How can I charge my Surface Pro without a charger?

When people ask “How can I charge my Surface Pro without a charger?”, they usually mean:
“without the original charger that came with the device.” You still need a compatible power source,
but you do have several safe alternatives – especially if you own a newer Surface Pro model.
This guide explains your options and when it’s time to buy a proper replacement charger.

1. Know your Surface Pro model first

Your charging options depend on the exact Surface Pro generation:

• Surface Pro 3, 4, 5 (2017), 6 – charge via Surface Connect only
  (no native USB-C charging).
• Surface Pro 7, 7+, 8, 9 and Surface Pro X – support both
  Surface Connect and USB-C Power Delivery (PD).

You can confirm the model under Settings > System > About in Windows.
Once you know the model, you can choose the safest alternative power source.

2. Safe alternatives if you don’t have the original charger

Option A – USB-C Power Delivery charger (for newer models)

If you own a Surface Pro 7 / 7+ / 8 / 9 or Pro X, you can often use a
USB-C PD laptop charger instead of the original Surface Connect adapter.
To work reliably, the USB-C charger should:

• Support USB-C Power Delivery (PD), not just basic USB charging.
• Provide at least 45 W output (60–65 W is ideal).
• Offer a 15 V or 20 V PD profile.
• Be used with a high-quality, e-marked USB-C cable.

Small phone chargers (e.g. 18–25 W) usually cannot power a Surface Pro properly and should be avoided.

Option B – Surface Dock / Surface Dock 2

If you have a Surface Dock or Surface Dock 2, it already includes a
high-power adapter and charges via the Surface Connect port. Connecting your Surface Pro
to the dock lets you charge the device and use extra ports (USB, Ethernet, displays) at the same time.
For desk use, the dock can fully replace the original power brick.

Option C – USB-C power bank or USB-C monitor/dock (newer models)

Again for Surface Pro 7 / 7+ / 8 / 9 and Pro X, you may be able to charge using:

• A USB-C PD power bank with at least 45 W PD output.
• A USB-C monitor or USB-C docking station with PD, typically 60–65 W.

Always verify that the PD wattage and voltage profiles meet your Surface Pro’s requirements.

Option D – Borrow a compatible Surface Connect charger

For all Surface Pro models, the simplest short-term solution is to borrow a genuine or
high-quality Surface Connect charger from another user. Make sure:

• The connector is the slim magnetic Surface Connect blade.
• The wattage is the same or higher than your original adapter.
• The cable and plug show no signs of damage or overheating.

3. Recommended replacement Surface Connect chargers

If you frequently use your Surface Pro away from the desk, a dedicated Surface Connect charger is
still the most reliable long-term solution. Below are examples of common power levels used across
many Surface Pro and other Surface devices.

15V 2.58A 44W Surface Connect adapter – classic everyday choice

The 15V 2.58A 44W Surface Connect charger
is a classic rating for many Surface Pro configurations. It offers:

• Reliable power for everyday productivity and meetings.
• A compact brick that is easy to carry in a bag.
• A direct replacement for many original 44 W Microsoft adapters.

15V 2.6A 39W “Model 1963” adapter – compact travel option

The 15V 2.6A 39W “Model 1963” charger
is designed for lower-power or more efficient Surface devices, and is ideal if you want:

• A lightweight spare adapter for travel.
• Enough power for basic office work and web browsing.
• A compact second charger to keep in your bag or at work.

15V 4A 65W Surface Connect adapter – best for heavier workloads

The 15V 4A 65W Surface Connect charger
is a better choice if you:

• Run multiple apps, virtual meetings and external displays.
• Use newer or higher-power Surface models.
• Want one charger that comfortably covers several Surface devices.

4. What you should avoid

To protect both your Surface Pro and your safety, avoid:

• DIY experiments with cut cables, bare wires or universal bricks not designed for Surface.
• Very low-power USB-C phone chargers that cannot meet the device’s power needs.
• Non-certified adapters without clear voltage, current and protection specifications.

These can cause unstable charging, device damage or, in extreme cases, fire and electric shock hazards.

5. Bottom line: you still need a proper charger

You cannot truly charge a Surface Pro with no charger at all – only without the original one.
For newer models, USB-C PD, Surface Dock and power banks are useful alternatives, but the most stable,
long-term solution is a correctly specified Surface Connect charger with the right voltage and wattage.
Choose a high-quality replacement, and your Surface Pro will remain reliable for work, study and travel,
even long after the first charger is gone.