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Surface Book 3 and Screen Extenders

Anonymous
2025-05-16T18:04:57+00:00

I have a Surface Book 3 and I purchased a screen extender to add two screens. The screen extender requires either 2 Type C ports, or 1 Type C and an HDMI, so it turns out that doesn't work (there are two Type A, one Type C and no HDMI ports). Does anyone have any ideas as to how to make this work, or am I limited to only one extra screen. I have purchased a splitter, and that does not work.

Thanks.

Surface | Surface Book | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-19T03:15:36+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    Based on your Surface Book 3's port limitations (two USB-A, one USB-C, no HDMI) and the screen extender's requirements, here’s why it’s failing and how to fix it:

    1. Port mismatch:
      • Your extender needs two USB-C or one USB-C + HDMI, but the Surface Book 3 only has one USB-C port and no HDMI.
      • USB-A ports cannot transmit video signals (they’re data-only unless using special adapters with DisplayLink chips).
    2. Splitters don’t work:
      • Basic HDMI splitters clone screens (same content on both displays). They cannot extend to two independent screens without a compatible video source (e.g., dual HDMI outputs).

    Use a USB-C Dock with Dual Video Outputs (Best)

    • Connect a USB-C dock (e.g., Surface Dock 2 or third-party dock) to your single USB-C port. These docks use DisplayLink technology to drive dual monitors via HDMI/DisplayPort.
    • Setup:
      • Dock → USB-C to Surface.
      • Connect both monitors to the dock’s HDMI/DisplayPort outputs.
      • Install DisplayLink driver for extended display support.
    • Converts USB-C into a multi-stream hub, bypassing port limitations.

    USB-C to Dual HDMI Adapter (Simpler Alternative)

    • A single-cable adapter.
    • Limitations:
      • May only support 1080p@60Hz per monitor (check specs for 4K).
      • Requires USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (which your Book 3 supports).

    Surface Connect Port + USB-C Combo (Advanced)

    • For power users:
      • Use the Surface Connect port with a Surface Dock 2 → Drive one monitor.
      • Simultaneously use the USB-C port with a simple HDMI adapter → Drive the second monitor.
    • Utilizes both high-bandwidth ports without software hacks.
    • Avoid USB-A video adapters: They’re unreliable for multi-monitor setups and strain CPU resources.
    • Check dock power: Ensure the dock provides 60W+ power delivery to charge your Book 3 while driving monitors.
    • Driver updates: Install latest Surface firmware via Windows Update → Optional updates.
    • Test with one monitor via USB-C first to verify the port works.
    • Swap cables/adapters to rule out hardware faults.

    This approach leverages your hardware’s capabilities without compromising performance. 

    Best regards,

    Huy-K | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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