Surface Pro charger type usually means one of two things:
- USB-C (Power Delivery / PD) charging
- Surface Connect (Microsoft’s magnetic charging port)
Some Surface Pro generations support both, while a few models charge via USB-C only or an older Surface charging port. This guide shows you how to identify your port type and pick the right wattage.
1) Surface Pro charger types
Type A: USB-C (PD) only
These models charge only via USB-C. You must use a USB-C PD charger with enough wattage and a quality cable.
Type B: USB-C or Surface Connect
These models can charge through either port. USB-C is convenient for travel; Surface Connect is the classic magnetic connector. To get stable charging during heavy use, match the recommended wattage.
Type C: Surface Connect only
Older Surface Pros rely on Surface Connect (no USB-C charging). Use the correct Surface Connect power supply/wattage for your generation.
Type D: Legacy Surface charging port (very old models)
Early Surface Pro generations use an older charging port. Those chargers are not interchangeable with Surface Connect.
2) How to identify your Surface Pro model (fast)
- Windows Surface app: Open the Surface app to see your exact model name.
- Settings: Go to Settings → System → About and note the device name/specs.
- Ports check: Look for USB-C on the edge, and whether you also have the Surface Connect magnetic port.
Tip: If your Surface has USB-C, it does not automatically mean any phone USB-C charger will work well. The charger must support USB-C Power Delivery and provide enough wattage (and the right voltage profiles).
3) Surface Pro wattage chart (model-by-model)
Use this chart to match your Surface Pro model with the charger type and a safe wattage target.
| Surface Pro model | Charges via | Minimum wattage | Recommended (fast charge) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition) | USB-C (PD) only | 27W | 45W | USB-C charger may not be included (varies by package). |
| Surface Pro (11th Edition) / (11th Edition) with 5G | USB-C (PD) or Surface Connect | 39W | 60W | 60W is the safer choice for faster, steadier charging. |
| Surface Pro 10 for Business / with 5G | USB-C (PD) or Surface Connect | 39W | 45W | 45W+ recommended if you multitask while charging. |
| Surface Pro 9 / Pro 9 with 5G | USB-C (PD) or Surface Connect | 39W (5G) / 60W (non-5G) | 60W | If in doubt, choose 60W with a good PD cable. |
| Surface Pro X / Surface Pro 8 | USB-C (PD) or Surface Connect | 60W | 60W | Match 60W for normal/fast charging expectations. |
| Surface Pro 7+ / Surface Pro 7 | USB-C (PD) or Surface Connect | 60W | No fast charge | Using higher wattage won’t unlock fast charge on these models. |
| Surface Pro 6 / Surface Pro (5th Gen) / (5th Gen) LTE | Surface Connect only | 39W | No fast charge | Use the correct Surface Connect charger for stable charging. |
| Surface Pro 4 (Core M SKU) | Surface Connect only | 24W | No fast charge | Lower-power variant: don’t assume it matches other Pro 4 units. |
| Surface Pro 4 | Surface Connect only | 31W | No fast charge | Older-style output—match the correct adapter rating. |
| Surface Pro 3 | Surface Connect only | 31W | No fast charge | Use the right-generation charger to avoid charging instability. |
| Surface Pro 2 / Surface Pro (1st Gen) | Legacy Surface charging port | 48W | No fast charge | Not compatible with Surface Connect chargers. |
Practical recommendation: If your model supports USB-C charging, a reputable 60W USB-C PD charger (plus a quality USB-C cable rated for high power) is a safe all-around choice for many modern Surface Pros—especially if you charge while working.
4) Buying checklist (avoid wrong chargers)
- Confirm your port type: USB-C only, USB-C + Surface Connect, or Surface Connect only.
- Match wattage: Don’t go below the minimum; aim for the recommended wattage for best results.
- USB-C needs PD: Look for “USB-C Power Delivery (PD)” on the charger—basic USB-C phone bricks may be too weak or lack the right profiles.
- Don’t forget the cable: For higher wattage, use a quality USB-C cable rated for 60W/100W (cheap cables can limit power).
- Safety matters: Choose a charger with proper protections (over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature).
FAQ
Can I charge a Surface Pro with a USB-C phone charger?
Sometimes—but it’s not ideal. Many phone chargers are low wattage. Your Surface Pro may charge slowly, or may not charge at all under heavy load. A PD charger that meets (or exceeds) the recommended wattage is the safer choice.
Is Surface Connect better than USB-C?
Surface Connect is convenient (magnetic) and commonly reliable for Surface devices. USB-C is universal and great for travel. If your model supports both, choose based on convenience—just make sure wattage and quality are correct.
Why does my Surface Pro charge slowly even with USB-C?
Common causes: charger wattage too low, charger not truly PD, cable not rated for higher power, or you’re using the device heavily while charging. Upgrading to the recommended wattage and a quality cable usually fixes this.