Surface keyboards, like the popular Type Cover, are designed to turn Microsoft’s sleek tablets into fully functioning laptops. But when that keyboard suddenly stops working, things can grind to a halt. You might find it’s physically connected but completely unresponsive, or that the device doesn’t even detect it anymore. For students, professionals, and remote workers alike, that kind of failure can be more than just inconvenient, it’s disruptive. In this guide, I’ll take you through what leads to the Surface keyboard not working, software resets, and reliable workarounds so you can get your Surface keyboard working again.
Check the Hardware First
When your Surface keyboard stops working, it’s easy to assume it’s a software glitch, but sometimes, the issue is much simpler. Physical connection problems are one of the most common reasons a Surface Type Cover becomes unresponsive. Loose magnets, dirty pins, or minor misalignments can all prevent the keyboard from connecting properly. That’s why the first step should always be a quick hardware check. It only takes a minute and often solves the problem before you need to dive into system settings. Here’s what you should look at first.
Reconnect the Keyboard
Sometimes the fix is as simple as detaching and reattaching your Surface keyboard. A loose connection or dust on the pins can break communication between the device and the Type Cover. Reconnecting it properly helps reset that physical link. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Step 1: Detach your Surface keyboard by gently pulling it away from the device.
Step 2: Wipe the connector pins on both the keyboard and the tablet with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 3: Reattach the keyboard firmly until the magnets snap into place.
This simple action has saved me more than once. I remember preparing a report in WPS Writer when the keyboard cut out mid-sentence. Reconnecting it after cleaning the contacts brought it back instantly, no reboot needed.
Check for Damage:
If reconnecting didn’t solve the issue, it’s worth checking the keyboard and connector for signs of physical damage. Even small problems like bent pins or dust buildup can block the connection and lead to the Surface keyboard not detected. A quick inspection can save you from unnecessary troubleshooting later. Here’s what to look for:
Step 1: Take a closer look at the connector strip on the keyboard.
Step 2: Inspect for bent pins, dust buildup, or signs of corrosion.
Step 3: Check that the magnet still aligns the keyboard securely, misalignment can block the connection.
Test with Another Surface (If Available):
If you have access to another Surface device, testing your keyboard on it can quickly tell you where the problem lies. This helps you figure out if the issue is with the keyboard itself or the tablet’s connector. It’s a simple step that can rule out a lot of guesswork. Here’s how to try it:
Step 1: Attach your keyboard to a different Surface device to rule out tablet-side issues.
Step 2: If it works on another tablet, your current Surface might have a damaged port or deeper hardware issue.
Software Reset Tips
If the hardware looks fine but your keyboard still isn’t responding, the issue might be on the software side. System updates, driver glitches, or temporary bugs can stop your Surface from recognizing the Type Cover properly. I’ve run into this myself after a routine Windows update, and a quick reset was all it took. These kinds of problems are more common than they seem, and thankfully, they’re usually easy to fix. Before you consider a replacement, it’s worth walking through a few reset options. Here’s some Surface Keyboard troubleshooting steps:
Restart the Device:
Sometimes all it takes to fix a Surface keyboard glitch is a simple restart. Temporary system bugs, especially after a recent update, can block the connection between your Surface and its Type Cover. Restarting clears out those issues and gives the device a clean slate. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Step 1: Click the Start menu and select the Power icon to access shutdown and restart options.
Step 2: After pressing restart, wait for 10 seconds as your system restarts..
Step 3: Try using the keyboard immediately after the reboot.
This fix works more often than you'd expect. After one update, my Surface stopped recognizing the Type Cover. A simple reboot was enough to bring it back.
Check for Windows Updates:
Outdated software or missing drivers can quietly cause keyboard issues without any warning. Checking for Windows updates ensures your Surface has the latest fixes and firmware needed for everything to run smoothly. Here’s how to check and update.
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and open “Settings”. It’s the gear icon on the left, or you can type “Settings” into the search bar and hit Enter.
Step 2: In the Settings window, go to Windows Update, then click Check for updates and let Windows scan for anything new. If updates are available, download and install them.
Step 3: If updates are available, install and restart your device.
Sometimes a Windows update includes essential keyboard firmware that doesn’t install until you restart. Keeping your system updated can prevent issues altogether.
Use Device Manager:
If restarting your device still leads to the Surface Pro keyboard not working after updates, the issue could be with the driver. Device Manager lets you reset or reinstall the keyboard driver manually, which can restore functionality in just a few steps. It’s a handy tool built right into Windows. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Step 1: Right-click the Start button and choose “Device Manager.”
Step 2: Expand “Keyboards,” then right-click your keyboard and choose “Uninstall device.”
Step 3: Click “Scan for hardware changes” in the top menu to reinstall the driver.
