The Surface Laptop keyboard is a sleek and powerful device, but like any technology, it’s not immune to occasional issues.
One frustrating problem users may encounter is the Surface Laptop keyboard needing to be fixed.
If you find yourself in this predicament, fear not – there are several potential fixes you can try before reaching out to Windows support.
First and Foremost
Before delving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to consider three key points to respect your time:
If you’ve recently purchased a Surface keyboard and it’s already giving you trouble, consider getting a refund.
Save your time and money. There are alternative keyboards available at the same price point, such as “HP Envy x360” and “HP Spectre X360”, which may offer better reliability.
Typically, a Surface keyboard works well for about 2-3 years. If your keyboard has served you for this duration, you’ve already got your money’s worth.
Attempting to fix it now might only give you an extra month or two, and relying on it after fixing it may be a bad idea.
If you’ve been using your Surface keyboard for less than two years, you can try the practical fixes mentioned below.
However, keep in mind that if it’s been working fine for this period, you’re on borrowed time. Consider these fixes as a temporary solution.
How to Fix Surface Keyboard Not Working
Now, for those who fall into the third category, here are some practical fixes you can try if your Surface keyboard is not working:
Restart Surface
If your Surface Laptop keyboard is not working, the first step to try is restarting your Surface. This can often resolve keyboard issues, as it can clear any temporary software glitches or conflicts that may be causing the problem. Here’s how you can do it:
- Save any work you have open and close all programs.
- Press and hold the power button on your Surface device for about 10 seconds.
- Release the power button, then press it again to turn your Surface back on.
- Once your Surface has restarted, check to see if the keyboard is now working properly.
If restarting your Surface doesn’t resolve the issue, there may be other troubleshooting steps you can try.
Perform a two-button shutdown
If restarting your Surface Laptop doesn’t solve the keyboard issue, you can try performing a two-button shutdown.
This involves pressing and holding the Volume Up and Power buttons on the keyboard for 15 seconds, which will force the Surface Laptop to boot from scratch and clear any software glitches or conflicts that may be causing the keyboard to malfunction.
To perform a two-button shutdown, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons on the keyboard at the same time.
- Hold them down for 15 seconds.
- Release the buttons once your Surface Laptop has turned off.
- Press the Power button again to turn it on normally.
After performing a two-button shutdown, your keyboard should now work properly. If the problem persists, you may need to try other solutions, such as updating keyboard drivers or resetting the Surface.
Use Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
The Surface Diagnostic Toolkit is a diagnostic tool developed by Microsoft to help diagnose and fix issues with Surface devices, including keyboard problems.
It is a portable app that runs tests to diagnose the state of hardware on Surface devices and can help users investigate and troubleshoot issues related to hardware.
To use the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, users can download it from the Windows Store or the Microsoft website. Once downloaded, users can run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues related to hardware.
The tool can help users check their battery health, lookup information about their device, repair common software issues, and validate their Surface hardware.
If the keyboard is not working on a Surface device, the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit can help diagnose the issue and suggest possible solutions.
For example, the tool may suggest updating the keyboard driver or reinstalling the driver to fix any issues related to software.
Alternatively, the tool may suggest cleaning the keyboard connectors or replacing the keyboard if the issue is related to hardware.
Check the keyboard
If your Surface Laptop keyboard still isn’t working after trying the previous solutions, it’s important to check the keyboard to ensure it’s properly connected and undamaged. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the keyboard is securely connected to your Surface Laptop. Ensure all cables are plugged in firmly and there are no loose connections.
- Look closely for any visible signs of damage, such as broken keys or physical harm to the keyboard. If you find any damage, it may be the cause of the malfunction.
- If you’re using an external keyboard, unplug it and plug it back in. Try different USB ports if necessary to rule out any port-related issues.
- If you’re dealing with an integrated keyboard issue, restart your laptop to see if that resolves the problem.
By thoroughly checking the keyboard for proper connection and physical damage, you can effectively troubleshoot potential issues causing the keyboard malfunction on your Surface Laptop.
Clean connectors
If the keyboard is properly connected and not damaged, the next step is to clean the connectors. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the connectors, causing the keyboard to malfunction. To clean the connectors, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the keyboard from the Surface Laptop.
- Shut down the Surface Laptop.
- Clean the connectors with a soft cloth dipped in a mild alcohol solution.
- If necessary, use a Q-tip to clean any stubborn debris.
- Wait for the connectors to dry completely before reconnecting the keyboard.
- Turn on the Surface Laptop and connect the keyboard to check if it is working.
Update or Reinstall Your Driver
To fix the issue of a Surface Laptop keyboard not working, you can update or reinstall your driver. Microsoft frequently releases updates for keyboard drivers to address bugs and other issues.
If your keyboard driver is outdated or incorrectly installed, your keyboard may stop working. Uninstall the current drivers and install the latest keyboard driver available.
If you encounter difficulties finding the latest drivers, there are applications like Driver Booster, Snappy Driver Installer, Driver Talent that can automatically detect and install the latest versions to ensure correct installation.
Reset Surface
If your Surface Laptop keyboard isn’t working, one potential solution is to reset the device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Before performing a reset, ensure you have backed up all your important files and data.
- Click on the Start button and select the gear icon for Settings. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open Settings directly.
- Within Settings, select “Update & Security” from the options.
- In the left sidebar, click on “Recovery.”
- Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.
- You’ll be presented with two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” Select the appropriate option based on your preference. If you choose “Remove everything,” it will erase all files, settings, and apps.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. Your Surface Laptop will restart, and the reset process will begin. This might take some time, so be patient.
Once the reset is complete, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process again, including language, region, user account, and other settings.
After the reset and setup are complete, test your Surface Laptop keyboard to see if the issue has been resolved.
Resetting your Surface Laptop can often resolve various software-related issues, including keyboard problems. However, if the issue persists even after resetting, it might indicate a hardware problem, and you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance or consider getting the keyboard repaired or replaced.
Also Read: Arteck Keyboard Not Working
Contact Windows Support
If all else fails, it’s time to reach out to the experts. Contact Windows support through the Global Customer Service phone numbers or the Contact Us page on their website.
They can provide personalized assistance based on your specific issue.
Additional Tips
While going through these troubleshooting steps, keep in mind the following additional tips:
- Be Gentle: Avoid forcefully pressing keys, as this can potentially damage the keyboard further.
- Clean the keyboard: Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the keyboard surface gently.
- Try Different Environments: Changes in temperature or humidity can sometimes affect keyboard functionality. Experiment with using your Surface Laptop in a different environment to see if the issue persists.
Conclusion
A non-functional keyboard can be a significant inconvenience, but with these troubleshooting steps, you stand a good chance of resolving the issue on your own.
Whether it’s a software glitch or a hardware problem, the solutions outlined above cover a broad range of potential issues.
Remember to back up your work before attempting any troubleshooting steps, and if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from Windows support for a tailored solution to your specific problem.
