This guide will walk you through several proven solutions for fixing Surface Pro keyboards, such as the Type Cover, Touch Cover, third-party wired and wireless keyboards, and the Touch Keyboard for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Note: The solutions on this page apply to Microsoft Surface Pro models running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Causes of Surface Pro keyboard problems
Technical issues with the Surface Pro keyboard are typically caused by connectivity issues between the keyboard and the Surface device itself, software glitches, or incorrect touch keyboard settings specified in the Windows 10 or Windows 11 Settings app.
Incorrect mode selection in Windows 10 is also a common cause of touch keyboard issues when using a Surface p, and Bluetooth is also turned off for wireless keyboards.
How to fix Surface Pro physical keyboard issues
Whether you're using a Surface Type Cover, a Touch Cover with your Surface Pro, a third-party Bluetooth keyboard, or a traditional keyboard, you may encounter connectivity issues and errors. Here's how to fix Surface Pro physical keyboard issues.
- Detach and reattach your Surface keyboard. Simply remove the keyboard, wait a few seconds, and then reattach it.
- Check the keyboard batteries. Wireless keyboards require power, so make sure you're using the correct batteries and that they're charged.
Surface Type and Touch Covers don't require batteries because they're powered by the Surface Pro itself. - Dust the Type Cover connectors. Dust can easily accumulate along the underside of your Surface Pro where the Type Covers and Touch Covers connect. Carefully dust the connectors and remove any dirt and debris you see.
- Install the latest Windows updateWhether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, installing the latest operating system update can fix a number of hardware issues that can potentially cause keyboard disconnections and glitches.
- Type on a flat surface. Sometimes, using your Surface Pro on your lap or a blanket can cause the Type Cover to disconnect. Try placing a book or tray underneath it when you're not using a table or desk.
- Qom Turn on BluetoothIf you can't connect your wireless keyboard to your Surface Pro, make sure Bluetooth is enabled and that the keyboard supports Bluetooth in the first place.
- Check the keyboard on another device. Your keyboard may be broken, so try checking it on another computer or tablet to see if it works on that device.
- Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. From Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter to scan for and fix keyboard-related issues.
Tip: It's also a good idea to run the keyboard troubleshooter. - Qom Update your keyboard driversThis may fix any device compatibility issues.
How to fix Surface Pro touch keyboard errors
Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets support an on-screen touch keyboard built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here are some ways to fix your Surface Pro touch keyboard when it isn't working properly.
- Restart WindowsRestarting your Surface Pro can fix a number of issues, such as the touch keyboard not working properly.
- Switch to Windows 10 Tablet Mode. The Surface Pro's touch keyboard is designed for Windows 10 tablet mode, and often doesn't work in desktop mode.
Note: Windows 11 does not have a tablet mode. The touch keyboard is designed to work at any time while using the operating system. - Detach the keyboard. Your Surface Pro will prioritize the physical keyboard over the touch keyboard. Removing it often turns on and reveals the touch keyboard.
- Change your keyboard settings. Open Settings, select Devices > Typing, and enable Show touch keyboard. When you're not in tablet mode and there's no keyboard connected, use the touch keyboard. When you're using desktop mode in Windows 10.
- Don't forget that the emoji keyboard is different. Press Windows key + space to launch the dedicated Windows emoji touch keyboard and press Esc to make it disappear.
- Install keyboard language packs. If your preferred language is missing, download it and start using it in minutes.
- Enable the Windows touch keyboard at all times. Open Settings, click Ease of Access > Keyboard, and enable Use On-Screen Keyboard. This will make it available in all modes, regardless of the attached device.
Tip: You can also enable this preference using the keyboard shortcut Windows+Ctrl+O. - Clean your Surface Pro screen. Dirt and grime buildup on the screen can affect touch controls and keyboard typing.
- Run the keyboard troubleshooter. From Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Keyboard > Run the troubleshooter. To find and fix keyboard-related errors, select the keyboard troubleshooter.
How do I reset my Surface Pro keyboard?
If you've tried all the suggestions above and your physical keyboard still isn't working properly with your Surface Pro, you can try resetting it.
To reset your Surface Pro keyboard, open Device Manager, select Keyboards > Keyboard name > Uninstall > OK, then select Check for updates > Keyboard name > Update drivers > Search automatically, and then restart Windows.
How do I open the keyboard on my Surface?
To activate the regular Windows touch keyboard, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows+Ctrl+O or select Ease of Access > Keyboard > Use On-Screen Keyboard from Settings. The touch keyboard can be called up via Windows+.
Tip: Normally, the Windows touch keyboard can be opened by simply tapping a text field on the screen with your finger or a stylus.
If your touch or physical keyboard appears locked, with none of the keys working, open Settings, select Ease of Access > Keyboard, and turn off Sticky Keys and Use Filter Keys. If you're still having trouble, there are several additional solutions for a locked keyboard worth trying.
Why is my Surface Laptop keyboard not working?
As with Microsoft's Surface Pro lineup, the Surface Laptop series can also experience keyboard issues.
The vast majority of the solutions above should also apply to your Surface Laptop if you're experiencing issues with both the physical and touch keyboards. If you're still experiencing problems, try applying some general Windows 10 keyboard fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I clean my Surface Pro keyboard?
The answer: Wipe the keyboard with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with mild soap and water. Alternatively, you can use ophthalmic wipes or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft, lint-free cloth to remove stubborn stains.
Q2: How do I unlock my Surface Pro without a keyboard?
The answer: There are several ways to lock and unlock a Microsoft Surface Laptop. If you don't have a keyboard available, you can press and hold the power button, then press and hold the volume down button.
Q3: How do I change the sensitivity of my Surface Pro keyboard?
The answer: You can customize your Surface Pro keyboard settings by going to Settings > Devices. Select Typing to adjust your keyboard or Mouse & Touchpad to change mouse sensitivity.
Q4: How do I make the Surface Pro on-screen keyboard bigger?
The answer: You can quickly enable the on-screen keyboard by pressing Win + Ctrl + O. Then, to resize it, simply point the cursor to any corner of the keyboard and drag it to the size you want.