This method helped me once when the keyboard was connected but completely unresponsive. I used the on-screen keyboard to access Device Manager, and within minutes, I was back to editing a WPS Spreadsheet that was due that same afternoon.
Try a Firmware Reset:
When basic restarts don’t work, a firmware reset can help clear out deeper hardware-level issues. It refreshes the system’s low-level settings without deleting your data. This step often resolves persistent problems that other fixes miss. Here’s how to perform it safely:
Step 1: Hold the Power and Volume Up buttons for 15 seconds.
Step 2: Release and wait for the Surface to enter UEFI (firmware settings).
Step 3: Exit UEFI and restart the device, this can reset hardware-level glitches.
When to Replace It
If you’ve tried all the physical checks and software resets and your keyboard still isn’t responding, it might be time to consider a replacement. Surface Type Covers are durable, but like any hardware, they can wear out or suffer internal damage over time and lead to the Surface Type Cover not responding. Knowing when to stop troubleshooting and move on can save you time and frustration. I’ve gone through this process myself, and it helped to have clear signs before making the call. In this section, I’ll walk you through how to check your warranty, confirm the issue, and explore your best replacement options. Here's what to look for next.
Check Your Warranty:
Before spending money on a new keyboard, it’s worth checking if your current one is still under warranty. Microsoft often covers accessories like the Type Cover for longer than expected, especially if they were bought with the device. A quick lookup could save you the cost of a replacement. Here’s how to check your coverage.
Step 1: Go to account.microsoft.com/devices and sign into your Microsoft account.
Step 2: Register your device(If you haven’t yet), by clicking Register Device.
Step 3: Click on “Info & Support”, and check for accessory coverage
Step 4: Initiate a replacement if still under warranty.
Test an External Keyboard:
If you're unsure whether the issue is with the keyboard or the Surface itself, using an external keyboard can help narrow it down. It’s a quick way to confirm if the tablet is still responsive to input. I’ve used this step myself to avoid unnecessary replacements. Here’s how to test it out:
Step 1: Plug in a USB or Bluetooth keyboard.
Step 2: If it works, then your Surface tablet is functioning correctly, meaning the fault is likely the Type Cover.
Know Your Replacement Options:
Surface Type Covers typically cost between $99 and $179, depending on the model and features (like backlighting or fingerprint reader). Check for certified refurbished or student discounts before buying new.
Still Workable with WPS Office
Even if your Surface keyboard isn't working, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. WPS Office helped me stay productive on more than one occasion while waiting on a keyboard fix. After my Type Cover gave out unexpectedly, I still needed to finish a document draft that afternoon.
WPS Office ran smoothly in tablet mode, and I didn’t have to install anything extra. The on-screen keyboard handled short notes and edits, while WPS Writer helped me keep the formatting consistent. I used cloud sync to access the same file from another device later, everything stayed in place without any version issues.
Tools That Actually Help in Touch Mode
Using your Surface without a keyboard isn’t ideal, but WPS Office makes it surprisingly manageable. I’ve worked through entire sessions using just touch, and the tools stayed responsive and easy to navigate. Whenever I was editing documents or signing PDFs, everything stayed smooth. Here are the features that helped the most:
WPS Writer: Typing on-screen isn’t ideal, but for quick edits and short responses, Writer handled it easily. I even inserted screenshots and formatted headings without a physical keyboard.
WPS Spreadsheet: For class tracking or small calculations, the built-in functions worked fine using only touch. I relied on it for updating shared grade sheets and schedules.
PDF Editor: I used it to annotate and sign forms without printing anything out—just tapping through pages was fast and intuitive.
Cloud Sync: Since WPS Office syncs documents to the cloud, I could pick up my files later on another device with a working keyboard.
WPS didn’t just help me get by, it let me keep working without stress. I didn’t lose any time or files, and I didn’t have to pause my work waiting on a hardware fix.
Surface Keyboard Fixes Compared
Here’s a quick breakdown of common Surface keyboard problems, their solutions, and how likely they are to work:
Issue Type |
Fix Option |
Success Rate |
---|---|---|
Not Detected |
Reconnect / Device Manager Reset |
High |
Random Disconnects |
Windows Update / Restart |
Medium to High |
No Key Response |
Firmware Reset / Test on another |
Medium |
Permanent Failure |
Replace / Use External Keyboard |
Low (Needs New Unit) |
FAQs
Q1: Why did my Surface keyboard suddenly stop working?
It could be a loose connection, outdated drivers, a system update issue, or physical damage.
Q2: Will a factory reset fix keyboard problems?
Sometimes. But it's better to try physical and software fixes before going that far.
Q3: Can I still use my Surface without a keyboard?
Yes. With the on-screen keyboard and WPS Office, you can continue editing and navigating easily.
Q4: Should I buy a new Type Cover or try something else?
If your current one shows no signs of life after all troubleshooting, and you rely on it daily, replacing it is usually worth it.