Surface keyboard not working Here’s how to fix it

If you’re a proud owner of a Microsoft Surface device, you know how important the keyboard is for your productivity. So, when you find that your Surface keyboard is not working, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

There could be several reasons why your Surface keyboard is not working. It could be a software issue, a hardware problem, or simply a connectivity glitch. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.

First, let’s start with some basic troubleshooting steps. Make sure that your Surface device is charged and turned on. Check if the keyboard is properly connected to your device. If it’s a wireless keyboard, ensure that the batteries are not dead and that it’s paired correctly. If it’s a detachable keyboard, detach and reattach it to your Surface device.

If the basic steps didn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to dive deeper into the software settings. Check if the keyboard driver is up to date. You can do this by going to the Device Manager and looking for the keyboard driver under the “Keyboards” section. If it’s outdated or has a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on it and select “Update driver.”

If updating the driver didn’t solve the problem, you can try a system restore to a previous point when the keyboard was working fine. This can help if the issue is caused by a recent software update or installation.

If all else fails, it’s possible that there’s a hardware problem with your Surface keyboard. In this case, you may need to contact Microsoft support or consider getting a replacement keyboard.

Remember, troubleshooting the Surface keyboard not working issue can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you should be able to get your keyboard back up and running in no time.

Surface Keyboard Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

If you’re facing issues with your Surface keyboard not working, don’t worry! There are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to get it up and running again. Follow the steps below to fix the problem:

1. Check the connection: Ensure that your Surface keyboard is properly connected to your device. Make sure the Bluetooth is enabled and try reconnecting the keyboard.
2. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Restart your Surface device and check if the keyboard starts working.
3. Update drivers: Outdated drivers can cause keyboard connectivity problems. Go to the official Microsoft website and download the latest drivers for your Surface device.
4. Clean the keyboard: Dust and debris can interfere with the keyboard’s functionality. Use a soft cloth or compressed air to clean the keys and ensure there is no obstruction.
5. Check for physical damage: Inspect the keyboard for any physical damage. If you notice any, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
6. Reset Bluetooth settings: Resetting the Bluetooth settings can help resolve connectivity issues. Go to the settings menu on your Surface device, navigate to Bluetooth settings, and choose the option to reset.
7. Try a different USB port: If you’re using a Surface keyboard with a USB connection, try plugging it into a different USB port on your device. Sometimes, the port itself may be causing the problem.
8. Contact support: If none of the above steps work, it’s best to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance. They will be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or arrange a repair if necessary.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Surface keyboard not working. Remember to always keep your device and drivers up to date to avoid any future problems.

Check the Connection

If your Surface keyboard is not working, the first thing you should do is check the connection. Make sure that the keyboard is properly connected to your Surface device. Here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Disconnect the keyboard from your Surface device.
2. Check the connection port on your Surface device for any debris or dust. Use a can of compressed air to clean it if necessary.
3. Inspect the keyboard connector for any visible damage or dirt. If you see any, gently clean it with a soft cloth.
4. Reconnect the keyboard to your Surface device, making sure it is securely plugged in.

Once you have checked the connection, try using the keyboard again to see if it is working. If the issue persists, you can move on to the next troubleshooting steps.

Ensure Properly Plugged In

If your Surface keyboard is not working, the first thing you should check is if it is properly plugged in. Sometimes, the keyboard may become loose or disconnected, causing it to stop functioning.

Here’s what you can do to ensure it is properly plugged in:

1. Check the connection between the keyboard and your Surface device. Make sure the cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the device.
2. If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the batteries are properly inserted and have enough charge.
3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the keyboard. Sometimes, simply reseating the connection can resolve any connectivity issues.
4. If you are using a detachable keyboard, detach it from your Surface device and then reattach it. Ensure that it is firmly attached and aligned correctly.

If the keyboard is still not working after checking the connection, you may need to troubleshoot further or consider contacting Microsoft support for assistance.

Try a Different USB Port

If your Surface keyboard is not working, one possible solution is to try connecting it to a different USB port on your device. Sometimes, the USB port you are using may be experiencing issues or may not be providing enough power to the keyboard.

