Surface Book looses connection to Projector after initial connection

Question

I have started to use my Surface Book to present PowerPoint and software to others in board rooms using a wired display port adapter connected to a Projector or large monitor (TV).   I have had three experiences with similar undesirable results: 

1. I was enthused the first time I connected the Surface Book as it immediately recognized the projector and went into dual display mode.  After my presentation I  unhooked the connection it to let someone else connect.  When they were done, I hooked the connection up again, but this time the Surface Book did not recognize the connection.  Repeated attempts with Display settings and the Project button (in notifications) proved fruitless.  It simply did not recognize the projector.  Finally, I restarted (reboot) the Surface Book, plugged in the projector and it connected immediately. 

2) Another day I hooked up to a large monitor (TV) with the VGA adapter.   Like before it immediately recognized the connection and displayed in dual display mode without me doing a thing.  Before the presentation started, I showed a colleague how I can detach the Surface Book screen from the keyboard.  (Loosing the connection is a given, because this effectively disconnects the 2nd monitor).  I expected that I would be able simply hook back to the projector when I reattached the screen, but this did not happen.  Again, working with the display settings and the Project button did not work.  A reboot fixed the issue.

3. I projected a PowerPoint show up on the 2nd monitor using presentation mode (preview on monitor 1, presentation on monitor 2).  When I completed the presentation I closed PowerPoint and the 2nd monitor went blank.  Display settings and the Project button did not reactivate the connection.  Again. I had to reboot for the connection to the 2nd monitor to display.

In all 3 cases I had to reboot the Surface Book in order to regain the wired display port connection to a 2nd monitor or projector.  Display Settings and the Project option in notifications would not reconnect me in any of the cases.

My colleagues use Mac Books and they do not experience these issues.  So they think the Surface Book is flawed.  It's hard to argue with them when this stuff happens.  This is particularly problematic when I'm presenting to potential customers and partners.  It creates undo stress when I have to reboot in the middle of a meeting!!  

Automatic updates are on and the Surface Book is completely up to date with firmware and Windows 10. 

How can I fix this issue??

Answer 1

I'm very tempted to buy a surface book, top of range i7 with 1TB drive for video editing, etc and it' s a big spend/ask as I'm technically skint!

Comments like this worry me as I present a lot too.

My question to you as a user/owner/presenter is if you can hook up to a projector in presenter view and detach the tablet to take with you on a walk about and for it to still project the screen? Seems too good to be true but given that the base is powered and connected to the projector should be possible for this price but would require a good wireless data connection between base and tablet.

Answer 2

Hi,

To assist you better, please answer the questions below:

•    Is this the first time you encountered this issue?

•    Were there any recent changes prior to this issue?

•    Which version of Windows 10 is installed on your Surface device?

    To see which version of Windows 10 is installed on your device, select the Start button and then select Settings. In Settings, select System > About.

•    Are there multiple graphics driver on your device?

    To see the driver installed on your device, Select the Start button and then type Device Manager, expand the Display adapters category.

•    What kind of cable are you using to connect your Surface book to the projector?

Regards.

Answer 3

The Surface Books do not do what you have outlined.  The keyboard base isn't standalone and won't do anything if the Clipboard is not attached directly to it.  There is, unfortunately, no wireless interface between the two.

If you are serious about presenting frequently with the Surface Book, I would be very cautious as the SB is notorious for having issues connecting to external display devices.  If you only have one or two external displays that you use regularly, you could test the SB for compatibility during the return period and if it doesn't work, simply return the SB for a refund.  If you have to use whatever external display is provided for you and it could be just about any type/brand of display, you probably don't want an SB.

Answer 4

Nonie-

1. I describe 3 separate incidences with varying circumstances.  This is not the first time it has happened
2. My Surface Book is running Windows 10 Pro Build 14393.447
3. One Display Driver: Intel HD Graphics Driver 520 last updated 7/6/2016

4.  The issues have occurred with both HDMI and VGA

For what it's worth,  I tried to replicate each of the 3 circumstances I described using my own projector at home.  The Surface Book performed flawlessly with both HDMI and VGA connectors.  I could not replicate the problem.  These are the most challenging types of problems to fix.  Guess I'll just have to see what happens the next time I'm on the road...

Rod

Answer 5

NickyC53 - 

You can achieve your goal by hooking up with a Microsoft wireless display adapter (or similar miracast device).  I bought one after I posted my issues, and found it very easy to use and it works great.  You CAN disconnect the tablet from the keyboard with no interruption, write and draw etc. 

Here's a good review:

http://www.cravingtech.com/microsoft-wireless-display-adapter-review-project-screen-onto-tv-ease-wirelessly.html

The only down side is that you would need to plug the HDMI into the projector or screen at the location you want to display at.  The device needs both an HDMI port and a USB Port to power the device.  While it's getting better, in my experience it's not so easy to plug into projectors and screens at other locales  (Older projectors only have VGA, may not be accessible, etc.)

Hope you find the solution you're looking for.

Rod