Is your Microsoft Surface keyboard suddenly not responding? Don’t worry – this is a common issue with several simple solutions. Most Surface keyboard problems can be fixed by following a few troubleshooting steps without needing technical expertise or expensive repairs.
A quick restart often solves keyboard issues – detach your Surface Type Cover, hold the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot, then reattach your keyboard to restore functionality. If that doesn’t work, checking for outdated drivers through Device Manager may resolve the problem, as keyboard issues frequently stem from software conflicts rather than hardware damage.
When basic fixes fail, cleaning the connection points between your keyboard and device might help, as dust and debris can interfere with the connection. Microsoft designed the Surface keyboards to be resilient, but they occasionally need maintenance to function properly.
How to Fix Microsoft Surface Keyboard Not Working
If your Microsoft Surface keyboard or Type Cover stops responding, follow these troubleshooting steps to get it working again.
1. Check Physical Connection
- Detach the keyboard or Type Cover from your Surface.
- Inspect the connector pins on both the keyboard and Surface for dirt, dust, or debris.
- Clean the connectors gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Reattach the keyboard firmly to ensure a proper connection.
2. Force Restart Your Surface
- Press and hold the Power button on your Surface for about 30 seconds, then release.
- Press the Power button again to turn it back on.
- Sometimes a restart resolves temporary hardware glitches.
3. Check for Windows Updates
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Updates can fix bugs affecting keyboard drivers.
4. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your Surface keyboard device, and select Update driver.
- If updating doesn’t help, right-click and choose Uninstall device, then restart your Surface to reinstall the driver automatically.
5. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Find and run the Keyboard troubleshooter to detect and fix issues.
6. Check Keyboard Settings
- Ensure the keyboard is enabled and the correct layout is selected.
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language > Keyboard and confirm your keyboard layout.
7. Test with Another Keyboard
- If possible, connect another keyboard to your Surface to determine if the issue is with the Surface or the keyboard itself.
8. Reset Surface Firmware
- Sometimes firmware updates can resolve hardware issues.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and check if a firmware update is available via Windows Update.
9. Contact Support or Repair
- If none of the above work, your keyboard might be faulty.
- Contact Microsoft Support or visit a certified repair center for professional help.
Following these steps should resolve most Microsoft Surface keyboard issues. For detailed official troubleshooting, see Microsoft’s support page: Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover.
If you want a visual guide, there are helpful videos like this one: How to fix Surface keyboard that is not working (2025).
Key Takeaways
- Detaching the keyboard, performing a force restart, and reattaching often resolves most Surface keyboard issues.
- Updating or reinstalling keyboard drivers through Device Manager can fix software-related problems.
- Cleaning the connection points and checking for physical damage helps address hardware connection problems.
Troubleshooting Preliminaries
Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s important to check several basic aspects that often cause keyboard issues on Microsoft Surface devices. These simple steps can frequently resolve problems without requiring technical expertise.
Inspecting Physical Connections
The Type Cover connection is crucial for proper keyboard functionality. Users should examine the physical connection between the Surface and its keyboard attachment carefully.
Look for visible damage or debris on the connection ports. Even small particles can interfere with proper contact. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean both the keyboard connector and the corresponding port on the Surface.
Keyboard issues often occur when the connection is loose. Try detaching and reattaching the keyboard firmly. Listen for the magnetic “click” that indicates proper attachment.
For detachable keyboards, try connecting to a different Surface device if available to determine whether the issue lies with the keyboard or the Surface itself.
Restarting Your Surface Device
A simple restart can fix many keyboard-related problems by clearing temporary software glitches. This is often the quickest solution for unexpected keyboard failures.
To restart properly, select the Start menu, then Power, and choose Restart. Avoid simply putting the device to sleep, as this doesn’t fully clear system memory.
If the keyboard isn’t responding at all, force a restart by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds until the screen turns off, then press it again to turn it back on.
After restarting, test the keyboard immediately to see if functionality has returned. Type in a text field to confirm all keys are working properly.
Checking Battery and Power Supply
Low battery levels can affect peripheral performance, including the keyboard. Check your Surface’s battery level in the taskbar.
Connect your Surface to its official power adapter and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before testing the keyboard again. Using third-party chargers sometimes causes performance issues.
For Type Covers with backlighting, try adjusting the brightness using the F1 and F2 keys. Sometimes backlight issues can be mistaken for keyboard failures.
If your Surface is running extremely hot, allow it to cool down as overheating can temporarily disable peripherals to protect the system. Place it on a hard, flat surface for better ventilation.
