my regular keyboard is not working.

First identify whether the device is a Microsoft Surface Pro/Surface Go or another manufacturer’s 2-in-1, because the restart and firmware-test procedures are model-specific.

Open Start, type System Information, and select it. Note System Manufacturer and System Model.

If it is a Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Go

Since detaching and reconnecting has not restored either the keys or touchpad, use these checks in order:

1. Inspect and clean the connection
   • Shut down and unplug the Surface.
   • Detach the cover and inspect the contacts on both the cover and tablet for debris or damage.
   • Gently clean away debris, then attach the cover so all magnets contact the bottom edge. This differs from simply disconnecting and reconnecting because it checks the physical contacts. ^1^
2. Force-restart a supported model
   • For Surface Pro 5 or later or any Surface Go, select Start > Power > Shut down.
   • Hold the Power button for a full 20 seconds, continuing even if the Surface logo appears.
   • Reattach and test the keyboard and touchpad.
   For an older or different Surface model, do not assume this button sequence applies; use the model-specific force-restart procedure linked from Microsoft’s Surface keyboard article. ^1^
3. Check the Caps and Fn lights
   • Press Caps and Fn several times.
   • No indicator lights: Microsoft’s next recommended action is a service order because this indicates a possible hardware or connection failure. If available, testing the cover on another compatible Surface can further isolate whether the cover or tablet is faulty.
   • Lights work, but keys and touchpad do not: continue with the UEFI test.
4. Test outside Windows in UEFI
   • Shut down and wait 10 seconds.
   • Hold Volume Up, press and release Power, and keep holding Volume Up until UEFI appears.
   • Try the keyboard’s Up/Down Arrow keys and touchpad.
   Interpret the result:
   • Does not work in UEFI: this points to hardware rather than Windows. Submit a service order for the keyboard/cover or Surface.
   • Works in UEFI but not Windows: proceed with the Windows recovery branch below.
   • On a Surface for Business model only, if UEFI contains Devices, disable the Type Cover port, exit UEFI, return to UEFI, and enable it again. Consumer models may not have this menu. ^1^

If the keyboard works in UEFI

1. Open the Surface app > Help & support.
2. Select Check for updates, install available Windows, Surface driver, firmware, and optional Surface driver updates, then restart. Keep the keyboard attached during updating. ^2^
3. If it remains nonfunctional, back up important data and use:
   • Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started
   • Choose Keep my files > Cloud download.

This reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files, but removes installed applications, drivers, and settings changes. ^3^

Manually install a Surface driver package only if Windows was installed from a custom or clean image; otherwise, use the Surface app and Windows Update first. ^1^

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If this Surface supports Windows 11, upgrade after resolving the input problem. ^3^

If it is not a Microsoft Surface

Do not use the Surface power-button or UEFI sequence. Use the manufacturer’s documented procedure for that exact model to:

• Enter BIOS/UEFI and test the detachable keyboard there.
• Install the manufacturer’s firmware and keyboard/touchpad drivers.
• Run its hardware diagnostics.
• Request repair if both keyboard and touchpad fail outside Windows.

References

1. Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover | Microsoft Support
2. Download drivers and firmware for Surface
3. Reset or recover your Surface