How to add Ethernet port to Surface Book 2 or Surface Book 3

Microsoft Surface Dock
Microsoft Surface Dock (Image credit: Windows Central)

Ethernet connections provide reliable internet in buildings and areas where Wi-Fi signals can be weak. While the Surface Book 2 and Surface Book 3 don't have an Ethernet port, you can easily add one using a dock or dongle.

Products used in this guide

How to add Ethernet to the Surface Book 2 or Surface Book 3

  1. Plug in dongle or dock into the appropriate port on the Surface Book 2 or Surface Book 3.
  2. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router.
  3. Plug the Ethernet cable into your dock or dongle.

Windows 10 handles any network setup when you physically connect your router to your Surface Book 2 or Surface Book 3 using an Ethernet cable and adapter. Unless your network has extra security features, it is plug-and-play.

Our top equipment picks

Because the Surface Book 2 and Surface Book 3 don't have an Ethernet port, you have to use a dock or dongle that allows you to connect an Ethernet cable to the device using the Surface connect port, USB-A port, or USB-C port.

This new and improved Surface Dock has new ports, faster speeds, and provides more power to your supported Surface devices. You'll have to wait a bit to order this new dock, though, since it was just announced and isn't available quite yet.

The older Surface Dock is outdone by its successor in just about every way, but if you have an older Surface device and want to use a Surface Dock, you have to go with the original.

You can use this dongle with your Surface Book 2 or 3's USB-C ports. It supports USB 3.1 and can transfer files with 10/100/1,000 Mbps network speeds.

While this dongle doesn't have as many ports as the Surface Docks, it has a dedicated Ethernet port that handles 10/100/1000mbps networks and is smaller and less expensive than either Surface Dock.

Additional Equipment

You can't have Ethernet without a cable, and a Cat-6 cable will handle just about any internet speed you throw at it.

Amazon Basics Cat 6 Ethernet cables

Amazon Basics Cat 6 Ethernet cables (Image credit: Amazon)

Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet cable ($7 at Amazon)

This cable can transfer up to 1Gbps more than most internet connections.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.