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

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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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-05T15:04:27+00:00

    Approved List Here https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/hardware-and-drivers/troubleshoot-docking-station-surface-dock

    Check your monitor’s compatibility

    Monitors that aren’t supported with Surface and Surface Dock

    The monitors listed below have connection issues with Surface and Surface Dock. We are working with third parties to resolve these issues and will update this page when new information is available. If you’re using a monitor that isn’t listed below, try the solutions below to resolve the issue.

    Acer XB280HK
    AOC G2460PG
    Dell U2312HM (FW A05) <br><br>U2212HMt <br><br>U2412Mb (FW A01) <br><br>U2412Mc <br><br>U2414Hb (FW A00) <br><br>U2515Hc (FW A01) <br><br>U2715Hc (FW A00) <br><br>U2913Wm (FW A03)

    Monitors known to be compatible with Surface and Surface Dock

    We’re always working to improve and add to the list of monitors that we know to be compatible with Surface and Surface Dock. The following DisplayPort-capable monitors have been tested for compatibility with Surface and Surface Dock.

    Note

    Check the firmware version installed on your monitor. Go to your monitor manufacturer’s website to learn how to find your monitor’s firmware version.

    Acer B286HK <br><br>S277HK <br><br>T27HUL Lenovo PRO2840mD <br><br>ThinkVision 28
    AOC G2460PQU <br><br>G2770PQU <br><br>q2963Pm Samsung S27D590CS <br><br>S27D850T <br><br>S32D850T <br><br>U28D590D
    ASUS PA279Q <br><br>PB278Q <br><br>PB287Q <br><br>VG248QE ViewSonic VG2860MHL-4K <br><br>VP2780-4K
    BenQ BL3200PT <br><br>BL3201PH <br><br>SW2700PT <br><br>XL2420Z <br><br>XL2720Z
    Dell (model and firmware version) E2014T (FW A01) <br><br>E2416Hb (FW A00) <br><br>E2715H (FW A00) <br><br>P2210T (FW A00) <br><br>P2314Hb (FW A00) <br><br>P2414Hb (FW A06) <br><br>P2415Qb (FW A02) <br><br>P2416Db (FW A00) <br><br>P2715Qt (FW A03) <br><br>P2815Q (FW A03) <br><br>U2413f (FW A02) <br><br>U2415b (FW A02) <br><br>U2713Hb (FW A07) <br><br>U2713HM (FW A00) <br><br>U3014 (FW A02) <br><br>U3415W (FW A01) <br><br>UP2414Qt (FW A02) <br><br>UP2516Dt (FW A00) <br><br>UP2716D (FW A00) <br><br>UP3214Q (FW A00) <br><br>UP3216Q (FW A00)

    Note

    This list was based on our internal use of the respective monitor and adapters with Surface Pro and the Surface Dock on February 10, 2016. Any firmware changes made by monitor and adapter manufacturers at a later date may cause new issues unknown today.

    This list is provided to you for reference and informational purposes only and in no way is Microsoft providing any guarantees or warranty that any of the mentioned monitors or adapters will function properly with your Surface device, nor is Microsoft advocating the use of any of the mentioned monitors or adapters in any manner.

    This list should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided. Microsoft makes no warranties, express, implied or statutory, as to the information on this page. You agree to use this list at your own risk and agree that this list does not override, add to, or change the warranty terms that come with your Surface device. If you cannot agree to these terms, do not use this list.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-05-05T15:20:16+00:00

    A little too late for the list to come out.  I've already been using a 4K monitor that's now rendered incompatible.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-05-05T15:22:51+00:00

    Thanks Gilles, I tried that today to no avail.  I was quite hopeful it would help, but it didn't.

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