Software Checks and Updates
Software problems often cause keyboard issues on Surface devices. Keeping your system updated and checking specific settings can fix many common keyboard problems without needing repairs.
Performing System Updates
Outdated system software is a frequent cause of Surface keyboard malfunctions. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select Check for updates.
If updates are available, install them immediately. Some updates require a restart to complete installation.
For users experiencing keyboard issues after a recent update, try restarting your Surface device. This simple step often resolves temporary conflicts between the update and keyboard functionality.
If problems persist after updating, try running the Windows troubleshooter. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Keyboard to let Windows automatically detect and fix common problems.
Updating Keyboard Drivers
Keyboard drivers tell your Surface how to communicate with the Type Cover or keyboard. When these drivers become corrupted or outdated, keyboard functionality suffers.
To update keyboard drivers:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start button and select “Device Manager”)
- Expand the “Keyboards” category
- Right-click on Surface Type Cover or keyboard device
- Select “Update driver”
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”
If driver updates don’t solve the issue, try uninstalling the keyboard driver completely and restarting. Windows will reinstall a fresh driver upon restart.
For Surface Type Covers specifically, check the Surface app for firmware updates that might address keyboard connectivity issues.
Checking Keyboard Settings
Incorrect keyboard settings can prevent normal typing function. Start by checking if the keyboard is enabled in your system settings.
Navigate to Settings > Devices > Typing to verify all keyboard-related settings are properly configured. Ensure that hardware keyboard features aren’t disabled.
For Surface Type Covers, inspect the physical connection. Dust or debris can block the connector pins between the Surface and keyboard. Clean the connection gently with a soft cloth.
Try this quick reset procedure:
- Detach the Type Cover completely
- Restart your Surface device
- After restart, reattach the Type Cover
Check Control Panel > Ease of Access > Keyboard for any accessibility settings that might interfere with normal keyboard function, such as Filter Keys or Sticky Keys being accidentally enabled.
Keyboard Hardware Troubleshooting
When a Surface keyboard stops responding, the issue often stems from physical connection problems that can be resolved through proper hardware troubleshooting. Physical inspection and testing different connection methods can quickly identify whether the problem lies with the Type Cover itself or with the Surface device.
Reattaching the Type Cover
The simplest fix for a non-responsive Surface keyboard is properly reconnecting the Type Cover. First, detach the Type Cover completely from your Surface device.
Examine the connection points for any visible dust, debris, or damage. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the gold connection pins on both the Type Cover and the Surface device.
Wait approximately 10 seconds before reattaching the Type Cover. Make sure it clicks firmly into place and the magnetic connection feels secure. Sometimes the connection needs to be precise to function properly.
Try adjusting the Type Cover position slightly if it doesn’t work immediately. The connection might need to be perfectly aligned to establish proper contact between all pins.
Testing with An External Keyboard
Using an external keyboard can help determine if the issue is with the Type Cover or the Surface device itself. Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to your Surface.
If the external keyboard works correctly, the problem likely lies with the Type Cover. This troubleshooting step confirms whether your Surface can recognize keyboard inputs at all.
For USB keyboards, try different USB ports if available. For Bluetooth keyboards, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and properly paired.
Test basic typing functionality and special keys. If all keys work properly on the external keyboard, your Surface’s keyboard drivers are likely functioning correctly.
Examining the Touch Screen Response
Touch screen functionality can provide clues about your keyboard issues, as both systems rely on similar input mechanisms. Check if the touch screen responds normally when the keyboard doesn’t work.
Open the on-screen keyboard to test typing. This helps determine if the problem is limited to the physical keyboard or if it extends to the entire input system.
If both the touch screen and Type Cover are unresponsive, the issue may be deeper than just the keyboard hardware. This could indicate system-wide input problems or driver issues.
Try restarting your Surface by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. A fresh restart can sometimes resolve temporary hardware communication problems affecting multiple input systems.
Advanced Recovery Options
When basic troubleshooting fails to fix your Surface keyboard issues, several advanced recovery options can help restore functionality without requiring hardware replacement. These methods reset or repair system files that might be causing your keyboard problems.
Utilizing the System Restore Feature
System Restore can fix keyboard problems by returning your Surface to a previous working state. This feature works by restoring system files from a restore point created before the keyboard issue began.
To use System Restore:
- Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and select it
- Click the System Restore button
- Follow the wizard to choose a restore point from before your keyboard stopped working
- Select Next and complete the restoration process
System Restore won’t affect your personal files but will remove apps and drivers installed after the restore point was created. If your keyboard issues started after a Windows update or software installation, this method is particularly effective.
