Your Surface Pro keyboard stopped working? Don’t panic. This happens to tons of people every day. The good news is that most Surface Pro keyboard problems are easy to fix. You don’t need to be a tech expert or buy a new keyboard right away.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common reasons why your Surface Pro keyboard isn’t working. We’ll also show you simple steps to get it working again. Most of these fixes take just a few minutes.
Why Your Surface Pro Keyboard Stops Working
Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand what causes these problems. Your Surface Pro keyboard can stop working for several reasons:
- Loose connection between keyboard and tablet
- Dirt or debris blocking the connection pins
- Outdated or corrupted drivers
- Windows updates causing conflicts
- Hardware damage from drops or spills
- Battery issues with wireless keyboards
The good news is that most of these issues are fixable. Similar to other keyboard not working problems, Surface Pro keyboards often just need a simple reset or reconnection.
Type Cover vs Wireless Keyboard Issues
Surface Pro keyboards come in two main types. The Type Cover connects directly to your Surface Pro. Wireless keyboards connect through Bluetooth. Each type has different troubleshooting steps.
Type Cover problems are usually about physical connections. Wireless keyboard problems are often about Bluetooth or battery issues. We’ll cover both types in this guide.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Let’s start with the easiest solutions. These work for most Surface Pro keyboard problems:
Check the Physical Connection
First, make sure your Type Cover is properly attached. Here’s how:
- Remove the Type Cover completely
- Look for dirt or debris on the connection pins
- Clean the pins gently with a dry cloth
- Attach the Type Cover again firmly
- Make sure you hear a click when it connects
Sometimes the connection just gets loose. A simple reattachment fixes the problem.
Restart Your Surface Pro
This sounds too simple, but it works. A restart fixes many keyboard issues:
- Save any open work
- Click the Start button
- Choose “Restart” from the power options
- Wait for your Surface Pro to fully restart
- Test your keyboard once Windows loads
Restarting clears temporary glitches that might block your keyboard.
Update Your Keyboard Drivers
Outdated drivers cause many keyboard problems. Here’s how to update them:
- Right-click the Start button
- Choose “Device Manager”
- Find “Keyboards” and expand it
- Right-click your Surface Pro keyboard
- Choose “Update driver”
- Select “Search automatically for drivers”
Windows will find and install the latest drivers automatically.
Advanced Solutions for Stubborn Problems
If the quick fixes didn’t work, try these more detailed solutions:
Check Windows Update
Sometimes Windows updates fix keyboard problems. Other times they cause them. Here’s what to do:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security
- Click “Check for updates”
- Install any available updates
- Restart your Surface Pro
- Test your keyboard again
If your keyboard stopped working after a recent update, you might need to roll back that update.
Reset Your Type Cover
Your Type Cover has its own reset process. This clears any software glitches:
- Detach your Type Cover
- Hold the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B
- Your screen will flash briefly
- Reattach your Type Cover
- Test if it works now
This reset refreshes the display and keyboard connection.
Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool to find keyboard problems:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security
- Click “Troubleshoot” in the left menu
- Choose “Additional troubleshooters”
- Find “Keyboard” and click “Run the troubleshooter”
- Follow the on-screen instructions
The troubleshooter will scan for problems and try to fix them automatically.
Fixing Wireless Keyboard Problems
If you’re using a wireless keyboard with your Surface Pro, the problems might be different. Just like with other wireless keyboard connection issues, you’ll need to check Bluetooth settings.
Check Bluetooth Connection
Wireless keyboards need a good Bluetooth connection:
- Go to Settings > Devices
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
- Look for your keyboard in the device list
- If it shows “Connected,” try typing
- If it shows “Paired,” click to connect
Sometimes keyboards pair but don’t connect automatically.
Remove and Re-add Your Keyboard
If Bluetooth seems stuck, try this:
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices
- Find your keyboard in the list
- Click on it and choose “Remove device”
- Turn your keyboard off and on
- Add it again like a new device
This clears any connection problems between your Surface Pro and keyboard.
Check Keyboard Battery
Dead batteries cause most wireless keyboard problems:
- Check if your keyboard has a battery indicator
- Replace batteries if they’re low
- For rechargeable keyboards, plug them in to charge
- Wait a few minutes before testing
Even if batteries seem fine, try new ones. Old batteries can cause connection problems.
When Hardware Might Be the Problem
Sometimes the keyboard itself is broken. Here are signs of hardware problems:
Physical Damage Signs
Look for these warning signs:
- Visible cracks in the keyboard
- Keys that stick or don’t press down
- Liquid damage or stains
- Bent or damaged connection pins
- Keys that fall off easily
If you see any of these, you might need a new keyboard.
Test Individual Keys
You can test if specific keys work properly. Similar to using a keyboard tester tool, you can check each key manually:
- Open a text document
- Press each key one by one
- Check if all keys respond correctly
- Note any keys that don’t work
If only some keys don’t work, you might have a partial hardware failure.
Alternative Solutions While You Fix the Problem
While you work on fixing your keyboard, you need to keep using your Surface Pro. Here are some options:
Use the On-Screen Keyboard
Windows has a virtual keyboard you can use:
- Click the Start button
- Type “on-screen keyboard”
- Click the app when it appears
- Click keys with your mouse or finger
This works for basic typing, but it’s slow for long documents.
Connect a USB Keyboard
Any USB keyboard works with Surface Pro:
- Plug a USB keyboard into your Surface Pro
- Windows will detect it automatically
- You can type normally right away
- This works while you fix your main keyboard
You might need a USB adapter if your Surface Pro only has USB-C ports.
Preventing Future Keyboard Problems
Once you fix your keyboard, here’s how to prevent problems:
Keep It Clean
Dirt and debris cause many keyboard problems:
- Clean your keyboard weekly with a soft cloth
- Don’t eat or drink near your keyboard
- Use compressed air to blow out dust
- Wipe the connection pins gently
Clean keyboards last longer and work better.
Handle It Carefully
Type Covers are tough but not indestructible:
- Don’t fold the keyboard backward too far
- Attach and detach it gently
- Store it flat when not in use
- Keep it away from liquids
Gentle handling prevents most hardware problems.
Keep Software Updated
Updated software prevents many keyboard issues:
- Install Windows updates regularly
- Keep drivers updated
- Restart your Surface Pro weekly
- Run troubleshooters if problems start
Prevention is easier than fixing problems later.
When to Contact Support
Sometimes you need professional help. Contact Microsoft Support if:
- None of these solutions work
- Your Surface Pro is still under warranty
- You see hardware damage
- The problem keeps coming back
Don’t try to repair hardware damage yourself. This might void your warranty.
Final Thoughts on Surface Pro Keyboard Problems
Most Surface Pro keyboard not working problems are easy to fix. Start with the simple solutions first. Check connections, restart your device, and update drivers. These steps fix most issues.
If you’re dealing with wireless keyboards, check Bluetooth settings and battery levels. For persistent problems, try the advanced solutions like resetting your Type Cover or running troubleshooters.
Remember that keyboard problems are common and usually fixable. Don’t rush to buy a new keyboard unless you’re sure the hardware is broken. Many times, a simple software fix gets everything working again. Just like other keyboard troubleshooting situations, patience and systematic testing usually solve the problem.
Keep your keyboard clean and handle it gently to prevent future problems. With proper care, your Surface Pro keyboard should work reliably for years.
