Troubleshooting multiple monitors on a Surface Dock 2 (Surface Pro 7)

Thanks for your post and the replies really helped me. I upgraded from a Surface dock 1 that had issues after 6 years or so, overall was happy with it. I bought the Surface Dock 2 and used USB-C to HDMI adaptors, but the external monitors would not work. After reading the replies in this post I was experiencing exactly the same issues. I went out and bought 2x USB-C to HDMI cables and now all working fine.

Reason for posting: I was a bit unsure as to what cable was needed - spoilt for choice and they are not cheap. I bought the 'bon.elk Long-Life Series Cable / 2.5m' on the back of the package it says "4K 60Hz HDMI SUPPORT' and "USB-C / Thunderbolt 3" from Officeworks.

Agree that Microsoft need make it more clear that a specific about compatibility and cable requirements. They should make a cable like they do with the USB-C to HDMI Female cable. But I didn't want to get this one as I wondered if my existing HDMI cable would need to be a different one. Anyway, an additional $110 later and I'm working again.

Hope this helps

Hi folks,

Just to provide an update on this situation. I purchased some new Thunderbolt 3 cables (USB-C to HDMI) in line with the above and have re-tested the situation. The result is actually worse this time - one of my monitors doesn't even wake up at all under this situation - the Dock 2 is arguably performing even worse. I've absolutely had it with this useless device.

It is AUD$420 for a high-end docking station to accompany Microsoft's Surface so-called PREMIUM offering and it is utterly useless and hopeless. I have spent hours speaking to Microsoft people via their chat lines and on the phone and all the same advice (not the consultants fault of course) about drivers, etc. are to no avail.

This product is FAULTY - plain and simple - it does not connect via its USB-C purpose-built connectors to a standard HDMI monitor. Windows 11 even occasionally says "Please connect using the charger that came with your computer" - indicating that it even thinks there's something wrong with the docking station itself. They should either take this product off the market until it works properly, or release proper firmware for Surface Pro 8 (and similar newer devices) that solves the problem.

I've never been so disappointed with a premium offering like this before.

I am formulating the Standard Operating Environment for my team and employees and I thought we were to go Surface "all the way" but clearly this product is defective and I will be searching for an alternative. Interestingly enough, one of my friends works for Microsoft and internally they distribute Surface devices to their employees (obviously), but Lenovo docking stations - now I know why. If these products aren't good enough for Microsoft employees, why are they duping their paying customer?

Microsoft - GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER - for a premium brand, this is unacceptable.

Mike.

Hi,

To save you reading all the previous responses, pop out and buy a Genuine Microsoft Usbc-Hdmi adapter for each monitor.

Should solve all the issues.

Regards Scott

Alright, Folks -

After suffering through this problem for 7 months, the problem may finally be resolved. 

In the process to get here, both the Surface Pro 7 computer and the Surface Dock 2 have been replaced- all to no avail.  Along with hours online with M/S techs looking for a solution.  How frustrating.

Today, I replaced the Surface Dock 2 screen connectors (USB-C to HDMI adaptors that connected to HDMI cables tied to the screens) with "Insignia™ - 6' USB-C to 4K HDMI Cable for Macbook, iPad and compatible USB-C Devices - Black, Model: NS-PCCXHDMI6, SKU: 6354090" purchased from Best Buy. $30/ea. 

The computer's been fired up 3 times and both monitors came up as advertised. The pain of paying $60 for something that should have never been a problem is far outweighed by a clean startup. 

Try it - you might like it.

The heck of the deal is that Microsoft could have posted this fix months ago, had they the gumption to actually try to solve the problem.

Orenout,

Steve Sweet

Boise, ID

Adding my vote, having the same experience.  I have both Surface book 2, and surface book 3, neither one will display on 2 external monitors thru docking 2.  Both SB2 and SB3 work with Dock Version 1.