What kind of charger does a Surface Pro use?

If you own a Microsoft Surface Pro, choosing the right charger is critical for performance, battery health, and safety.
While all Surface Pro devices look similar on the outside, they don’t all use exactly the same power adapter.
Different generations require different wattages, and newer models can also charge via USB-C Power Delivery (PD).
This guide explains what kind of charger a Surface Pro uses, how to match the connector and wattage,
and what to look for when buying a replacement adapter.

1. The two main ways a Surface Pro charges

Surface Pro devices use one (or both) of the following charging methods:

• Surface Connect charger (magnetic blade connector)
  This is the slim, magnetic “blade” connector that snaps onto the side of the device.
  It’s used by most Surface Pro generations and is still the primary charging port even on many newer models.
• USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger
  On supported models, a USB-C PD charger can power and charge the Surface Pro via its USB-C port.
  The charger must support the correct PD voltage and wattage (typically 15 V or 20 V profiles).

Which type you can use depends on your specific Surface Pro generation, so identifying your model correctly is the first step.

2. Which charger does each Surface Pro generation use?

Here is a general overview of how different Surface Pro generations are powered:

• Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro (2017 / Pro 5), Surface Pro 6
  These models use a Surface Connect magnetic charger only. They do not support native USB-C charging.
• Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+
  These models have both a Surface Connect port and a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery.
  You can use either a genuine/compatible Surface Connect charger or a properly specified USB-C PD charger.
• Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro X
  These newer generations also support both Surface Connect and USB-C PD.
  A Surface Connect charger is still the default option, but a high-quality USB-C PD charger with the correct wattage will also work.

In practice, this means:

• If you have a Surface Pro 3–6, you should use a Surface Connect power adapter.
• If you have a Surface Pro 7/7+/8/9 or Pro X, you can use either Surface Connect or USB-C PD.

3. Understanding the connector: Surface Connect vs USB-C

Surface Connect magnetic charger

The Surface Connect charger has a slim magnetic blade that attaches to the side of your Surface Pro.
Inside the brick, it regulates voltage and provides the power level required by your device.
If you’re buying a replacement, make sure it is explicitly described as compatible with your exact Surface Pro model.

USB-C PD charger (for supported models)

For Surface Pro 7 and later (and Pro X), the USB-C port can accept charging via USB-C Power Delivery (PD).
To work properly, the charger must:

• Support USB-C Power Delivery, not just basic USB charging.
• Offer at least 45 W output (60–65 W is ideal for smooth performance while in use).
• Provide a 15 V or 20 V PD profile, which the Surface Pro uses for charging.
• Be used with a high-quality, e-marked USB-C cable.

USB-C is convenient if you want a single charger for multiple USB-C laptops, tablets, and phones, but Surface Connect remains the most “native” way to charge a Surface Pro.

4. What wattage charger does a Surface Pro need?

Surface Pro chargers are available in different wattage ratings. The exact wattage depends on the generation and configuration,
but most Surface Pro devices use adapters in the 36 W – 65 W range.

When replacing a charger, the key rules are:

• Match or exceed the original wattage. It is safe to use a higher-wattage charger (for example, a 65 W charger on a device that came with 44 W).
  The Surface Pro will only draw what it needs.
• Never go lower than the original wattage. A weaker charger may cause slow charging, battery drain while in use, or unexpected shutdowns.
• Match the voltage and connector. The output voltage (e.g. 12 V or 15 V) and connector type (Surface Connect or USB-C PD) must be compatible.

If you still have your old charger, you can usually find the wattage printed on the label (for example, “36W”, “44W”, or “65W”) along with the output voltage and current.

5. Original vs third-party Surface Pro chargers

You don’t always need to buy a charger from Microsoft directly, but you do need a high-quality, correctly specified replacement.

Look for chargers that:

• Clearly list the compatible Surface models (e.g. Surface Pro 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9).
• Have the same connector type as your device (Surface Connect or USB-C PD).
• Provide at least the same wattage as the original adapter.
• Include built-in safety features such as over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit, and temperature protection.
• Come from a reputable supplier with clear warranty and returns policy.

A well-designed third-party charger can offer the same power and protection as an original adapter—often at a more attractive price—provided it meets these technical and safety standards.

6. How to check which charger your Surface Pro needs

To be sure you choose the right charger, follow these steps:

1. Identify your exact Surface Pro model.
   On your device, go to Settings > System > About and note the model name,
   such as “Surface Pro 7” or “Surface Pro 9”.
2. Check your charging port.
   Does your device have only the Surface Connect port, or also a USB-C port that supports charging?
   Pro 7 and later can use both.
3. Check the original charger (if available).
   Read the wattage and output voltage from the label to match or exceed with your replacement.
4. Choose a replacement from a specialist store.
   Use a website that lets you filter by model, wattage, and connector so you know the adapter is compatible.

7. Summary: what kind of charger does a Surface Pro use?

• Connector type: All Surface Pro generations support the magnetic Surface Connect charger. Newer generations (Pro 7 and later / Pro X) can also charge via USB-C PD.
• Wattage: Typically between 36 W and 65 W, depending on model. Always match or exceed your original wattage.
• Compatibility: Use a charger that lists your exact Surface Pro model and matches the connector and voltage requirements.
• Safety: Choose adapters with proper protection circuitry and from a reputable supplier to protect your device and battery.

Once you know your model, connector type, and wattage, choosing the right Surface Pro charger becomes straightforward.
A properly specified adapter will keep your Surface running reliably for work, study, and travel—without overheating, random shutdowns, or battery problems.