At a Glance
- Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the contacts on both the Type Cover and the Surface Pro.
- Try checking connections, updating drivers, running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, disabling and re-enabling the keyboard driver, or uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
- You can disable and re-enable the keyboard driver in Device Manager or uninstall and reinstall the driver.
Are you facing the frustration of your Surface Pro keyboard refusing to cooperate? You’re not alone. Many Surface Pro users have encountered this issue, leaving them wondering “why has my surface pro keyboard stopped working?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the potential causes and provide step-by-step solutions to get your keyboard back in action.
Troubleshooting Surface Pro Keyboard Issues
1. Check Physical Connections
Begin by ensuring that your Surface Pro keyboard is properly connected. Detach and reattach the keyboard to the device to make sure there are no loose connections. If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard, verify that it’s paired with your Surface Pro and that Bluetooth is enabled.
2. Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can sometimes cause keyboard issues. Visit the Microsoft website and download the latest drivers for your Surface Pro model. After installing the updates, restart your device and check if the keyboard is now functioning.
3. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
Microsoft provides a Surface Diagnostic Toolkit that can identify and resolve common Surface Pro issues. Download and run the toolkit, which will perform a series of tests and attempt to fix any detected problems.
4. Check for Hardware Issues
If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, the problem may be hardware-related. Inspect the keyboard for any physical damage, such as broken keys or loose wires. If you suspect hardware damage, contact Microsoft support or an authorized repair center.
5. Disable and Re-enable Keyboard
Another potential solution is to disable and then re-enable the keyboard driver. Navigate to Device Manager, locate the Surface Keyboard Device, right-click on it, and select “Disable device.” After a few seconds, right-click again and select “Enable device.”
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Keyboard Driver
If disabling and re-enabling the keyboard driver doesn‘t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. In Device Manager, right-click on the Surface Keyboard Device and select “Uninstall device.” After the driver is uninstalled, restart your Surface Pro and it will automatically reinstall the driver.
7. Reset Your Surface Pro
As a last resort, you may need to reset your Surface Pro to factory settings. This will erase all data from your device, so be sure to back up important files before proceeding. To reset your Surface Pro, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
Troubleshooting the Type Cover Keyboard
If your Surface Pro has a Type Cover keyboard, there may be additional steps you can take:
1. Clean the Keyboard Contacts
Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the keyboard contacts, causing connectivity issues. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the contacts on both the Type Cover and the Surface Pro.
2. Reattach the Type Cover Properly
Ensure that the Type Cover is securely attached to the Surface Pro. If it’s not properly aligned, the keyboard may not function correctly.
3. Check for Loose Connections
Inspect the Type Cover’s connection to the Surface Pro for any loose wires or broken connectors. If you find any damage, contact Microsoft support or an authorized repair center.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Why has my Surface Pro keyboard suddenly stopped working?
A: Potential causes include loose connections, outdated drivers, hardware issues, or software glitches.
Q: How can I fix a Surface Pro keyboard that’s not typing?
A: Try checking connections, updating drivers, running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, disabling and re-enabling the keyboard driver, or uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
Q: My Type Cover keyboard is not working. What should I do?
A: Clean the keyboard contacts, reattach the Type Cover properly, and check for loose connections. If these steps don‘t resolve the issue, contact Microsoft support.
Q: How do I reset my Surface Pro keyboard?
A: You can disable and re-enable the keyboard driver in Device Manager or uninstall and reinstall the driver. As a last resort, you may need to reset your Surface Pro to factory settings.
Q: Can I replace my Surface Pro keyboard?
A: Yes, you can purchase a replacement keyboard from Microsoft or authorized retailers. However, if your keyboard is under warranty, contact Microsoft support first.