Surface Book 2: External Monitor Flickering

Anonymous
2018-06-21T02:17:54+00:00

I bought a Surface Book 2 last month.  Yesterday, I started using it with an external monitor (connected to the SB through a HDMI to USB-C adapter). 

The external monitor flickers and disconnects once every 2 minutes, and then returns, only to flicker/disconnect again, repeatedly.  This makes working with an external monitor unbearable.

I see that many people have asked similar question re. the SB, but I could not find a reliable and actionable solution.

Can you please help me?

Thank you.

Surface | Surface Book | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T18:28:51+00:00

    The only thing that worked for me is using a really short usbc - hdmi cable or using an official surface dock.

    All other work arounds failed.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T17:58:18+00:00

    Ok I found a solution.

    Basically, the laptop is underpowered and was poorly designed by Microsoft in the first place. Quite outrageous given the expensive price frankly. My old laptop of Dell of 2009 doesn't have that problem for example, no comment.

    I tried reinstalling windows, buying all sorts of cables (and lengths), using adapters, changing refresh rates, all the recommendations mentionned in this post and nothing worked.

    What you need is a docking station to have an external screen that works properly. I used this docking station and was able to put 2 additional screens with 4K without having any issue anymore, not more flickering, no more screens turning on/off, or refreshing issues. Here it is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078WYHGY9/

    Next time, Microsoft, please hire people that can design laptops properly.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T17:40:40+00:00

    Try a shorter cable; it was the only thing that worked for me. Refresh rates made no difference.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T17:32:48+00:00

    I adjusted my displays refresh rate and the problem is gone

    what numbers did you adjust from/to? if you are going to leave a comment like this, the numbers really seems like critical data to include....

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T17:25:23+00:00

    I know this was a while ago, but it would really be helpful knowing what you changed the refresh rate from/to in solving your problem. I'm having the issues described all over this forum using USB-C to HDMI adapter for my external monitor. I checked and the refresh rate was a default 59 Hz. I switched to 60 Hz for a test, flickering still occurred but less frequent and shorter each time it occurred. Tried the 75 Hz and it flickered immediately and constantly.... those were my only options.

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