Surface dock 2 not connecting to monitors using usb-c cables

Anonymous
2020-07-15T13:06:07+00:00

I purchased two new surface dock2 to connect our surface pro 7 to our widescreen monitors using usb-c cables. Neither of the monitors would connect through the usb-c ports.

One monitor is an LG 38WK95C. The other is a Dell ultrasharp U3818DW. The LG monitor previously worked connecting to a macbook pro through the usb-c port.

To be clear, I first connected the surface dock 2 to one of the surface pro 7 devices and connected the Dell to the surface dock 2 through the usb-c. A messages was displayed to the effect that the monitor should be connected through a displayport. The monitor never showed up in windows, although you would get the sound like a monitor was recognized and the displayport message. Using the "detect monitor" feature came back with "no monitor detected".

I then connected the LG to the other surface pro 7 device through the surface dock 2. The exact same behavior occurred.

Windows update showed no updates available. I then manually updated the firmware on one of the surface pro 7 devices. Still no joy.

Surface | Accessories | Surface Dock

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-14T06:24:04+00:00

    Hi

    I had the same issue I used surface dock all the time, before I had surface pro3 with old dock for almost 7 years and always use a bigger monitor as an extension. Last week changed my surface to 7 and bought the new dock as the old one was not compatible. Yesterday setup everything and seems fine the problem started when I plugged external display cable to USB-C. I bought USB-C to HDMI cable tested it in the shop with surface it works fine, but when it is connected to Dock 2 it did not work.

    My Solution, I bought a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and it works fine. (Connected HDMI cable to USB-C Adapter)

    https://www.ugreen.com/products/usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter

    So, I believe the issue is with the cable, change the cable and see if it works,

    Hope it works for you.

    Saeed

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-07-27T14:24:57+00:00

    I think the issue stems from MS not using standard thunderbolt tech in these docks and therefore the usb adapters end up making the connection work as there are some active components in those to assist the feed that a standard "non active" usb-c>hdmi or usb-c>displayport can't perform. Of course if MS used standardized tech in these devices it would be a non issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-08-10T18:13:26+00:00

    What does this even mean? Can someone draw me a picture. I have been dealing with this issue for weeks. Today for 3 hours I have been trying to use my 2 monitors. total waste of day. I regret this purchase. Surface pro 7+

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-08-10T18:13:45+00:00

    What does this even mean? Can someone draw me a picture. I have been dealing with this issue for weeks. Today for 3 hours I have been trying to use my 2 monitors. total waste of day. I regret this purchase. Surface pro 7+

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-08-10T18:58:12+00:00

    Hi Christy and MS community. Since my previous post on this issue I have found a solution and it definitely seems to in to what I thought the issue might be. So after trying 3 different types of USB - Display port cables some labeled as "Active" I finally found the ones that actually work with this poorly designed dock revision.

    I'm attaching pictures to this so you can see the difference between the two. The ones that work (right image) have components housed in line with the cable to help push the signal from the dock 2 and it is a much thicker cable as you can see. I'd recommend getting some of these and trying them out. All the previous usb c- display port cables we purchased as a company are all a waste now due to MS not using standards in their dock. Just my two cents on it but I do hope this helps you and anyone else that has this trouble.

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