We’ve all been there. You sit down to get some work done, pop open your Surface Pro, and boom the keyboard just won’t respond. Whether you’re tapping the keys or clicking the trackpad, nothing seems to work. If you’re dealing with the surface keyboard not working issue, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common headaches Surface users face.
But don’t worry. This guide walks you through every possible fix in a clear, user-friendly way. No tech jargon. Just practical steps, like a friend helping you troubleshoot.
First Things First: Is It Really the Keyboard?
Before diving into solutions, ask yourself a couple of quick questions:
- Does the screen respond to touch?
- Does the keyboard light up at all?
- Have you tried restarting?
Sometimes, it’s not the keyboard itself but a temporary glitch with Windows or the Surface device. So let’s start with the basics before moving into deeper fixes.
1. Quick Restart (Yes, It Can Work Wonders)
You’d be surprised how often a simple restart solves the surface pro keyboard not working issue.
Try This:
- Disconnect the keyboard from your Surface.
- Hold the power button for about 30 seconds to fully shut down the device.
- Reconnect the keyboard.
- Turn the Surface back on.
Still not working? Let’s move on.
2. Clean the Connector
This might sound too simple, but dirt, dust, or even oil from your hands can prevent your keyboard from making a proper connection.
What You’ll Need:
- A microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
- A can of compressed air (if you have it)
What to Do:
- Detach the keyboard.
- Gently clean the gold connectors (on both the keyboard and the tablet side).
- Let everything dry completely.
- Reattach and test.
You’d be shocked how many people fix their Surface keyboard just by cleaning the connector.
3. Use the On-Screen Keyboard for Now
While you’re working on the fix, don’t forget about the on-screen keyboard.
Here’s how to turn it on:
- Tap the Windows icon > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard
- Toggle Use the On-Screen Keyboard to ON
This isn’t a permanent fix, but it helps if you need to type while troubleshooting.
4. Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes, the problem isn’t hardware it’s software. Microsoft often releases updates that fix bugs, including keyboard issues.
Here’s how to check:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Update & Security
- Click Check for updates
If there’s an update available, install it, reboot your Surface, and test the keyboard again.
5. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Now we’re digging a bit deeper. If the surface keyboard not working problem still isn’t fixed, it might be a driver issue.
Steps to Reinstall the Driver:
- Right-click the Start menu, then select Device Manager
- Expand Keyboards
- Right-click the Surface keyboard driver (it might say “HID Keyboard Device” or something similar)
- Select Uninstall device
- Reboot your Surface Windows should reinstall the correct driver automatically
What if It Doesn’t Reinstall?
- Go back into Device Manager
- At the top, click Action > Scan for hardware changes
If your keyboard starts working after this, the issue was likely with the driver.
6. Try a Firmware Update (Especially for Surface Type Cover)
For some Surface models like the Surface Pro 3, 4, and 7 the keyboard is called a Type Cover. Microsoft has released firmware updates to improve compatibility and performance for these.
How to Check:
- Visit Microsoft’s official Surface update page
- Look for the update package that matches your Surface model
- Download and install it
- Reboot and reattach the keyboard
7. Test Another Keyboard (If You Have One)
Still stuck with your surface pro keyboard not working?
If you know someone else with a Surface, borrow their keyboard for a few minutes. If that one works fine, you’ve confirmed your keyboard is the problem not your Surface.
On the flip side, if both keyboards don’t work, then your Surface’s connector or motherboard might be the issue.
8. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings
There’s a hidden settings screen called UEFI (kind of like BIOS) that runs before Windows starts up. It’s a great place to test whether your keyboard is working outside of Windows.
Steps:
- Power off your Surface completely
- Hold Volume Up and press the Power button
- You’ll enter UEFI mode
If your keyboard works in this menu, the hardware is fine it’s definitely a Windows issue.
If it doesn’t work here, it’s more likely a hardware failure.
9. Run Surface Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft has a free tool designed to fix common issues with Surface devices.
Here’s how to use it:
- Go to support.microsoft.com/diagnostics
- Download the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
- Run the program and follow the prompts
This tool automatically checks and fixes software, settings, and some firmware issues related to the keyboard.
10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, and you’re sure it’s not a hardware issue, you might need to reset your Surface. Just make sure to back up your files first.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
- Under “Reset this PC,” click Get Started
- Choose either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”
This resets Windows and often resolves deep software issues including ones that make the surface pro keyboard not working.
When to Contact Microsoft Support
If your Surface is still under warranty and your keyboard doesn’t respond in UEFI, then it’s likely a hardware problem. At this point, it’s time to reach out to Microsoft.
Visit support.microsoft.com and request service or a replacement.
Bonus Tips to Avoid Future Keyboard Problems
Once your keyboard is working again, here are a few tips to prevent future issues:
- Avoid food and drinks near your Surface
- Clean the connector weekly using a microfiber cloth
- Always remove the keyboard before tossing the Surface in your bag
- Keep Windows up to date
- Restart your Surface once in a while not just sleep/wake
Real Talk: Is It Time for a New Keyboard?
If you’ve had your Surface keyboard for more than a few years and it’s been acting up frequently, it might just be reaching the end of its life. These keyboards especially the detachable Type Covers don’t last forever.
You might consider upgrading to a newer Type Cover or even using a Bluetooth keyboard if portability isn’t an issue.
Final Thoughts
When your surface keyboard not working issue pops up, it can feel like your whole setup is broken. But the truth is, most of the time, it’s something simple a dusty connector, a lagging update, or a glitchy driver.
Take it step by step. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to get it sorted. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always Microsoft Support or that spare USB keyboard in your drawer.
Got your keyboard working again? Great! Bookmark this page in case it ever acts up in the future.