Install all available Surface Book 2 firmware updates, then run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit; if both batteries remain at 0%, Microsoft’s supported next step is hardware service.
1. Install the last available Surface Book 2 firmware
Since restarting and reinstalling the battery drivers did not help, do not repeat those steps.
- Keep the Surface connected to power.
- Open the Surface app.
- Expand Help & support.
- Select Check for updates, install everything offered by Windows Update, and restart when prompted.
- Return to Windows Update until no further Surface firmware or driver updates are offered.
Surface Book 2 previously received firmware updates specifically addressing battery stability and battery reporting. Its driver and firmware servicing period has now ended, but previously released updates remain available.^1^
2. Test the charging hardware
The lightning symbol means Windows detects external power; it does not prove that the batteries can accept or retain a charge.
- Check the Surface Connect plug’s LED:
- Solid white: proceed to battery diagnostics.
- Off or flashing: unplug the charger from both the Surface and wall for at least 10 seconds, inspect and clean the connector with a dry lint-free cloth, reconnect it, and test another wall outlet.
- Flip the Surface Connect plug 180 degrees and reconnect it.
- If available, test with another known-good, correctly rated Surface power supply. If another charger works, service or replace the original charger; if it does not, service the Surface.^2^
Confirm the charger’s rating from its small-print label:
- Surface Book 2 15-inch: minimum 95 W, model 1798.
- 13-inch with NVIDIA GPU: minimum 95 W, model 1798.
- 13-inch without NVIDIA GPU: minimum 39 W, model 1800.^3^
“OEM” alone is not sufficient if the adapter is intended for a lower-wattage Surface model.
3. Check both batteries’ reported condition
- Select Start and search for Surface Diagnostic Toolkit.
- Install it from Microsoft Store if it is not present.
- Run the toolkit and open Battery information.
- Record the Designed capacity, Current capacity, and Wear level for each detected battery.
The newer Surface Repair Tool automatically checks compatibility; if it does not support this model, use the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit.^4^
Results indicating that either battery is not detected, has essentially no current/full-charge capacity, or still cannot charge after the firmware and charger checks require physical inspection rather than another battery-driver reinstall.
About the screen not detaching
This behavior is expected at 0%: both Surface Book batteries must be above 10% before the keyboard will release. A battery below that threshold causes the Detach key to show a brief red light instead of releasing the screen.^5^
Do not force the display off. Connector cleaning is not currently practical because Microsoft’s procedure requires detaching the display first.
If charging remains at 0%
Back up important files while the Surface still runs from its adapter, then create a Microsoft service order or use an authorized in-person repair provider. Microsoft lists self-repair, send-in service, and authorized-provider inspection as the available paths when a Surface still will not charge.^6^
Because the Surface Book 2 is outside its firmware servicing period, no future firmware fix should be expected for unresolved charging hardware.
References
- Surface Book 2 update history | Microsoft Support
- What to do if your Surface power supply doesn’t work
- Surface charging requirements and power supplies for Surface Book | Microsoft Support
- How to check the battery capacity of your Surface | Microsoft Support
- Fix problems detaching or attaching your Surface Book keyboard | Microsoft Support
- Surface battery won’t charge or Surface won’t run on battery | Microsoft Support