Surface Keyboard Not Working (Step-by-Step Fix Guide)

If your Surface keyboard is not working, this guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions. From simple fixes like cleaning the connector to advanced driver resets, here’s how to get your keyboard working again quickly.

How to Fix Surface Keyboard Not Working

1. Clean and Reattach the Keyboard

Start with the basics.

• Detach the keyboard from the Surface
  
• Blow across the connector pins to remove dust
  
• Wipe the connection area with a dry microfiber cloth
  
• Reattach the keyboard firmly until it clicks
  
• Wiggle slightly to ensure good contact
  

This method helps especially with models prone to connector issues like the Surface Pro 4 Type Cover, which can loosen over time.

2. Check for Physical Damage

Inspect for signs of wear or defects.

• Look closely at the connector strip and keys
  
• Check for bent pins, cracks, or loose keys
  
• Test the keyboard on another Surface device if available
  

If you have a newer model, see this detailed guide on Surface Pro 8 keyboard not working for version-specific issues and warranty tips.

3. Restart Your Surface

A full shutdown clears temporary issues.

• Hold the power button for 30 seconds
  
• Wait 10 seconds and then press the power button to restart
  

For Surface Pro models:

• Hold both power and volume up for 15 seconds
  
• Release both buttons
  
• Wait 10 seconds, then press power to start the device
  

4. Check for Windows Updates

Missing updates can block keyboard functionality.

• Go to Settings
  
• Select Windows Update
  
• Click Check for updates
  
• Install all pending updates, including optional firmware
  
• Restart your Surface after installing
  

5. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Driver issues can prevent detection.

• Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager
  
• Expand the Keyboards section
  
• Right-click your Surface keyboard and select Uninstall device
  
• Restart your Surface and let Windows reinstall the driver
  

If your device fails to reinstall the necessary files, you may be missing the Surface Type Cover driver, which you can download or repair using Microsoft’s support site.

6. Use Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

Microsoft offers an official tool for Surface troubleshooting.

• Download Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Microsoft’s website
  
• Open the app and run a full system scan
  
• Let it auto-repair any issues it detects
  

This tool addresses firmware or system-level problems automatically.

7. Boot into UEFI to Test Keyboard

This will help identify if the problem is hardware or software.

• Shut down your Surface
  
• Hold the volume up button
  
• Press and release the power button while still holding volume up
  
• Wait for the UEFI menu to appear
  

If the keyboard works here, the issue is software-based. If it does not, the keyboard or connector hardware may be faulty.

8. Try a Different Keyboard or USB Keyboard

This final step helps confirm the problem.

• Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard
  
• If it works, your Surface is fine but your original keyboard may need replacement
  

Conclusion

Most Surface keyboard problems can be fixed by reattaching the keyboard, checking updates, or reinstalling drivers. If your keyboard does not respond even in UEFI mode, the issue is likely hardware-related and may require a replacement.

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