New Surface Dock Does Not Work via mini displayport to HDMI & DVI

Anonymous
2015-10-27T17:18:04+00:00

The specific device I am referring to, is the new Surface Dock for Surface Pro 3/4 and Surface Book. I have described the issue here on Reddit, and a number of others are also experiencing the same problem. Basically, the new dock doesn't work when the monitor is connected using mini displayport to HDMI. The monitor is detected correctly and the correct resolution is set, but the screen remains black. In my case, I randomly get some image on the monitor, but it's compressed to one side of the screen and garbled. The mini displayport to HDMI adapter works properly when connected directly to the Surface, so the adapter itself is fine. If I instead connect the mini displayport to VGA adapter to the dock, the monitor displays correctly. I have tried using a straight mini displayport to DVI cable and the issue remains. Additionally, I have connected a Surface Pro 3 to the dock and experience the same issue.

So to summarize, the dock does not function correctly when using a mini displayport to HDMI adapter to connect the monitor, but does work with a mini displayport to VGA adapter. This problem is repeatable using both a Surface Book and Surface Pro 3.

Surface | Accessories | Surface Dock

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-10-29T17:45:57+00:00

I purchased an active mDP to HDMI adapter from Amazon (Plugable is the brand) and so far the external monitor is working correctly through the dock.

Moderator Edit (11/3/2015):  If you are using a passive MDP to DVI adapter and experiencing difficulties, you may need to switch to using an active adapter.

If you switched from a passive to active adapter and continue to experience difficulties using Surface Dock to display to external monitors please consider making some changes to your cabling: different lengths, different quality, different adapters, etc.  If adjusting your cabling fails to resolve please consider sharing the following:

  1. Make and model of external displays
  2. Make/model of adapters if present
  3. Make/model of cables

For more troubleshooting info and steps to confirm your Dock is updated, please view our Troubleshoot Surface Dock article.

Thank you,

Josh

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2017-05-22T09:18:50+00:00

Hi,

 We suggest that you contact our Surface Answer Desk team for further assistance or visit the nearest Microsoft Store if you are in the US. In case you're offshore, contact our Global Customer Service team.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

315 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-10-27T17:06:26+00:00

    I don't think this issue is specific to your setup, rather there is a widespread issue with the dock. I cannot connect my Surface Book to an external monitor through the dock using the mDP to HDMI adapter, however it works fine through the dock with the mDP to VGA adapter. I can confirm that the same problem exists when using the Surface Pro 3, instead of the Surface Book. I posted about it here on Reddit.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-10-27T18:09:41+00:00

    I'm experiencing the same issue with my Surface Book and Display Port.  As far as the connector covering the Mini DP slot on the Surface Book, I read that was intentional so you won't try to connect three displays.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-10-27T18:42:57+00:00

    Which device are you referring to? The new Surface Dock isn't available until November 20 and uses the Connect port.

    Is this a prior Surface (Pro) Dock?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments