Surface Keyboard Not Working – Here’s How To Fix?

Microsoft Surface is a premium line of interactive touch-based PCs developed by Microsoft. Some models such as the Surface Pro come with a detachable screen that can also be used as a tablet.

When it comes to the keyboard, the Surface keyboard offers distinct advantages such as lower hardware and software costs, software optimization, faster typing, and portability. However, like a normal keyboard, the surface keyboard is also prone to problems and malfunctions.

The common problems include sticky buttons, disappearing text, and keys not working. But, luckily, you do not have to discard or replace your surface keyboard if it malfunctions. There are a number of ways that you can use to rectify the problem and continue using the keyboard without any issues.

This is a quick DIY guide to help you fix your Surface keyboard in no time.

Method 1: Restart Surface

The first thing to do when your surface keyboard is not working is to restart it. This is a simple and straightforward process.

First you have to disconnect the keyboard. Then restart the PC and reconnect the keyboard.

This method should kickstart your keyboard and get it running. If your keyboard still does not work, follow the other methods below.

Method 2: Perform a Two-Button Shutdown

If the hardware is corrupted, then it will cause your Surface keyboard to stop working. In such cases, a simple restart will not do the trick.

You will have to do a two-button shutdown to fix the issue in case of Surface Book and Surface Pro. To perform that,

You will have to hold the power button for about 30 seconds and release it.

Then hold it again along with the volume-up button for about 15 seconds. This will cause the tablet to shutdown.

After waiting for 10 seconds, start the Surface to check if the issue is fixed.

In case of Surface 3, 2, and RT, you have to perform force a shutdown. Hold the power button of your Surface and release it after 10 seconds. Now, turn on your PC and check if the keyboard is working.

Method 3: Check Keyboard

Inspect the Surface keyboard to confirm if it has sustained any physical damage.

To verify this, disconnect the keyboard and connect it to another Surface. If the keyboard works with the new Surface, then it is a clear indication that the issue is with your previous Surface’s settings or connectivity. If so, then you can follow any one of the next methods to rectify the issue.

On the other hand, if your keyboard does not work with the new Surface as well, then the only option is to replace it with a new keyboard.

Method 4: Clean Connectors

The other common reason for Surface keyboards not working is due to the accumulation of dust and debris on the connectors. If you leave the keyboard without cleaning for a long time, this issue is prone to occur.

When this happens, shut down the Surface. Then, clean the connectors with the help of a soft cloth dipped in a mild alcohol solution. If you still can’t remove the debris, then you can use a q-tip for cleaning them.

Once the debris is removed, do not plug them right away. Wait for a few minutes until they are dried. Then, turn on your PC and connect the keyboard to check if it is working.

Method 5: Update or Reinstall Your Driver

Microsoft frequently introduces new updates for keyboard drivers to fix existing bugs and other issues. If your keyboard driver becomes out of date, then your keyboard will stop working. Alternatively, your Surface keyboard will also not work if you install a wrong keyboard driver or install it incorrectly.

In such cases, uninstall the drivers and install the latest keyboard driver available.

If you face any difficulty in finding the latest drivers, there are certain applications that will automatically detect the latest versions available in the market and will display them.

The apps will also help you step by step to install the drivers so that you don’t go wrong.

Method 6: Reset Surface

If there are any faulty files or configurations on your system, that will also cause your keyboard to stop working. To resolve this issue, you will have to reset your Surface.

Select settings option from the start menu.

Then choose update & security

and recovery option.

Now, click on the tab Get started.

There you will see 2 options – keep my files and remove everything.

If you have any important files and documents, choose the first option. Now check if the issue is resolved.

If not, then take a backup of all your important files and follow the same steps. But this time, choose the second option. The process will remove all the files from your Surface. Start the system to check if your keyboard is working.

Conclusion

You do not have to discard or take it to the service center every time you face a problem with your keyboard. Rather, you can fix it yourself by any one of the methods mentioned above depending on the type of problem you are experiencing with the keyboard.

If you have any queries or doubts, let us know using the comments section. We will be happy to help you out.