Microsoft

Microsoft 3U4-00001 Surface Ethernet Adapter Gigabit USB 3.0

Name: Microsoft 3U4-00001 Surface Ethernet Adapter Gigabit USB 3.0
Brand: Microsoft
SKU: 3U4-00001

★★★★★4.5 (188 reviews)

USB 3.0

Gigabit wired networking through USB 3.0 gives Surface Pro users stable, low-latency ethernet connectivity where Wi-Fi falls short.

$49.99*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Microsoft Surface Ethernet Adapter (3U4-00001) is a USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet dongle purpose-built for the Surface Pro ecosystem, delivering up to 800 Mbps data transfer rate over a wired network connection. The USB 3.0 bus provides a 5 Gbps theoretical ceiling — more than sufficient headroom for the Gigabit ethernet interface — so the adapter's 800 Mbps practical rating reflects real-world USB overhead rather than a hardware design constraint. The 213mm cable and 62mm x 22mm x 17mm body keep the total package under 26 grams, making it a genuinely portable add-on that disappears into a laptop bag. Windows' native USB-to-Ethernet driver stack handles device enumeration on Surface Pro hardware without user-initiated driver installation on Windows 8 and later.

This adapter addresses the core limitation of Surface Pro's cable-free design: no built-in ethernet port. In enterprise environments, conference rooms, and hotel setups where Wi-Fi reliability is inconsistent, wired ethernet eliminates the jitter and bandwidth variance that affect video conferencing and large file transfer workflows. The 3U4-00001 is built specifically for Surface Pro 1–3, though the underlying USB ethernet technology functions on broader USB 3.0 hardware. It is a single-purpose accessory for users who encounter wired network requirements regularly — those who occasionally need ethernet will find it indispensable in the moment, while users who work exclusively on wireless networks will find no use case for it at all.

Key Features

Ethernet Adapter for Microsoft Surface - 3U4-00001

Specifications

Product Type

Ethernet Adapter

Compatibility

Microsoft Surface

Connection

USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

800 Mbps rated throughput over USB 3.0 provides near-Gigabit wired network speeds, eliminating wireless bandwidth variance during large file transfers or video conferencing
213mm cable length keeps the adapter close to the machine without a bulky passthrough block at the port
Plug-and-play on Windows 8 and later with no manual driver installation required on supported Surface hardware
25.6g weight makes the adapter genuinely pocket-portable as part of a Surface carry kit
Compact form factor (62mm x 22mm x 17mm) stores cleanly in a bag without occupying significant space

👎 Cons

Occupies the Surface's USB-A port permanently while connected, eliminating that port for any other peripheral unless a USB hub is introduced
213mm cable creates a short tether that limits desk routing flexibility — ethernet wall plates on the opposite side of the device require cable rerouting
Officially supported compatibility statement covers only Surface Pro, Pro 2, and Pro 3 — use on later Surface generations or non-Surface devices is outside Microsoft's confirmed support envelope
No USB-C variant exists for this model, making it incompatible with Surface devices that have moved to USB-C-only configurations
At 800 Mbps rated throughput, the adapter stops slightly short of full Gigabit line rate — a minor limitation but relevant in benchmarked network environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual throughput of the Microsoft Surface Ethernet Adapter on USB 3.0, and does USB 3.0 bottleneck Gigabit speeds?

The adapter is rated at 800 Mbps data transfer rate. USB 3.0 provides up to 5 Gbps theoretical bandwidth, so the bus itself is not the bottleneck — the Gigabit ethernet interface (1 Gbps theoretical) is the practical ceiling. Real-world performance will depend on network infrastructure, but the USB 3.0 bus overhead does not limit ethernet throughput at Gigabit speeds.

What Surface models is the 3U4-00001 confirmed compatible with?

Microsoft lists compatibility with Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3. These models share the USB 3.0 Type-A port that the adapter requires. Later Surface Pro generations (4 and beyond) with USB-A ports will also work, but Microsoft's official compatibility statement covers only the first three generations — test for driver availability on newer OS versions if using with later hardware.

Does the adapter require driver installation, or is it plug-and-play?

For Surface devices running Windows 8 and later, the adapter leverages Microsoft's built-in USB-to-Ethernet driver stack and should enumerate as a network adapter without manual driver installation. If using with an operating system outside the standard Windows environment, driver availability should be confirmed before purchase.

What is the cable length of the adapter, and does the dongle design create cable management concerns?

The adapter cable measures 213mm (approximately 8.4 inches). This short tether keeps the adapter close to the Surface device — useful for tight desk setups but potentially awkward if the ethernet wall port is not near the machine's USB side. The dongle-style design also means it occupies the USB port continuously while connected.

Can the 3U4-00001 be used with non-Surface laptops via USB 3.0?

The adapter is designed for Surface devices but the underlying USB-to-Ethernet chipset will function on any USB 3.0-equipped Windows laptop. Microsoft's compatibility certification is Surface-specific, so full driver support and optimal performance on non-Surface hardware is not guaranteed.