Quick Overview
- If your keyboard connects via USB, try plugging it into a different USB port on your Surface Pro.
- Getting your Surface Pro keyboard working again can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually resolve the issue.
- Remember to start with the basics, like restarting and reconnecting your keyboard, and then move on to more advanced solutions like updating your drivers or resetting your Surface Pro.
Ah, the Surface Pro. A sleek, powerful device that’s perfect for work, school, and everything in between. But what happens when your Surface Pro keyboard stops working? It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to get work done.
This blog post will guide you through troubleshooting steps and solutions to help you get your Surface Pro keyboard working again. We’ll cover everything from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting techniques.
The Basics: Restart and Reconnect
Before we delve into the more complex solutions, let’s start with the basics.
- Restart your Surface Pro: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that may be affecting your keyboard.
- Reconnect your keyboard: If your keyboard is detachable, try disconnecting it and reconnecting it to your Surface Pro. This can help establish a fresh connection.
Check the Keyboard Connection
If restarting and reconnecting didn‘t do the trick, let’s examine the keyboard connection more closely.
- Inspect the connector: Carefully check the connector on both the keyboard and your Surface Pro for any dirt, debris, or damage. Gently clean any debris with a soft cloth.
- Try a different USB port: If your keyboard connects via USB, try plugging it into a different USB port on your Surface Pro. This can help rule out a faulty port.
- Use a different keyboard: If you have another keyboard available, try connecting it to your Surface Pro. If the other keyboard works, the problem is likely with your original keyboard.
Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes cause keyboard issues. Updating your drivers can help resolve these problems.
- Use Windows Update: Windows Update automatically checks for and installs driver updates. To check for updates, go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update** and click **Check for updates**.
- Download drivers from the manufacturer’s website: If Windows Update doesn’t find any updates, you can manually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Search for your Surface Pro model on the Microsoft website to find the appropriate drivers.
Check for Physical Damage
If the keyboard still isn’t working, it’s time to inspect for any physical damage.
- Examine the keyboard for signs of damage: Look for any cracks, dents, or broken keys. If you find any damage, it’s likely the keyboard needs to be replaced.
- Check the Surface Pro’s connector: Inspect the connector on your Surface Pro for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
Troubleshoot with the On-Screen Keyboard
If you can’t use your physical keyboard, you can still interact with your Surface Pro using the on-screen keyboard.
- Enable the on-screen keyboard: Go to **Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard** and turn on the **On-Screen Keyboard** option.
- Use the on-screen keyboard to troubleshoot: Use the on-screen keyboard to access your settings and troubleshoot any keyboard-related issues.
Reset Your Surface Pro
If all else fails, you can try resetting your Surface Pro to its factory settings. This will erase all data from your device, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click on “Reset this PC”.
- Choose “Remove everything” and then “Local reinstall”.
Time to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your Surface Pro keyboard still isn’t working, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Microsoft support or take your Surface Pro to a certified repair shop.
Moving Forward: Preventing Future Keyboard Issues
Once you’ve gotten your Surface Pro keyboard working again, here are a few tips to help prevent future issues:
- Keep your keyboard clean: Regularly clean your keyboard with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Avoid spills: Be careful not to spill liquids on your keyboard. Spills can damage the keyboard and make it unusable.
- Handle your keyboard with care: Avoid dropping or mishandling your keyboard.
Putting It All Together: A Recap
Getting your Surface Pro keyboard working again can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually resolve the issue. Remember to start with the basics, like restarting and reconnecting your keyboard, and then move on to more advanced solutions like updating your drivers or resetting your Surface Pro.
If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Top Questions Asked
Q: My Surface Pro keyboard is typing random characters. What should I do?
A: This could be due to a faulty key or a software issue. Try cleaning the keyboard thoroughly and restarting your Surface Pro. If the problem persists, you may need to update your drivers or reset your Surface Pro.
Q: My Surface Pro keyboard is not registering keystrokes. What’s wrong?
A: This could be due to a loose connection, a faulty keyboard, or a software issue. Check the connection, try a different USB port, and update your drivers. If the problem continues, you may need to replace the keyboard or seek professional help.
Q: My Surface Pro keyboard is working intermittently. What can I do?
A: This could be caused by a faulty keyboard, a loose connection, or a software issue. Try cleaning the keyboard, reconnecting it, and updating your drivers. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard or seek professional help.
Q: My Surface Pro keyboard is not working at all. What should I do?
A: This could be due to a faulty keyboard, a loose connection, or a software issue. Try reconnecting the keyboard, updating your drivers, and resetting your Surface Pro. If the problem continues, you may need to replace the keyboard or seek professional help.
Q: How can I prevent my Surface Pro keyboard from stopping working?
A: Keep your keyboard clean, avoid spills, handle it with care, and update your drivers regularly. This will help prevent common keyboard problems.