Here is how you can try a different USB port:

1. Disconnect the keyboard from the current USB port.
2. Look for another available USB port on your Surface device.
3. Connect the keyboard to the new USB port.

After connecting the keyboard to a different USB port, check if it starts working. If it does, then the issue was with the previous USB port. If the keyboard still doesn’t work, you can try the other troubleshooting methods mentioned in this article.

Replace Batteries

If your Surface keyboard is not working, one of the first things you should check is the batteries. The keyboard requires batteries to function properly, so if they are low or dead, it may cause the keyboard to stop working.

To replace the batteries in your Surface keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your Surface keyboard by flipping it over and finding the power switch. Slide the switch to the “Off” position.
2. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the keyboard. It is usually located near the top or bottom, and may have a small latch or button to open it.
3. Open the battery compartment and remove the old batteries. Make sure to dispose of them properly.
4. Insert new batteries into the compartment, making sure to match the positive and negative ends correctly.
5. Close the battery compartment securely.
6. Turn on your Surface keyboard by sliding the power switch to the “On” position.

Once you have replaced the batteries, test your Surface keyboard to see if it is working properly. If the issue persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Update or Reinstall Drivers

If your Surface keyboard is not working, one possible solution is to update or reinstall the drivers for the keyboard. Drivers are software programs that allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices, such as keyboards.

To update or reinstall the drivers for your Surface keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official website of Microsoft.
2. Search for the drivers for your specific Surface model.
3. Download the latest drivers for your Surface keyboard.
4. Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers.
6. Restart your Surface device.

If updating the drivers does not resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling the drivers. To reinstall the drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Keyboards category.
3. Right-click on your Surface keyboard and select Uninstall device.
4. Confirm the uninstallation.
5. Restart your Surface device.
6. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers for your Surface keyboard.

If the problem persists after updating or reinstalling the drivers, there may be a hardware issue with your Surface keyboard. In this case, it is recommended to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Check for Updates

If your Surface keyboard is not working, one of the first things you should do is check for updates. Microsoft regularly releases updates for its Surface devices, including firmware and driver updates that can help resolve issues with the keyboard.

To check for updates on your Surface device, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Surface device to the internet.
2. Click on the Start button and select “Settings”.
3. In the Settings menu, click on “Update & Security”.
4. Click on “Windows Update” in the left-hand menu.
5. Click on the “Check for updates” button.

If there are any available updates for your Surface device, they will be downloaded and installed automatically. Once the updates are installed, restart your device and check if the keyboard is now working properly.

Updating your Surface device can often resolve issues with the keyboard not working, as Microsoft constantly improves the compatibility and performance of their devices through updates. It is always recommended to keep your Surface device up to date with the latest updates to ensure optimal performance.

Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

If your Surface keyboard is not working, reinstalling the keyboard drivers may help resolve the issue. Follow these steps to reinstall the keyboard drivers:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Keyboards” category.
3. Right-click on your Surface keyboard and select “Uninstall device”.
4. Confirm the uninstallation by clicking “Uninstall” in the pop-up window.
5. Restart your Surface device.
6. After the restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers.
7. Check if the keyboard is now working properly.

If the keyboard still doesn’t work after reinstalling the drivers, you may need to update the drivers or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Troubleshoot Hardware Issues

When your Surface keyboard is not working properly, it can be frustrating and hinder your productivity. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve hardware issues:

• Check the connection: Ensure that the keyboard is securely connected to your Surface device. Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard to make sure it is properly attached.
• Restart your Surface: Sometimes a simple restart can fix the issue. Restart your Surface device and see if the keyboard starts working again.
• Clean the keyboard: Dust and debris can accumulate on the keyboard, causing keys to stick or not register. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clean the keyboard and remove any dirt or particles.
• Update the keyboard driver: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause hardware issues. Go to the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to check for any available driver updates for your keyboard.
• Check for physical damage: Inspect the keyboard for any physical damage, such as spills or cracks. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
• Try the keyboard on another device: Connect the keyboard to another compatible device to determine if the issue is with the keyboard or your Surface device. If the keyboard works on another device, the problem may be with your Surface.
• Contact customer support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact customer support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can hopefully resolve any hardware issues with your Surface keyboard and get it working again.

