surface pro 4 doesn't recognize external monitors

Surface Pro 4 does not recognize my external monitors

This is a common symptom since Windows 10 CU.  Two workarounds that I use are pressing Win+Ctrl+Shift+B or using the Project dialog (Win+P) to make a change in the display configuration.  (To make sure that you are making a change you can use Narrator to hear what is happening even if you can't see it.   Press Win+Ctrl+Enter to start Narrator.  E.g. to switch from PC Screen Only to Second Screen Only you could press Win+P, End, Enter.)   Fortunately doing either of these things makes the video system try again but sometimes it takes more than one try.  Another quirk to be aware of is that there is a ridiculously short wait for a response to the Keep this...? prompt.  So, if you didn't see it or couldn't respond in time it could look as if the other monitor could still not be used.

FYI

Robert Aldwinckle

Hi Joane,

An outdated or corrupt display adapter may cause your external monitors not to be recognized by your Surface device. Updating, rolling back or reinstalling the driver can help resolve the issue.

In many cases, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface resolves this kind of issue. On how to install Surface and Windows updates, click here.

If installing the Surface and Windows updates didn't work, try rolling back the driver.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Under Display adapter, right click the display driver.
3. Choose Properties.
4. Click the Drivers tab.
5. Click Roll Back Driver.

Try to uninstall the display driver if roll back didn't work.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Under Display adapter, right click the display driver.
3. Choose Uninstall.
4. Restart your device and let Windows reinstall the driver.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

The surface pro 4 does not work with external monitors - period.

I bought a surface pro 4 to use the external monitor feature - but have found out to my cost that it does not work and Microsoft know this.... if you need to use an external monitor any Mac or ipad will work - buyer beware the external monitor is a scam

• it does not work.

I'm with you sister/brother.  I have had nothing but headaches trying to use the Surface Pro 4 with my monitors.  You would think Microsoft could fix this problem.  I am thinking of getting a new computer because of this, and it won't be a Surface Pro unless I get their assurance that the next iteration has solved this problem.

What happens if you go into device manager and roll back the display/video driver?