Turn off Filter Keys, especially its repeated-keystroke options, because that Windows accessibility feature can ignore consecutive presses of the same letter, Backspace, or arrow key.
Turn off Filter Keys
Windows 11
- Open Start → Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
- Turn Filter Keys Off.
- If it is already on and you want to keep some Filter Keys functions, open its settings and disable:
- Ignore unintended keystrokes (bounce keys)
- Ignore repeated keystrokes (repeat keys)
- Wait before accepting repeated keystrokes
- Test by typing
letter, holding Backspace, and holding an arrow key.
Windows 10
- Open Start → Settings → Ease of Access → Keyboard.
- Turn Filter Keys Off.
- Test the repeated keys again.
Microsoft documents that Filter Keys can ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, and specifically recommends checking this setting when a Surface keyboard ignores repeated input.^1^ The individual Windows settings include options to ignore repeated presses and delay acceptance of subsequent presses.^2^
If Filter Keys is already off
- Open the Surface app.
- Expand Help & support and check the update status.
- Install any offered updates, then restart the Surface.
- If this is a detachable Type Cover, shut down the Surface, detach the cover, check the connector for debris or damage, and reconnect it securely.
- Test outside Windows in Surface UEFI:
- Shut down and wait 10 seconds.
- Hold Volume Up, press and release Power, and continue holding Volume Up until UEFI appears.
- Test repeated presses of the up and down arrow keys.
If repeated presses work in UEFI but not in Windows, the issue is software-related. Microsoft’s documented final recovery option is Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Keep my files → Cloud download. Back up important data first; this keeps personal files but removes installed applications, drivers, and settings changes.^1^
If the keys also fail in UEFI, or continue dropping repeated input after these checks, Microsoft treats that as a likely keyboard hardware failure. Submit a service order for the Type Cover or Surface through the device-service page referenced in the Surface support procedure.^1^
References