Surface Dock Keeps Disconnecting Intermittently

Anonymous
2020-01-10T16:44:40+00:00

Microsoft,

What is going on with this thing?

I have had the Surface Dock for two months now. Purchased it to go with my Surface Laptop 1. 

Every day.... and I mean every day, this thing disconnects itself from my Surface Laptop, my monitor goes black, my usb peripherals disconnect, and my network goes down... and then in one second everything magically reconnects. 

Sometimes it only happens 5 times a day. Other days it happens like a gazillion.

Once it first started happening, I scoured the internet looking for a solution. I replaced the dock, I updated the firmware, I connected it to a different power source, I've power cycled, I've turned the cord around - etc. No matter what I do it keeps happening. 

And there is no good answers on this message board that seems to fix this issue. I have read them all. 

What is going on with this thing?

Right now, just so y'all know, this thing is only acting as a power source for my laptop. I am plugging the monitor directly into the Surface Laptop, I have upgraded to a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and my Ethernet is going into the system over usb. Even with NOTHING else plugged into the Surface Dock.... nothing. Just power. It is STILL disconnecting and reconnecting intermittently. What the H?!?

This is unacceptable and you guys really need to figure out a solution for this. My boss has a Surface Book 1 and he also experiences these issues daily, as well. Since he's using dual monitors, he just puts up with them going out and turning back on five to twenty times a day. The only ones in the office with the dock that aren't experiencing these issues are the two that have Surface Pro 4's...

What can we do to fix this? The Surface Dock is currently the most expensive laptop charger I've ever purchased (since that's all it seems to be decent at). 

Sincerely, 

Microsoft Enthusiast

Surface | Accessories | Surface Dock

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-03-16T21:21:09+00:00

    So without reading through this whole thread... I would agree that this is something new and for me only has been happening for the last couple of months. This is occurring on my Surface Book 2 when connected to a Surface Docking station version 1 and is only for usb devices connected through the docking station. 

    However I did notice it only occurs when my system in under heavy use (power consumption). When the problem happens I can hear my internal fan blowing hard and I usually have Photoshop or my security cameras open, which are 4K. The problem will continue until I close one of the heavily consuming apps (i.e. security camera). As soon as I close one of these apps, the problem immediately stops. 

    Now if I remember correctly, I saw another thread that say the original docking station (version 1, with the mini display ports) is under-powered for the Surface.... but then I can also fall back and say I didn't experience this a few months ago. 

    I would see if when this occurs is yours system under heavy use.

    David

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-03T17:21:30+00:00

    We are also experiencing this problem.   we have tried updating drivers and replacing the docking station but it is happening on multiple docking stations

    No idea what to do next

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-05T20:40:32+00:00

    I've been reading that the surface dock GEN1 is under-powered; bad design and not enough testing by Microsoft before releasing that product.

    I ended up buying the GEN2 surface dock (NOT cheap) and the problem went away. Really horrible way to fix a inherint desgign flaw: throw more money. The GEN2 docking station changed the video out ports from mini-display (GEN1) to USB C (GEN2). While it is a "good" upgrade I had to go out and buy more display adapters. Another slap in the face.

    I am very surprised that Microsoft has not chimed in nor have they claimed responsibility for what is a "out of spec" and problematic product (GEN1).

    I won't even go into all of the problems I have have my Microsoft Surface book 2. I opted for the best available processor ( i7-8650U), highest available ram (16GB) and highest available HD (1TB SSD). This is my first and last Microsoft laptop.THe problems are daily, endless and I am constantly having to reboot my laptop. Our IT guys can't figure it out either.

    Anyway, MICROSOFT--> you have poor customer support; you have disappointed me and many of my colleagues. Our IT department now refuses to allow anyone else buy any Microsfot Surface book product.

    Sorry for ranting. Not saying sorry to Microsoft though.

    Thanks,

    Roy

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-08T14:20:29+00:00

    I also have this problem. It is troubling to see the number of posts to this thread and the lack of sufficient response by Microsoft.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-05-11T22:12:33+00:00

    Same issue with Surface Pro 4, randomly disconnects and reconnects. In addition, the NIC disappears randomly or the WLAN/LAN disables on it's own.

    On my 3rd dock station, I use it for work and don't have the time to troubleshoot so help desk simply replaces it.

    Very sad how Microsoft is ignoring this. 

    We have stopped purchasing Surface Pro/Laptops as corporate devices due to this dock issue.

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