How to Fix a Surface Pro Keyboard That's Not Working

Check the physical connections

One of the most common reasons why a Surface Pro keyboard may not be working is due to loose or incorrect physical connections. Before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to check the following:

Ensure that the keyboard is securely attached to the Surface Pro. Detach it and reattach it firmly, making sure it clicks into place.
Check for any debris or dirt between the keyboard and the Surface Pro. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean the area.
Inspect the connector pins on both the keyboard and the Surface Pro. Make sure they are clean and free from damage. If any pins are bent, try straightening them carefully with a small, non-conductive tool.
If you are using a detachable keyboard, like the Type Cover, check the connection port on the bottom of the Surface Pro. Ensure that it is clean and free from debris. If necessary, clean the port using compressed air or a soft brush.
If you are using a wireless keyboard, check that the batteries are not dead or improperly inserted. Replace the batteries if necessary and ensure they are inserted correctly.

After checking these physical connections, test if the keyboard is now working properly. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Clean the keyboard

If your Surface Pro keyboard is still not functioning correctly, it may be due to dirt, debris, or spills on the keyboard itself. Cleaning the keyboard can help resolve these issues. Here’s how you can clean your Surface Pro keyboard:

Start by turning off your Surface Pro and detaching the keyboard.
Hold the keyboard upside down or at a slight angle to allow any loose debris to fall out.
Use a can of compressed air to blow away any remaining debris from between the keys.
If there are visible smudges or stains on the keyboard, dampen a soft cloth or microfiber cloth with water or a mild cleaning solution. Make sure to wring out any excess liquid before cleaning.
Gently wipe the keys and the surface of the keyboard, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
For tougher stains or spills, you can use isopropyl alcohol on a cloth to clean the affected areas.
Allow the keyboard to air dry completely before reattaching it to your Surface Pro.

It’s important to note that you should never submerge the keyboard in water or use abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the keyboard. Additionally, avoid using excessive amounts of liquid during the cleaning process to prevent any liquid from seeping into the keyboard.

Once the keyboard is dry, reattach it to your Surface Pro and check if the keyboard is now working properly. If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Restart the Surface Pro

When you encounter issues with your Surface Pro keyboard, a simple and effective troubleshooting step is to restart the device. Restarting can help resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the keyboard not to work. Follow these steps to restart your Surface Pro:

Save any open files and close all running applications.
Press and hold the power button on your Surface Pro for about 10 seconds until the screen turns off.
Release the power button, then press it again to turn on your Surface Pro.
Wait for your Surface Pro to boot up and check if the keyboard is now functioning properly.

During the restart process, the Surface Pro will reload all the necessary system files and drivers, which can help resolve any software-related issues that may be affecting the keyboard. After restarting, test the keyboard to see if it is now working as intended.

If the keyboard is still not functioning correctly after restarting, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps to further diagnose and fix the issue.

Update the drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause issues with the Surface Pro keyboard. Updating the drivers can help resolve these compatibility issues and ensure that the keyboard functions properly. Here’s how you can update the drivers on your Surface Pro:

Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
In the Device Manager window, expand the “Keyboards” category.
Right-click on the keyboard device and select “Update driver.”
Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
Windows will now search for the latest driver updates for your keyboard and install them if available.
Once the driver update process is complete, restart your Surface Pro.

During the driver update process, Windows will automatically download and install the latest drivers for your keyboard device. This can help resolve any compatibility or performance issues that may be causing the keyboard not to work. After restarting, test the keyboard to see if it is now functioning correctly.

If the issue persists after updating the drivers, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps to further diagnose and fix the problem.

Run the troubleshooting tool

If you’re still experiencing problems with your Surface Pro keyboard, running the built-in troubleshooting tool can help identify and resolve any underlying issues. Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to diagnose and fix keyboard-related problems. Follow these steps to run the troubleshooting tool:

Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
From the left-side menu, select “Troubleshoot.”
Scroll down and click on “Keyboard.”
Click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
Windows will now run an automated scan to detect any issues with your keyboard and attempt to fix them.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.

The troubleshooting tool will analyze the keyboard settings, drivers, and system configurations, and attempt to apply fixes to any detected issues. After the process is complete, restart your Surface Pro and test the keyboard functionality to see if the problem has been resolved.

If the keyboard is still not functioning correctly, continue troubleshooting with the next steps.

Reset the Surface Pro

If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting steps and your Surface Pro keyboard is still not working, resetting the device to its factory settings may be necessary. Resetting will remove all personal files, apps, and settings from your Surface Pro, so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding. Here’s how you can reset your Surface Pro:

Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
From the left-side menu, select “Recovery.”
Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.
Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. Keep in mind that selecting “Remove everything” will erase all data on your Surface Pro.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Once the reset is complete, your Surface Pro will be restored to its original factory settings. Set up your Surface Pro again and test the keyboard to see if the issue has been resolved.

If the keyboard is still not functioning after resetting your Surface Pro, it’s recommended to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide additional guidance and help determine if there is a hardware issue that requires repair or replacement.

Contact Microsoft support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your Surface Pro keyboard is still not working, it’s time to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance. Microsoft has a dedicated support team that can provide expert guidance and help resolve any hardware or software issues you may be experiencing. Here’s how you can contact Microsoft support:

Visit the Microsoft Support website using any web browser.
Click on the “Contact us” or “Support” link, usually located at the top or bottom of the page.
Choose the appropriate category for your issue, such as “Surface” or “Hardware.”
Follow the prompts to select your device model and the specific problem you’re facing with the keyboard.
Microsoft provides various support options, including phone, chat, and email. Select the option that suits you best and initiate contact with their support team.
Provide detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.

The Microsoft support team will guide you through further troubleshooting steps and assist you in resolving the problem with your Surface Pro keyboard. They may suggest additional solutions or provide instructions on how to repair or replace the keyboard if necessary.

Remember to have your Surface Pro’s serial number and warranty details handy when contacting Microsoft support, as they may require this information to assist you effectively.

Contacting Microsoft support ensures that you receive personalized assistance from experts who specialize in Surface Pro devices, maximizing your chances of successfully resolving the keyboard issue.