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Keyboard keys need three strikes to work.

Anonymous
2025-01-14T13:06:30+00:00

Some keys on the keyboard of my surface book require multiple hard strikes to work. Cleaning with compressed air did not help. What can I do to fix this?

OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Home

Version 10.0.22635 Build 22635

Other OS Description Not Available

OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

System Name SURFACE-LAPTOP-

System Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

System Model Surface Laptop 4

System Type x64-based PC

System SKU Surface_Laptop_4_1950:1951

Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1185G7 @ 3.00GHz, 2995 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

BIOS Version/Date Microsoft Corporation 30.101.143, 10/16/2024

SMBIOS Version 3.3

Embedded Controller Version 255.255

BIOS Mode UEFI

BaseBoard Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

BaseBoard Product Surface Laptop 4

BaseBoard Version Not Available

Platform Role Mobile

Secure Boot State On

PCR7 Configuration Elevation Required to View

Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS

System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32

Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1

Locale United States

Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "10.0.22621.2706"

User Name SURFACE-LAPTOP-\wind4

Time Zone Eastern Standard Time

Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 32.0 GB

Total Physical Memory 31.8 GB

Available Physical Memory 13.4 GB

Total Virtual Memory 42.8 GB

Available Virtual Memory 16.8 GB

Page File Space 11.0 GB

Page File C:\pagefile.sys

Kernel DMA Protection On

Virtualization-based security Running

Virtualization-based security Required Security Properties Base Virtualization Support

Virtualization-based security Available Security Properties Base Virtualization Support, Secure Boot, DMA Protection, UEFI Code Readonly, SMM Security Mitigations 1.0, Mode Based Execution Control, APIC Virtualization

Virtualization-based security Services Configured Hypervisor enforced Code Integrity

Virtualization-based security Services Running Hypervisor enforced Code Integrity

Windows Defender Application Control policy Enforced

Windows Defender Application Control user mode policy Off

Device Encryption Support Elevation Required to View

A hypervisor has been detected. Features required for Hyper-V will not be displayed.

Surface | Surface Laptop | Performance and maintenance

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Anonymous
2025-01-15T06:00:57+00:00

Hi Mark, 

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

If cleaning the keyboard with compressed air didn't resolve the issue, the problem might be due to dirt, debris, or wear and tear affecting the key mechanisms. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

  1. Inspect for Debris- Turn off your device and disconnect it from power.- Tilt the keyboard and gently tap it to dislodge any loose debris.- Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to clean around the problematic keys.- If possible, carefully remove the keycaps (if your keyboard allows it) and clean underneath. Be cautious, as some keycaps are fragile and can break easily.
  2. Use Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Dampen a cotton swab or cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% or less).- Gently clean around the edges of the problematic keys to remove any sticky residue or grime.- Allow the keyboard to dry completely before testing the keys.
  1. Test with an External Keyboard
  • Connect an external USB keyboard to your Surface Laptop to determine if the issue is hardware-related.- If the external keyboard works fine, the problem is likely with the built-in keyboard. If none of the above steps work, the issue might be due to a hardware fault, you'll need to submit a service order.

If you decide to send it in, go to Device service and repair and sign in with your Microsoft account. If your device is already registered, select

it and follow the instructions. If your device isn't listed, select Don't see your device? to register it, then follow the instructions to get service.

Through this process, you’ll find out if your Surface is in or out of warranty and how much it’ll cost, if applicable. Depending on the product, the service offered may be a repair or a refurbished replacement. Once an order is created, you’ll get a shipping address so you can send in your device. I hope this helps. If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.Your SincerelyHahn. W - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-15T19:33:10+00:00

    Dear Hahn.W,

    Thanks! Nothing came out when I smacked the laptop upside down and the keys do not come out. But I cleaned the cracks with a soft toothbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol, and that seems to have fixed the problem!

    I sincerely thank you for the quick response with the right advice!

    Mark Herbst

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-15T19:15:27+00:00

    Thanks for the response! I'll try these and let you know if anything worked.

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