Table of Contents

Can You Use a Surface Pro as a Monitor? A Deep Dive

Yes, technically, you can use a Surface Pro as a monitor, but it’s not a straightforward “plug-and-play” experience like connecting to a regular external display. There are caveats and limitations, primarily revolving around the absence of a dedicated video input port on the Surface Pro. Let’s explore how to get this done and whether it’s actually a worthwhile endeavor.

Understanding the Limitations: No Dedicated Input

The core issue is the lack of an HDMI-in or similar video input port on any Surface Pro model. This means you can’t simply connect a video source (like a game console or another computer) directly to the Surface Pro via HDMI and have it display the video. The Surface Pro’s ports are designed primarily for output, meaning sending the display signal from the Surface Pro to an external monitor.

The Workarounds: Remote Desktop and Alternatives

So, how can you use it as a monitor? The solutions generally involve using software or network-based approaches. Here are the most common methods:

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): This is the most common method. If you have a Windows PC you wish to “project” to the Surface Pro, you can use Remote Desktop. Enable Remote Desktop on the source PC and then use the Remote Desktop app on the Surface Pro to connect to it. This essentially turns the Surface Pro into a thin client for the remote machine, displaying its screen and allowing control. This is great for accessing files and programs on your other PC from your Surface Pro.
Third-Party Screen Sharing Apps: Numerous apps like VNC Viewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and spacedesk offer screen sharing capabilities. These work similarly to RDP, utilizing your network connection to transmit the display and input signals. The performance can vary drastically depending on your network speed and the app you choose. spacedesk, in particular, is designed to allow a PC to use another device (like the Surface Pro) as an external display. It offers better performance than RDP in certain scenarios.
Miracast (Wireless Display): While not strictly turning the Surface Pro into a monitor, you can use Miracast to wirelessly project your screen to the Surface Pro. This works if you have another device supporting Miracast and the Surface Pro is configured to receive the projection. The latency might be noticeable, making it unsuitable for gaming or tasks demanding precise timing. Miracast is ideal for presentations or casually sharing content.
Capture Cards (Limited Use): While less common and requiring additional hardware, you could technically use a USB capture card connected to the Surface Pro. The capture card would receive the HDMI input from the video source, and software on the Surface Pro would display the captured video. However, this introduces significant latency and is primarily intended for recording video, not real-time display. This method is more complicated and is often not worth the effort.

Is it Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before diving into these methods, it’s important to consider whether using the Surface Pro as a monitor is truly the best solution.

Pros:

Portability: If you’re on the go and need a second screen in a pinch, the Surface Pro can serve as a temporary solution.
Multi-Functionality: You can still use the Surface Pro for its primary purpose as a tablet/laptop while it’s functioning as a secondary display.
No Extra Hardware (Potentially): If you’re using RDP or similar software, you may not need to purchase additional cables or adapters (beyond what you likely already own).

Cons:

Performance Issues: Network latency, encoding/decoding overhead, and software limitations can lead to lag, stuttering, and reduced image quality.
Limited Functionality: You’re not getting the same experience as a dedicated monitor. You are restricted by the software or workaround being used.
Battery Drain: Running screen sharing apps or capturing video can significantly drain the Surface Pro’s battery.
Software Configuration: Setting up RDP or other screen-sharing solutions can be technically challenging for some users.
No True Input: The Surface Pro is still acting primarily as a receiving device, not a true display with native input capabilities.

Use Cases Where It Makes Sense

While not ideal for all scenarios, here are some situations where using the Surface Pro as a monitor might be beneficial:

Extending your desktop workspace while traveling.
Monitoring a server or network remotely.
Giving presentations in a pinch.
Displaying diagnostic information for another computer.
Quickly accessing files and programs on your desktop PC while using your Surface Pro elsewhere in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to use my Surface Pro as a monitor?

No, a USB-C to HDMI adapter only allows you to output video from the Surface Pro to an external monitor. It does not allow you to input video into the Surface Pro. These adapters are one-way streets for video signals.

2. Will using the Surface Pro as a monitor affect its performance?

Yes, using the Surface Pro as a monitor will impact its performance. The CPU and GPU will be taxed by encoding/decoding video streams, which can slow down other tasks you’re trying to perform on the Surface Pro. Expect to see increased fan noise and potentially reduced battery life.

3. What’s the best software for using my Surface Pro as a monitor?

The best software depends on your specific needs and network conditions. spacedesk is often recommended for its performance, while RDP is a solid option for Windows-to-Windows connections. TeamViewer and AnyDesk are versatile and easy to use, especially for remote access scenarios.

4. Does Miracast work well for gaming on my Surface Pro?

Generally, Miracast is not ideal for gaming due to noticeable latency. The lag can make it difficult to react quickly and precisely, leading to a frustrating gaming experience. Consider using a wired connection or a dedicated monitor for gaming.

5. Can I use my Surface Pro as a monitor for my Xbox or PlayStation?

Not directly. You can’t connect your Xbox or PlayStation directly to the Surface Pro without a capture card. A capture card introduces significant lag. Remote Play options offered by both Xbox and PlayStation are alternative routes.

6. What is the latency like when using RDP to display my PC on my Surface Pro?

RDP latency can vary depending on your network connection, the performance of both your PC and Surface Pro, and the complexity of the displayed content. Expect some degree of lag, especially with visually demanding applications.

7. Does using the Surface Pro as a monitor drain the battery faster?

Yes, running screen sharing apps or using a capture card will drain the battery faster. The Surface Pro is actively processing and displaying video, which consumes significant power. Be sure to keep your Surface Pro plugged in if using it as a monitor for an extended period.

8. Can I use the touch screen on the Surface Pro to control the remote PC when using it as a monitor?

Yes, when using RDP or similar screen-sharing apps, you can typically use the touch screen on the Surface Pro to interact with the remote PC. This allows you to use your finger or the Surface Pen to control the mouse cursor and interact with applications.

9. Is a wired network connection better than Wi-Fi for using the Surface Pro as a monitor?

Yes, a wired network connection (Ethernet) is generally more stable and offers lower latency than Wi-Fi. If possible, connecting both your PC and Surface Pro to the network via Ethernet will provide a better experience.

10. What are the minimum system requirements for using RDP?

Both the source PC and the Surface Pro need to be running a compatible version of Windows. The Surface Pro needs to be running a version of Windows that includes the Remote Desktop Client application. Refer to Microsoft’s documentation for specific system requirements.

11. Can I use a Surface Go as a monitor in the same way as a Surface Pro?

Yes, the same methods and limitations apply to the Surface Go as they do to the Surface Pro. The Surface Go also lacks a dedicated video input port and relies on software or network-based solutions for screen sharing. The Surface Go’s weaker hardware may result in even more noticeable performance issues.

12. Are there any dedicated hardware solutions to easily use Surface Pro as a monitor?

Not exactly “easy,” but you can use a USB capture card connected to the Surface Pro and the video source. This will allow you to display the video source in an application window. Capture cards introduce significant latency and are therefore not suitable for real-time gaming.