Keyboard Not Working on Windows Surface? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your Surface keyboard suddenly unresponsive? This can be frustrating, especially when you need to get work done. Fortunately, many common keyboard issues on Windows Surface devices have relatively simple solutions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your keyboard back up and running.

1. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, start with these fundamental checks:

  • Restart your Surface: A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.
  • Check the battery (for wireless keyboards): Ensure your keyboard has sufficient power. Replace the batteries or charge it fully.
  • Clean the keyboard connectors: Dust or debris can interfere with the connection. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the connectors on both the keyboard and the Surface.
  • Ensure the keyboard is properly attached: Detach and reattach the keyboard to ensure a secure connection. Listen for the click to indicate a proper connection.

2. Troubleshoot Surface Type Cover Issues

If you’re using a Surface Type Cover, these steps can help:

2.1 Check the Function Keys

  • Accidental Key Press: Sometimes, accidentally pressing the Fn key locks the function keys. Press the Fn key again to toggle the function lock and see if that resolves the issue.

2.2 Detach and Reattach the Type Cover

  • Power Cycle: This action can help reset the connection between the Surface and the Type Cover. Detach the Type Cover, clean the connectors, and then reattach it firmly.

2.3 Update Surface Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause keyboard malfunctions. Here’s how to update them:

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand Keyboards: Locate the “Keyboards” category and expand it.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your Surface Type Cover or Surface Keyboard and select “Update driver.”
  4. Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest drivers. If this doesn’t work…
  5. Browse My Computer: Choose “Browse my computer for drivers”, then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer”. Try selecting a different driver from the list.

2.4 Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

Microsoft offers a diagnostic toolkit specifically designed to identify and resolve Surface issues. You can download it from the official Microsoft website. Run the tool and follow the instructions to diagnose and fix any keyboard-related problems.

3. Troubleshoot Bluetooth Keyboard Issues

If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard, follow these steps:

3.1 Check Bluetooth Connection

  • Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  • Reconnect the Keyboard: Remove the keyboard from the list of paired devices and then re-pair it. This can refresh the connection.

3.2 Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause connectivity issues. Update them through Device Manager, similar to updating keyboard drivers.

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand Bluetooth: Locate the “Bluetooth” category and expand it.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select “Update driver.”
  4. Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions.

3.3 Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Bluetooth problems:

  1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Run the Troubleshooter: Select “Bluetooth” and click “Run the troubleshooter.” Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check Filter Keys Settings

Filter Keys is an accessibility feature that can sometimes interfere with keyboard functionality. Here’s how to check and disable it:

  1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
  2. Turn Off Filter Keys: Make sure the “Use Filter Keys” option is turned off.

5. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain software applications can conflict with keyboard drivers. If the problem started after installing a new program, try uninstalling it to see if it resolves the issue.

6. Perform a System Restore

If all else fails, consider performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous state when the keyboard was working correctly.

  1. Open System Restore: Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
  2. System Restore: Click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point.

7. Reset Your Surface

As a last resort, resetting your Surface to its factory settings can resolve persistent keyboard issues. Note: This will erase all your personal data, so back up important files beforehand.

  1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Reset This PC: Click on “Get started” under “Reset this PC” and follow the on-screen instructions.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most keyboard issues on your Windows Surface device. If the problem persists, consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.