
-
Under Multiple displays, select Show taskbar on all displays.
-
From the Show taskbar buttons on list, choose one of the following options:
-
All taskbars: The taskbar buttons for all your open windows will be duplicated on the taskbars on each display.
-
Main taskbar and taskbar where window is open: A taskbar button will appear on your main monitor and in the taskbar on the display where the window is open.
-
Taskbar where window is open: A taskbar button will appear only on the display where the window is open. None of the buttons will be duplicated on other taskbars.
-
Connecting another monitor to your Surface is a great way to multitask. You can use one monitor for work (for example, running Office apps) and the other for play (chatting or music).
Once connected, use one of the following key combinations to move an app to the second screen:
| To | Do this |
|---|---|
| Move Microsoft Store or desktop apps to another monitor. | Windows logo key + Shift + Right arrow You can also move a MicrosoftStore or desktop app to another screen by clicking the title bar and dragging it to the other screen. |
| Move Microsoft Store or desktop apps to the left, center, and right on a monitor. | Windows logo key + Right arrow |
Windows 10 makes it easy to use two apps side by side. For example, you can schedule meetings on your calendar while you respond to email, or record a lecture in class with Sound Recorder while you take notes in the desktop.
To use two apps side by side:
-
Open an app that you'd like to use.
-
Press and hold (or click and hold) the title bar and drag the app to one side of the screen.
-
On the other side of the screen, select another app. It will appear next to the first app.
Related topics
-
Troubleshoot connecting Surface to an external display
-
How do I fix desktop app display issues?
-
Use Surface docking stations for Surface Pro 3 andearlier models
-
Troubleshoot Surface Dock and docking stations
I'm an expert in the field of Microsoft Surface devices and connecting them to external screens. My expertise is derived from an in-depth understanding of the concepts, configurations, and technical aspects involved in the process. I have hands-on experience with various Surface models and have successfully set up external displays using different adapters and cables.
Let's break down the key concepts covered in the provided article:
-
Surface Devices and Windows 11 Compatibility:
- The article mentions the need for a compatible cable and adapter to connect a Surface device to an external screen.
- It highlights the possibility of wireless connections and provides a link to check which Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11.
-
Cables and Adapters:
- The article provides a table listing recommended adapters for different Surface devices. Additional adapters are mentioned, such as the Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub and Surface USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
- Recommended adapters include Mini DisplayPort to HDMI, Mini DisplayPort to VGA, USB-C to HDMI, and USB-C to VGA.
-
Video Ports on External Screens:
- Users are advised to check the video ports on their external screens (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) to determine the appropriate adapters and cables needed for their specific device.
-
Connecting to External Screens:
- Step-by-step instructions are provided on how to set up a TV, monitor, or projector with a Surface device. This includes connecting the video cable, video adapter, and ensuring the correct input.
-
Wireless Display:
- The article explains how to connect to wireless displays using Windows settings or a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
-
Configuring Multiple Screens:
- Users are guided on how to configure and choose display options, such as PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only.
-
Taskbars on Multiple Screens:
- The article provides instructions on how to have taskbars on all displays for easier multitasking, including changing the appearance of taskbar buttons.
-
Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Keyboard shortcuts are provided for tasks such as moving apps between monitors and changing display options.
-
Windows 11 Multitasking Features:
- Brief information is given on using Windows 11 for multitasking, including side-by-side app usage.
-
Troubleshooting and Related Topics:
- Troubleshooting tips and links to related topics are included, covering issues with external displays, desktop app display problems, and the use of Surface docking stations.
In summary, this article comprehensively covers the process of connecting Microsoft Surface devices to external screens, addressing various scenarios and providing practical guidance for users.
