Troubleshooting Keyboard Not Working Issue on Surface Pro 9
Troubleshooting Keyboard Not Working Issues on Surface Pro 9
If you are among the many users experiencing issues with the keyboard on your Surface Pro 9, there are several steps and methods you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.
Physical Connection and Cleaning
One of the first steps is to ensure that the physical connection between the keyboard and the Surface Pro 9 is clean and free from debris. Dust or dirt accumulated on the connectors can often cause a poor connection. Detach the Type Cover or keyboard, clean the connectors on both the keyboard and the Surface Pro 9 using a dry cloth, and then reattach the keyboard. This simple step can sometimes resolve the issue immediately[4][5].
Two-Button Shutdown Method
A common and effective method to reset the keyboard connection is the two-button shutdown. For Surface Pro 9, press and hold both the power button and the volume up button simultaneously for about 30 seconds. This will force a hard reset, similar to removing and reinserting batteries. Continue holding these buttons until you see the Windows logo, and then keep holding until a white screen (BIOS or UEFI screen) appears. Select the "Exit" option and then restart your device. This method often restores keyboard functionality[1][2][4].
Updating Drivers and Firmware
Outdated or incorrect drivers can be a significant cause of keyboard issues. Ensure your Surface Pro 9 is running the latest version of Windows and that all drivers and firmware are up to date. You can check for updates using the Surface app by expanding the "Help & support" section and selecting "Check for updates." If necessary, manually update or reinstall the keyboard drivers from the official Microsoft website or use a driver update tool like Driver Easy to automate the process[2][4][5].
Disabling Filter Keys
The "Filter Keys" feature in Windows can sometimes cause keyboard issues by ignoring brief or repeated keystrokes. To disable this feature, go to the Start menu, select "Settings," then navigate to "Ease of Access" > "Keyboard," and switch off the "Filter Keys" function. This simple tweak can resolve the issue for some users[2][4].
Using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
The Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (SDT) is a useful tool to diagnose whether the issue is hardware or software related. Running the SDT can help identify if the problem lies with the keyboard itself or with the software configuration. If the toolkit indicates a hardware issue, you may need to submit a service ticket to Microsoft for further assistance[2][4].
Reattaching the Keyboard and Restarting
Sometimes, simply detaching the keyboard, restarting the Surface Pro 9, and then reattaching the keyboard can resolve the issue. Ensure there is no debris or damage that could inhibit the connection. After reattaching, restart your device to see if the keyboard functions properly[4][5].
Checking UEFI Settings
If the keyboard works in the UEFI (BIOS) settings but not in Windows, the issue is likely related to the software. You can try toggling the "Type Cover port" on and off in the UEFI settings to see if this resolves the problem. To do this, enter UEFI by pressing the power and volume up buttons, navigate to the "Devices" menu, toggle off the "Type Cover port," exit UEFI, re-enter UEFI, and toggle the port back on. Then, check if the keyboard works in Windows[4].
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
- Check for Hardware Issues: If the keyboard backlight and caps lock light are working but the keys are not registering, it may indicate a software issue rather than a hardware problem. However, if the lights do not turn on, it could be a hardware issue, and you should submit a service ticket to Microsoft[2][3].
- Enable On-Screen Keyboard: Temporarily enabling the on-screen keyboard can help you navigate and perform tasks while you troubleshoot the physical keyboard issue[5].
By following these detailed steps, you can systematically troubleshoot and often resolve keyboard issues on your Surface Pro 9, ensuring you can get back to work efficiently.