Running the System File Checker (SFC)
The System File Checker is a powerful Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files that might be causing your Surface keyboard to malfunction.
To run SFC:
- Connect a USB keyboard if your Surface keyboard isn’t working
- Press Win+X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)”
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter - Wait for the scan to complete (typically 10-15 minutes)
The scan results will indicate if files were repaired. If SFC finds and fixes corrupted files, restart your Surface to see if keyboard functionality returns. SFC works best when combined with the DISM command for more thorough system repair.
Initiating Surface Recovery Process
When other methods fail, a full Surface recovery process might be necessary. This resets your device to factory settings while addressing deeper system issues affecting your keyboard.
Before starting recovery:
- Back up all important files
- Connect to power
- Use a USB keyboard/mouse for input during the process
To initiate recovery:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
- Under “Reset this PC,” select Get started
- Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
This method is effective but time-consuming. It addresses persistent keyboard issues by eliminating software conflicts and operating system corruption that simple troubleshooting can’t fix.
Consulting Microsoft Support and Warranty
When your Surface keyboard stops working properly, reaching out to Microsoft Support can be a good solution if troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the issue.
First, check your device’s warranty status. Microsoft allows users to check warranty information through their Microsoft account on account.microsoft.com/devices.
Warranty coverage varies depending on when you purchased your Surface device or keyboard. Standard warranties typically cover manufacturing defects but not accidental damage.
Before contacting support, try using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to identify and fix common software issues that might be affecting your keyboard.
Contact options include:
- Online support through Microsoft’s website
- Phone support
- In-person help at a Microsoft Store
If your Surface keyboard has specific issues like certain keys not working properly, be sure to mention these symptoms when describing the problem to support staff.
For Surface Laptop users experiencing built-in keyboard problems, Microsoft may offer repair services if the device is under warranty. Out-of-warranty repairs are also available for a fee.
The Microsoft Store offers in-person technical support. Bringing your Surface device to a store allows technicians to diagnose keyboard issues directly and provide immediate solutions when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surface keyboard issues can be frustrating but are often fixable through simple troubleshooting steps. These common questions address the most frequent keyboard problems Surface users encounter.
How can I troubleshoot an unresponsive keyboard on my Microsoft Surface device?
First, try detaching and reattaching your Type Cover or keyboard. Make sure the connection points are clean and free from debris.
Restart your Surface device as this often resolves temporary software glitches affecting keyboard functionality. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to ensure a complete shutdown.
Check for system updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause keyboard issues.
What are the steps to fix a non-functioning Surface Laptop keyboard?
For built-in Surface Laptop keyboards, updating drivers is essential. Open Device Manager, expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click on the keyboard device, and select “Update driver.”
Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to automatically identify and fix keyboard problems. This tool can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
If software solutions don’t work, try booting into Safe Mode to determine if a third-party application is causing the issue.
What should I do if my Surface Pro keyboard stops working after a Windows 11 update?
Check for additional pending updates, as Microsoft often releases patches for issues introduced by major updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Uninstall the HID keyboard device in Device Manager and then restart your device. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically upon restart.
Consider rolling back the Windows update if the problem began immediately after updating. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates.
Is there a way to unlock the keyboard on a Surface device if it appears to be locked?
Check if Filter Keys is enabled, which might make the keyboard seem locked. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and make sure Filter Keys is turned off.
Look for the Function (Fn) key lock. Some Surface keyboards have a Fn lock that, when enabled, prioritizes function keys over standard key functions.
Try the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Spacebar, which can sometimes unlock keyboard input when switching between input methods has caused issues.
Why would a Surface keyboard register mouse input but not key presses?
This often indicates a driver issue rather than hardware failure. Update the firmware and keyboard drivers through Windows Update or the Surface app.
Check for USB conflicts if using a Surface Dock or hub. Disconnect all peripherals and test the keyboard functionality.
Inspect for liquid damage or debris under specific keys, which can cause partial keyboard functionality while trackpad input remains unaffected.
What approaches can resolve the issue when a Surface Pro 7 keyboard becomes unresponsive?
Try switching to Windows Tablet Mode and back. This can reset the connection between Windows and the Type Cover.
Reset the device’s power state by shutting down the Surface, unplugging all accessories, and holding the power button for 30 seconds before restarting.
Check the battery level of both the Surface and the Type Cover (if it has its own battery). Low power can cause connectivity issues with the keyboard.
