When your Surface keyboard is not working, it can disrupt your productivity, whether you’re using a Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, or a Microsoft Surface detachable keyboard. Below we provide a comprehensive guide with detailed solutions to fix these issues.
Common Causes of Surface Keyboard Not Working
Before fixing the issue, it is important to understand why the Surface Pro keyboard not working problem happens. Several factors can trigger these errors:
Loose or faulty keyboard connection
Outdated or corrupt drivers
System updates interfering with device functionality
Battery and power-related issues
Physical damage or wear and tear
Knowing the cause helps determine the most effective fix.
Check Physical Connections and Keyboard Dock
A common reason for the Surface keyboard not working is poor connection between the device and the keyboard.
Detach the keyboard and inspect the magnetic connectors.
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean any dust or debris.
Reconnect the keyboard securely to ensure a firm magnetic hold.
If using a Surface Pro Type Cover, press along the connector strip to confirm contact.
This simple step often resolves the issue instantly.
Restart Your Surface Device
Sometimes, a system glitch may cause the Microsoft Surface keyboard not working problem. Restarting can clear temporary bugs.
Press and hold the Power Button for 10 seconds.
Wait a few seconds, then power it on again.
If using a Surface Pro keyboard, test functionality after reboot.
A quick restart often re-establishes device communication with the keyboard.
Run Surface Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers built-in tools to diagnose and repair hardware problems.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Keyboard Troubleshooter and follow on-screen instructions.
Restart your Surface and test the keyboard.
This helps resolve common Surface Laptop keyboard not working issues without advanced steps.
Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the main reasons for Surface Pro keyboard not working errors. Updating them restores functionality.
Steps to Update Drivers Manually:
Right-click Start Menu and select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards.
Right-click Surface Keyboard Device and choose Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for updated drivers.
Reinstalling the Driver:
Right-click the keyboard driver and select Uninstall Device.
Restart your Surface, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Use PcGoGo Driver Sentry for Automatic Fixes
Manual driver updates may be time-consuming. For a faster and more reliable solution, we recommend PcGoGo Driver Sentry. This professional driver updater can:
Detect outdated or missing drivers automatically
Download and install the latest Surface keyboard drivers
Repair corrupted driver files causing keyboard malfunctions
Optimize system performance with one click
How to Fix with PcGoGo Driver Sentry:
Download and install PcGoGo Driver Sentry.
Launch the program and run a full system scan.
Review the detected outdated or missing drivers.
Click Update All to install the correct Surface drivers.
This ensures that your Microsoft Surface keyboard not working issue is resolved efficiently, without technical hassle.
When to Contact Microsoft Support
If your Microsoft Surface keyboard not working issue continues even after trying all fixes, it may be time to reach out to Microsoft support. Devices under warranty may qualify for free replacement or repair.
Conclusion
The Surface keyboard not working problem can result from software glitches, outdated drivers, or hardware damage. By checking connections, updating drivers, running troubleshooters, and using tools like PcGoGo Driver Sentry, you can restore functionality quickly and effectively. If the issue persists, contacting Microsoft support ensures a permanent resolution.
