How to Wirelessly Connect a Surface Tablet to a TV

Turn your TV into a second screen for streaming videos and more

By
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer
  • University of Central Florida
Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications.
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Updated on December 7, 2020

What to Know

  • On your Surface tablet, go to the Action Center and select Connect to see available devices and to connect.
  • Surface devices connect to compatible displays using Miracast or a Microsoft Wireless Adapter (sold separately).

This article explains how to connect a Surface to a TV wirelessly using Miracast or a Microsoft Wireless Adapter. Instructions apply to all Microsoft Surface tablets.

Connect Surface to TV Wirelessly Using Miracast

Before you begin, make sure your display supports Miracast by visiting the manufacturer's website for your TV or monitor.

Additionally, the Wi-Fi Alliance has a continually updated list of Miracast-certified devices.

  1. On the Surface tablet, open the Action Center by tapping the icon in the lower-right corner.

    The Action Center icon

  2. Select Connect.

    The Connect button

  3. You should see a list of available devices. Find and select the one you want to connect to.

    A device in the Connect menu

  4. Some devices ask for a PIN or passcode before continuing. After entering the required information, you should see your Surface tablet's screen on your TV.

Wirelessly Connect Surface Tablet to TV Using Microsoft Wireless Adapter

The adapter lets you share audio and video from your device to a television that does not already support Miracast.

  1. On the Surface tablet, download and install the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter app. It's free on the Microsoft Store.

    The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter app in the Microsoft Store

  2. Connect the HDMI end of the Microsoft Wireless Adapter into an HDMI port on the TV.

  3. Connect the USB end of the adapter into a USB charging port on the TV.

    The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter draws power from the USB connection. If your TV doesn't have a USB charging port, plug the USB end of the adapter into any other USB charger, including a Surface Pro power supply or a Surface docking station.

  4. Change the TV input to match the HDMI port into which you just plugged the adapter.

  5. On the Surface tablet, open the Action Center by swiping in from the right edge of the screen or select the Action Center icon in the taskbar.

    The Action Center icon

  6. Select Connect, then select Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.

    The Connect button

You're Connected. Now What?

Once you connect your Surface tablet to your television, you can use it as a second screen to stream videos wirelessly, display family photos, give a Powerpoint presentation, and more. You can also move apps between your Surface and your TV, or use two or more apps side by side.

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