The Surface Pro 6 Type Cover has no separate power switch—attach it firmly to the magnetic connector along the bottom edge of the Surface, and it should work automatically.
Connect and test it
- Shut down the Surface and unplug its charger.
- Detach the Type Cover.
- Check the connectors on both the Surface and Type Cover for dirt or damage; clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Reattach the cover so all magnets contact the Surface’s bottom edge.
- Press Caps Lock and Fn several times:
- If their lights turn on and off, the keyboard is receiving power.
- If neither light turns on, the Type Cover or connector may have a hardware problem. ^1^
If it remains unresponsive
- Select Start > Power > Shut down.
- Hold the Surface’s Power button for a full 20 seconds, continuing to hold it if the Surface logo appears.
- Reattach the Type Cover and test it again.
- Open the Surface app, expand Help & support, and install any available updates. ^1^
Test outside Windows
- Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
- Hold Volume Up, then press and release Power.
- Keep holding Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears.
- Test the Type Cover’s arrow keys.
If UEFI contains a Devices menu—available only on commercial/Surface for Business models—disable the Type Cover port, exit UEFI, return to UEFI, and re-enable it.
- Works in UEFI but not Windows: Windows software is likely the issue. Back up important data, search Start for Reset this PC, and choose Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download. This preserves personal files but removes installed applications, drivers, and settings.
- Does not work in UEFI, or its Caps/Fn lights never illuminate: Request hardware service at Microsoft account | Select device for service. Sign in, select the registered device—or register it using Don’t see your device?—and follow the service-order instructions. ^1^
References