The Surface Pro 4 is an incredibly versatile device, capable of handling a wide range of tasks with ease. However, one of the most significant productivity boosts you can give your Surface Pro 4 is by connecting it to one or more external monitors. Having multiple screens at your disposal can greatly enhance your multitasking capabilities, streamline your workflow, and increase your overall efficiency.
The Benefits of Connecting External Monitors to Your Surface Pro 4
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of connecting two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of doing so.
Connecting external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 can:
- Enhance multitasking capabilities: With multiple screens, you can have multiple windows and applications open at the same time, allowing you to work more efficiently and switch between tasks quickly.
- Increase productivity: Having more screen real estate can help you complete tasks faster, as you can have multiple documents, spreadsheets, or images open at the same time.
- Improve creativity: Graphic designers, video editors, and other creatives can benefit from having multiple monitors to display different aspects of their projects, such as color palettes, timelines, or reference images.
Understanding the Surface Pro 4’s Video Output Capabilities
Before connecting two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4, it’s essential to understand the device’s video output capabilities. The Surface Pro 4 has a single Mini DisplayPort, which can support up to two 4K monitors at 30Hz or one 5K monitor at 60Hz.
Mini DisplayPort vs. USB-C
It’s worth noting that the Surface Pro 4’s Mini DisplayPort is not the same as the newer USB-C ports found on some laptops. While USB-C can also be used for video output, it’s a different technology that requires specific adapters or cables to work with older Mini DisplayPort devices.
Connecting Two External Monitors to Your Surface Pro 4: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the benefits and technicalities of connecting external monitors to your Surface Pro 4, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide.
Method 1: Using a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter
One way to connect two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 is by using a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. This method requires:
- A Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter
- Two DVI cables
- Two external monitors with DVI inputs
Here’s how to connect your monitors using this method:
- Connect the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter to your Surface Pro 4’s Mini DisplayPort.
- Connect each DVI cable to the adapter and the corresponding monitor.
- Turn on your monitors and adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro 4 to extend or duplicate your desktop across both screens.
Method 2: Using a Docking Station or USB-C Hub
Another way to connect two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 is by using a docking station or USB-C hub with multiple video output ports. This method requires:
- A docking station or USB-C hub with multiple video output ports (such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA)
- Two external monitors with compatible video inputs
- A USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable
Here’s how to connect your monitors using this method:
- Connect the docking station or USB-C hub to your Surface Pro 4’s USB-C port.
- Connect each external monitor to the docking station or USB-C hub using the appropriate video cables.
- Turn on your monitors and adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro 4 to extend or duplicate your desktop across both screens.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 is generally a straightforward process, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Monitors not detecting or displaying an image | Try restarting your Surface Pro 4, monitors, and docking station or USB-C hub. Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that the monitors are set to the correct input. |
| Resolution or refresh rate issues | Adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro 4 to ensure that the correct resolution and refresh rate are selected for each monitor. You may need to experiment with different settings to find the optimal configuration. |
Conclusion
Connecting two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 can greatly enhance your productivity, multitasking capabilities, and overall workflow. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you should be able to easily connect your monitors using a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter or a docking station or USB-C hub. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different display settings to find the perfect configuration for your needs.
Can I connect two external monitors to my Surface Pro 4 without a docking station?
You can connect two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 without a docking station, but it will require some creative cable management. You can use the Mini DisplayPort on your Surface Pro 4 to connect one monitor, and then use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C to VGA adapter to connect the second monitor.
Keep in mind that using adapters may affect the video quality and resolution of your second monitor. Additionally, you may need to adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro 4 to extend the desktop to the two external monitors. It’s also important to ensure that your Surface Pro 4 has the necessary drivers and updates installed to support multiple external monitors.
What type of cables do I need to connect two external monitors to my Surface Pro 4?
To connect two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4, you’ll need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI or VGA cable for the first monitor, and a USB-C to HDMI or VGA adapter for the second monitor. If your monitors have different connector types, you may need additional adapters. For example, if one monitor has an HDMI port and the other has a VGA port, you’ll need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable and a USB-C to VGA adapter.
It’s also important to ensure that the cables and adapters you choose are compatible with your Surface Pro 4 and monitors. Look for cables and adapters that are specifically designed for Surface Pro 4 and support the desired resolution and refresh rate.
How do I configure my Surface Pro 4 to extend the desktop to two external monitors?
To configure your Surface Pro 4 to extend the desktop to two external monitors, go to the Start menu and click on Settings. Then, click on System and select Display. You’ll see a diagram of your current display setup, with your Surface Pro 4 screen labeled as “1”. Click on the “Extend” button to extend the desktop to the external monitors.
From here, you can adjust the display settings to customize the layout and resolution of each monitor. You can also use the Windows key + P shortcut to quickly switch between duplicating, extending, and projecting your desktop to the external monitors.
Can I use a USB-C hub to connect two external monitors to my Surface Pro 4?
Yes, you can use a USB-C hub to connect two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4. A USB-C hub can provide additional USB-C ports, HDMI ports, and other connector types that allow you to connect multiple devices, including external monitors. Look for a USB-C hub that specifically supports multi-monitor setup and has enough power delivery to drive both monitors.
When choosing a USB-C hub, make sure it’s compatible with your Surface Pro 4 and monitors, and that it can support the desired resolution and refresh rate. Also, be aware that using a USB-C hub may introduce some latency or video quality issues, depending on the hub’s quality and the monitors’ specifications.
What is the maximum resolution I can achieve with two external monitors connected to my Surface Pro 4?
The maximum resolution you can achieve with two external monitors connected to your Surface Pro 4 depends on the type of cables and adapters you use, as well as the capabilities of your Surface Pro 4 and monitors. Generally, the Surface Pro 4 can support up to two 4K monitors at 30Hz, or one 4K monitor at 60Hz and one HD monitor at 30Hz.
To achieve the maximum resolution, make sure to use high-quality cables and adapters that support the desired resolution and refresh rate. You may also need to adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro 4 to optimize the performance.
Can I use two external monitors with different resolutions and aspect ratios with my Surface Pro 4?
Yes, you can use two external monitors with different resolutions and aspect ratios with your Surface Pro 4. However, you may need to adjust the display settings to optimize the performance and ensure that the monitors are properly detected.
To achieve the best results, make sure to set the resolution and aspect ratio of each monitor to its native setting. You can do this by going to the Display settings on your Surface Pro 4 and selecting the desired resolution and aspect ratio for each monitor. You may also need to adjust the display orientation and scaling settings to ensure that the desktop is properly extended to both monitors.
Will connecting two external monitors to my Surface Pro 4 reduce its battery life?
Connecting two external monitors to your Surface Pro 4 can reduce its battery life, as the device will need to power the additional displays. However, the impact on battery life will depend on various factors, including the type of cables and adapters used, the resolution and refresh rate of the monitors, and the overall system configuration.
To minimize the impact on battery life, make sure to adjust the display settings to optimize power consumption. You can also consider using a docking station or an external power source to reduce the load on your Surface Pro 4’s battery. Additionally, consider using power-efficient monitors that are designed to reduce power consumption.