Clean the Keyboard

If your Surface keyboard is not working properly, it may be due to dirt, dust, or debris that has accumulated underneath the keys. Cleaning the keyboard can help resolve this issue.

Here are some steps you can follow to clean the keyboard:

1. Turn off your Surface device and detach the keyboard.
2. Gently shake the keyboard to dislodge any loose debris.
3. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining dust or dirt from between the keys.
4. If there are sticky or stubborn particles, you can use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the affected areas.
5. Allow the keyboard to dry completely before reattaching it to your Surface device.

Note: Be careful not to use excessive force or liquid when cleaning the keyboard, as this may damage the keys or the internal components.

By regularly cleaning your Surface keyboard, you can help maintain its functionality and prevent issues with key responsiveness.

Check for Physical Damage

If your Surface keyboard is not working, the first thing you should do is check for any physical damage. Inspect the keyboard for any visible signs of damage, such as broken keys, loose connections, or liquid spills.

If you notice any damage, it is likely that the keyboard is not functioning properly because of it. In this case, you may need to replace the keyboard or seek professional repair services.

Even if there is no visible damage, it is still possible that there could be internal damage that is causing the keyboard to malfunction. In this case, you may need to contact Microsoft support or visit a certified repair center for further assistance.

It is also worth checking if the keyboard is properly connected to your Surface device. Make sure the keyboard is securely attached and that the connection is not loose. You can try disconnecting and reconnecting the keyboard to ensure a secure connection.

In some cases, the issue may not be with the keyboard itself, but with the Surface device. If you have access to another keyboard, you can try connecting it to your Surface to see if it works. If the second keyboard works fine, then the issue is likely with your original keyboard.

By checking for physical damage and ensuring a secure connection, you can troubleshoot and identify any issues that may be causing your Surface keyboard to not work properly.

Reset the Keyboard

If your Surface keyboard is not working properly, you can try resetting it to resolve the issue. Follow these steps to reset the keyboard:

1. Disconnect the keyboard from your Surface device.
2. Turn off your Surface device.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Surface device for 10 seconds.
4. Release the power button and wait for a few seconds.
5. Turn on your Surface device.
6. Reconnect the keyboard to your Surface device.

After resetting the keyboard, check if it is now working properly. If the issue persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.

Disable Third-Party Software

If your Surface keyboard is not working properly, it could be due to conflicts with third-party software installed on your device. Some software programs may interfere with the keyboard’s functionality, causing it to stop working or behave erratically. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try disabling any third-party software that may be causing the problem.

Here’s how you can disable third-party software:

1. Close all running programs: Before disabling any software, make sure to close all programs running on your Surface device. This will help ensure that no conflicting processes are active.
2. Identify potential culprits: Review the list of installed software on your device and identify any programs that may be known to cause conflicts with the keyboard. This could include antivirus software, system optimization tools, or any other application that modifies system settings.
3. Disable or uninstall the software: Once you have identified the potential culprits, you can either disable or uninstall them. To disable a program, you can usually right-click on its icon in the system tray or access its settings through the Control Panel. If you choose to uninstall the software, you can do so by going to the Control Panel, selecting “Uninstall a program,” and then selecting the software you want to remove.
4. Restart your Surface device: After disabling or uninstalling the third-party software, it’s important to restart your Surface device. This will ensure that any changes take effect and that the keyboard is no longer affected by conflicting processes.

If the Surface keyboard starts working properly after disabling third-party software, it’s a good indication that one of the programs you disabled was causing the issue. You can then try enabling the software one by one to identify the specific program that was causing the conflict.

If the keyboard still doesn’t work after disabling third-party software, it’s possible that the issue is not related to software conflicts. In such cases, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from Microsoft support.