Cannot Connect to an external monitor via mini DVI or wirelessly

Question

Hello, 

I am using a Microsoft Surface Book 5 with Windows 10. 

At the moment I am unable to project my display to another screen in any way. Usually I do this using an HDMI cable which I connect throught an adapter to the mini DVI input. However this will not work. Nor can I connect to a screen wirelessly. 

I have used device manager to uninstall and re-install the driver in the display adapters section. I have unplugged and replugged in the adapter. Checked the settings on the dsiplay I would like to project to. I've cyled between extend, duplicate, 2nd screen only, and none of it works. I've changed HDMI cables, and HDMI ports, but again there is no success. 

When trying to connect wirelessly it simply loads for a while and then says it failed to connect. 

I downloaded the Surface repair tool, and went through the diagnostics it recommended, but again there is no progress. 

The display I am connecting to shows there is an input to it from my computer to the HDMI port, however when I choose it as the source is sats there is "no signal." 

Currently I am on a ship in Korea, so taking it in to be looked at is a bit of a non-option at the moment.

At this point I've sort of exhausted all the recommendations I can find on the internet. Does anyone have any ideas that might work?

Thank you for any help you are able to provide. 

V/R,

Adam

Answer 1

Hello Sailor Adam,

We would like to help you sort out the situation with your Surface device which cannot connect to an external monitor via mini DVI or wirelessly. To clarify, are you referring to Surface Book 2 or Surface Pro 5?

You can also check here to troubleshoot issues connecting the Surface device to the external monitor.

Or

Are you using docking station which is manufactured  by Microsoft or comes from a third party store?

If you are using Microsoft docking station, you can download and run the Surface Dock Updater to ensure that your Surface Dock has the latest update. And lastly, you can also check here if your external monitor is compatible with your Surface device and Surface Dock.

Let us know if you need further assistance by replying to this thread. We'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you!

Regards.

Answer 2

Your recommendations did not resolve the issue. I had already looked at the information your people sent, and it did not provide any insights. 

I have ensured my surface book is up to date with updates. I have swapped HDMI cables, changed resolution setting, and everything else. none of it works. 

The second monitor recognizes there is input coming in from the computer, however there is no projection of the screen. I do not know why this is, but would like an answer in the form of something besides an article I already found via "Google." 

I think I have a surface book 2. I thought the person said 5 when I bought it, but I could have been mistaken.

Answer 3

Hello Sailor Adam,

For us to isolate the cause of your issue I need to know more about it, please answer our few questions?

1. Did you connect your external monitor directly to your Surface device, or you are connecting it using a Surface Dock?
2. Have you tried used USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to Display port?
3. What is the make and model of your external monitors?

For the meantime we suggest you to visit this link and follow onscreen instruction. We also recommend you to check on the Monitor’s Compatibility with Surface and Surface Dock.****Please also check on Resolution and Refresh Rates.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted of the outcome.

Regards.

Answer 4

Lidaliza (great name by the way)

I am using a Mini Display Port to HDMI Adapter (I believe that is USB-C to HDMI). I have a few adapters, each has either worked, or is a newly purchased model of one that has worked previously. Changing the adapter does not solve the issue as I have tried each with no success. I have not used the Surface Dock. 

My device is a Surface Book (I do not believe it is the Surface Book 2 as I bought it in the fall of 2016). The display is a Samsung 32" LED TV. Also, I am not able to do "screen mirroring" with the computer either. 

I have tried numerous troubleshooting tips including disabling, enabling, updating, uninstalling and re-installing the driver for display adapter (the only one I was unable to do was "roll-back" the driver. In addition I have used the command prompt to scan for issues, and found none. 

The HDMI cables work, as they have been tested with other equipment.

Updating Windows allowed it to work briefly, but then the issue returned and I have not been able to get it to work again. 

Hope this helps. What recommendations do you have?

V/R

Adam

Answer 5

Hello Sailor Adam,

Thank you for keeping us updated with the outcome.

I understand that your device is Surface Book 1.  This device has Mini Display port.

You can connect Mini Display port to HDMI or Mini Display port to Display port.

Please connect Mini Display port (in your Surface device) to HDMI1 (in your Samsung monitor). If this would not work, try to switch to HDMI 2. Once you switch, please ensure that you also set your monitor to appropriate HDMI input.

Please also check your Samsung compatibility with Surface: We’re always working to improve and add to the list of monitors that we know to be compatible with Surface and Surface Dock. The following DisplayPort-capable monitors have been tested for compatibility with Surface and Surface Dock.

Notes

• Check the firmware version installed on your monitor. Go to your monitor manufacturer’s website to learn how to find your monitor’s firmware version.
• You can fix some DisplayPort video issues by disabling “MST mode” or “DP1.2 mode” on your monitor. Refer to the owner’s manual that came with your monitor to learn how. Disabling “MST mode” or “DP1.2 mode” on your monitor will cause display daisy-chaining to stop working. Check compatibility for Samsung:
• BDM4065UC / S27D590CS / S27D850T / S29E790C/ S32D850T/ U28E590D

If the issue will still exists, we suggest you to contact Microsoft Surface Support for advance troubleshooting assistance.

 Hope this helps. Keep us posted of the outcome.

Regards.