What to know
- If you prefer a more stable and reliable connection, you can use a wired connection to mirror your Surface Pro to your TV.
- You may need to adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro to ensure the correct resolution and aspect ratio are being displayed on your TV.
- If your Surface Pro has a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect it to your TV.
Are you tired of squinting at your Surface Pro screen? Do you want to share presentations, movies, or games with a wider audience? Then you need to know how to mirror your Surface Pro to your TV. This guide will walk you through the different ways to connect your Surface Pro to your TV and enjoy a larger, more immersive viewing experience.
Wireless Connections: The Effortless Way
Wireless mirroring offers a convenient way to connect your Surface Pro to your TV without tangled cables. Here’s how:
1. Using Miracast:
Miracast is a built-in wireless display technology that lets you stream your Surface Pro‘s screen to compatible TVs or streaming devices. Here’s how to use Miracast:
- Ensure Compatibility: Check if your TV or streaming device supports Miracast. Many newer TVs and devices have Miracast built-in, but you might need a Miracast adapter for older models.
- Connect to the Same Network: Both your Surface Pro and your TV or streaming device need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Enable Miracast on your Surface Pro: Go to **Settings** > **System** > **Projecting to this PC**. Select **Available everywhere**.
- Find and Connect: On your TV or streaming device, look for the “Miracast” or “Screen Mirroring” option. Select it, and your Surface Pro should appear on the list of available devices. Select your Surface Pro to start mirroring.
2. Using Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter:
The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is a dedicated device that lets you mirror your Surface Pro to any TV with an HDMI port. Here’s how to use it:
- Connect the Adapter: Plug the adapter into your TV’s HDMI port.
- Connect to the Same Network: Connect the adapter to your Wi-Fi network.
- Enable Wireless Display: On your Surface Pro, go to **Settings** > **System** > **Projecting to this PC**. Select **Available everywhere**.
- Connect to the Adapter: Your Surface Pro should detect the adapter and display it as a wireless display option. Select it to start mirroring.
Wired Connections: The Reliable Option
If you prefer a more stable and reliable connection, you can use a wired connection to mirror your Surface Pro to your TV. Here are the most common methods:
1. HDMI Cable:
The most straightforward way to connect your Surface Pro to your TV is with an HDMI cable. However, not all Surface Pro models have an HDMI port. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Connect the Cable: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your Surface Pro’s HDMI port (or the adapter) and the other end to your TV’s HDMI port.
- Select the Input: On your TV, use the remote control to switch the input to the HDMI port that the cable is connected to.
- Adjust Display Settings: You may need to adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro to ensure the correct resolution and aspect ratio are being displayed on your TV.
2. USB-C to HDMI Adapter:
If your Surface Pro has a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect it to your TV. This adapter allows you to use a standard HDMI cable to connect your Surface Pro to your TV.
- Connect the Adapter: Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your Surface Pro’s USB-C port and connect the HDMI end to your TV’s HDMI port using an HDMI cable.
- Select the Input: On your TV, use the remote control to switch the input to the HDMI port that the cable is connected to.
- Adjust Display Settings: You may need to adjust the display settings on your Surface Pro to ensure the correct resolution and aspect ratio are being displayed on your TV.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble mirroring your Surface Pro to your TV, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your TV or streaming device supports the mirroring technology you’re using (Miracast or wireless display adapter).
- Reconnect to the Network: Try disconnecting and reconnecting both your Surface Pro and your TV or streaming device to your Wi-Fi network.
- Restart Devices: Restart both your Surface Pro and your TV or streaming device.
- Check for Updates: Make sure both your Surface Pro and your TV or streaming device have the latest software updates installed.
- Use a Different Cable: If you’re using an HDMI cable, try using a different cable to rule out a faulty cable.
- Check the Adapter: If you’re using a wireless display adapter, make sure it’s plugged in properly and powered on.
- Try a Different Method: If you’re having trouble with one method, try a different method to connect your Surface Pro to your TV.
Beyond Mirroring: Exploring Other Options
While mirroring is a great way to share your Surface Pro‘s screen on a larger display, it’s not the only option. Here are some alternatives:
- Streaming Services: If you want to watch movies, shows, or videos on your TV, you can use streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. These services have apps for Surface Pro that allow you to stream content directly to your TV.
- Casting Devices: Devices like Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick can be connected to your TV and allow you to stream content from your Surface Pro using apps or the built-in casting feature.
- Connecting to a Second Monitor: If you need to use your Surface Pro for work or other tasks while simultaneously displaying content on your TV, you can connect your Surface Pro to a second monitor via HDMI or USB-C.
Time to Enjoy the Big Screen Experience
Now that you’ve learned how to mirror your Surface Pro to your TV, you can enjoy the benefits of a larger screen for presentations, movies, games, and more. Whether you choose a wireless or wired connection, you’ll be able to share your Surface Pro’s content with a wider audience. So, go ahead and connect your Surface Pro to your TV and enjoy the immersive experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I control my Surface Pro from my TV when mirroring?
A: No, you can’t directly control your Surface Pro from your TV when mirroring. You’ll need to use the Surface Pro’s touchscreen or keyboard to interact with it.
Q2: Will mirroring affect my Surface Pro‘s battery life?
A: Yes, mirroring can drain your Surface Pro’s battery faster than normal. This is because your Surface Pro is actively sending its display output to the TV. You may want to consider using your Surface Pro while it’s plugged in if you’re planning to mirror for extended periods.
Q3: Can I use multiple displays with my Surface Pro?
A: Yes, you can connect your Surface Pro to multiple displays, including your TV and a separate monitor. This allows you to extend your desktop across multiple screens or create a duplicate display on each screen.
Q4: What are the benefits of using a wired connection over a wireless connection?
A: A wired connection is generally more reliable and stable than a wireless connection. It also offers better performance, particularly for high-resolution or high-bandwidth content. However, wired connections can be less convenient and might not be suitable for all situations.
Q5: Can I mirror my Surface Pro to my TV without a Wi-Fi network?
A: You can only mirror your Surface Pro to your TV wirelessly if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi network available, you’ll need to use a wired connection.