Surface Pro 9 keyboard not working

Ravishankar 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T03:52:11.4066667+00:00

I have got Surface Pro 9. My detachable is not getting recognized. Iam not able to use the keyboard at all

Surface | Surface Pro | Performance and maintenance
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  1. Vikki-T 8,550 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-19T08:45:58.24+00:00

    Hi Ravishankar,

    I understand how inconvenient it is when the detachable keyboard is not recognized at all.

    Could you please confirm whether you’re using a standard Surface Pro Keyboard/Signature Keyboard or a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard? Also, do the Caps Lock or Fn indicator lights respond when the keyboard is attached and did the problem begin after an update, reset or physical impact?

    If possible, please test another compatible Surface keyboard with your Surface Pro 9 or test the current keyboard on another compatible Surface. If another keyboard works, the original keyboard is likely the source of the problem. If neither keyboard is recognized, the Surface connector or device itself may need further inspection.

    If Windows was recently reinstalled using a clean or custom image, please also install the correct Surface Pro 9 driver and firmware package, then restart the device.

    Please let me know the results, especially whether the indicator lights respond and whether another keyboard is detected. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-19T03:52:31.9533333+00:00

    Try these steps in order for a Surface Pro 9 detachable keyboard that is not recognized:

    1. Check updates in the Surface app
      • Open the Surface app.
      • Expand Help & support.
      • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them.
      • Select Get help and describe the issue to check for detected problems.
    2. Detach and inspect the keyboard
      • Unplug the Surface.
      • Detach the keyboard.
      • Check for debris, damage, or anything blocking the connector.
      • Reattach it carefully so all magnets touch the bottom edge of the Surface.
    3. Force restart the Surface
      • Select Start > Power > Shut down.
      • Wait for the device to fully shut down.
      • Press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds. If the logo appears earlier, keep holding until it appears again.
      • After restart, test the keyboard again.
    4. Confirm whether the keyboard is connecting
      • Press the Caps and Fn keys a couple of times.
      • If the LED lights do not turn on, that points to a possible hardware issue.
      • If the LED lights turn on but typing still does not work, continue with the next step.
    5. Test in UEFI
      • Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
      • Press and hold Volume Up, then press and release Power.
      • Keep holding Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears.
      • Try the arrow keys there.
      • If the keys work in UEFI, the issue is likely Windows/software rather than the keyboard hardware.
    6. Check Accessibility keyboard settings
      • If key presses make sounds or typing is ignored, check whether Filter Keys or Sticky Keys is enabled.
      • In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn those settings on or off as needed.
    7. If it works in UEFI but not in Windows
      • The issue is likely software on the Surface.
      • Go to Start, type reset, then select Reset this PC.
      • Select Keep my files > Cloud download and follow the prompts.
      • This reinstalls Windows, keeps personal files and apps that came with the PC, and removes changes to settings plus apps and drivers that were installed.
      • Risk: this removes installed apps and drivers and resets settings.
    8. If it still is not recognized
      • Submit a service order for the keyboard or Surface.
      • If keys are damaged, cracked, fallen off, or the keyboard still fails after the steps above, the guidance is to create a service request.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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