In order to connect your Surface Pro to ethernet, you need to use an adapter or a hub/docking station as the device doesn’t have an ethernet port.
Whether for gaming, working, or browsing the internet, ethernet is preferred by many over WiFi. It offers better speed, a more consistent connection, and better security. Unfortunately, no model of the Surface Pro comes with a built-in ethernet port.
But thankfully, there are still ways to enjoy the benefits of ethernet on your Surface Pro. With that in mind, this guide is going to go over the different methods for connecting a Surface Pro to ethernet.
Key Takeaways
- Because the Surface Pro doesn’t have an ethernet port, you need an additional item to connect to the internet this way.
- Using an adapter or dongle can be an affordable and straightforward way to connect your Surface Pro to ethernet.
- If you want to not only connect to ethernet but also turn your Surface Pro into a desktop PC, a hub or docking station might be a better idea.
Use an Adapter
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to connect your Surface Pro to ethernet is with an adapter. This adapter is a small device that can plug into a port on your Surface Pro (like USB C) and essentially turn it into an ethernet port.
Using this adapter is very simple as all you need to do is plug the USB end into your device, and wait for the driver to successfully install. Next, simply plug an ethernet cable into the other side of the adapter. Of course, make sure the ethernet cable is attached to your router or modem.
After these steps, it is a good idea to check the connection and make sure it was successful. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status to check your connection status and ensure there are no issues.
These adapters are not only simple to use, but also very portable so you can easily put them into a bag or pocket and take them with you to school or work.
Use a Docking Station or Hub
In addition to an adapter, you can also use a docking station or hub. While these hubs and docking stations are great for ethernet, they can also add additional USB ports, HDMI ports, displays, and so much more to your Surface Pro.
They simply add more functionality to your Surface Pro, and provide more opportunities to connect different devices or peripherals to improve your experience. These are often larger, and in some cases can turn your Surface Pro into a desktop PC as they may come with a stand.
Connecting your Surface Pro to ethernet with a hub or docking station is also very simple. For most hubs, you will simply connect them to a single port on your device like with adapters. Then, locate the ethernet port on the hub and connect the correct cable.
On the other hand, docking stations will generally plug into the wall and then allow your Surface Pro to be plugged into the docking station. Once connected, you will then be able to connect your ethernet cable, connect to external monitors, charge your Surface Pro, and more.
Final Thoughts
Connecting to ethernet is not only more secure, but often provides a faster and more consistent connection. While the Surface Pro doesn’t have a built-in ethernet port, we hope that this article has been able to help you learn some of the different ways to connect your device to ethernet.
If there is something else you think this article should have mentioned, don’t hesitate to let us know in a comment below.
