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.

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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
    2015-11-03T13:16:43+00:00

    Check Windows Update for a firmware update. After installing it, I was able to boot with two monitors. The monitors still flash when my surface is off, though, so I have to turn them off.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-11-03T03:31:28+00:00

    Just got my Surface Dock and connected it to my Surface Pro 3. Purchased two mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables and connected two 27" HP monitors. Then, watched what appeared to be a lightning storm as all three monitors started flashing wildly. That can't be good for electronics. I figured out how to set the refresh on each of the 27" monitors to 60Hz (it had somehow been set to 59Hz). Nothing seems to help. I can run one monitor just fine. Connect the second one and the lightning show starts again. I have to press and hold POWER for 30 seconds to shut down, then disconnect the SurfaceConnect plug and turn it on. Horrible. I have used the Pluggable USB 3.0 dock for about a year ($90) and it's awesome. But, I was in the mood to buy myself something. Ugg. I have tried different cables...even stole a monitor from my kids and the result is the same. One external monitor and the Surface LCD is fine. Connect the second one (or God forbid, BOOT with two connected) and all hell breaks loose. I'll wait a week or two and see if some driver update comes out. Otherwise, this little brick needs to be shipped back. On the flip side, I also picked up a Surface Type Cover 4 with Finger Print scanner. Works like a dream and Windows Hello is quite cool.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-11-01T18:18:04+00:00

    Yeah, it seems that ALL ports on the new Surface Dock working with the Surface Book are not working correctly. The Surface Book device itself is great, but the dock has been a nightmare to use. I also have an issue trying to use a simple Vantec external 5.1 sound card with the new dock. I REALLY hope they have a way to fix these types of issues soon. The Surface Dock is going to tarnish the great reputation of their flagship laptop otherwise.

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