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

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How to add ethernet to the Surface Book 2

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

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

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Because the Surface Book 2 doesn'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.

Best dock

Surface Dock

Helping it to feel like a desktop

In addition to adding an Ethernet port, the Surface Dock has four additional USB ports, two additional mini-display ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Surface Dock allows you to set up your peripherals and wired connections once through the dock. Then you just have to plug or unplug one cable through the Surface connect port when you're at your desk.

Best dongle

StarTech USB 3.0-A to ethernet adapter

More compact and budget-friendly option

This adapter is easy to fit in your bag and adds an ethernet port to your Surface Book 2.

While this dongle doesn't have as many ports as the Surface Dock, it has a dedicated ethernet port that handles 10/100/1000mbps networks and is smaller and less expensive than the 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 cable ($7 at Amazon)

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

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