Surface Pro X - iPhone, MS Modern Keyboard w Fingerprint ID connectivity issues?

Question

Has anyone gotten the Surface Pro X to recognize an iPhone 11 in iTunes? iTunes says it's waiting for Windows to update the driver for the phone with the iTunes installed from the MS Store. A standalone download of the 32-bit iTunes installer errors out during installation  saying it is intended for 32-bit versions of Windows.  The surface can see the photos on the iPhone but to update iOS and sync music/podcasts I would need the phone to be recognized in iTunes.

Also, the driver for the Microsoft Modern Keyboard with the fingerprint sensor doesn't seem to load so you cannot pair the keyboard with the Surface Pro X's bluetooth when you connect the keyboard so I cannot use it wirelessly. You can use it as a generic keyboard plugged in but it will not recognize the fingerprint sensor.

Has anyone tried/gotten either of these to work with the Surface Pro X?

Answer 1

Hi ProXorPro7,

Thanks for reaching Microsoft Surface Community. We thank you for taking advantage on our new Surface Pro X. We do have some questions to have this isolated. 

Have you update your Surface Pro X?

What is the current OS version and build of your Surface Pro X?

Have you tried updating your Microsoft Store app?

Go to Microsoft Store App > Look for the 3 dots on the upper left part of the screen > Check for updates

When you say about the Touch keyboard with finger print, is that the old one that has the small finger print box beside the touch pad?

You can check this link if this is the keyboard that you're referring: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surface-pro-type-cover-with-fingerprint-id/8x1n09mrq5d0?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

Looking forward on your response. Please keep us posted. 

Regards,

Edd

Answer 2

Yes, I have updated my Surface Pro X to the latest software (KB4522355, KB4517389) and the 11/5/2019 System Hardware Update.

All apps (including iTunes) are up to date in the Microsoft Store App.

No, I am not talking about that old type cover.  That type cover won't even fit on the Surface Pro X since it is for the older Surface Pros.  I am talking about the external keyboard -> 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-modern-keyboard-with-fingerprint-id/8th375bb6wpm?cid=msft_web_collection&activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab

I think you might not understand the problem with the Surface Pro X?  It is my understanding that although the SQ1 chip will try and translate 32bit x86 applications (like the 32bit iTunes) to run, any drivers like the ones needed for the iPhone USB connection and the Microsoft keyboard drivers will not work unless there is a ARM driver available.  There is no translating 32bit drivers unless I am mistaken.  If that is correct, then I am surprised that no Microsoft Surface Pro X tester before the product was released didn't have an iPhone or test using additional Microsoft keyboards.

Answer 3

I emailed an internal contact about this. He is having someone try to reproduce the iTunes situation. For the keyboard issue, he said "For the keyboard issue did they follow these steps, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4038485/accessories-keyboard-troubleshooting-how-to-pair-keyboard-with-fingerp, and install the X86 version of the software/drivers?"

Answer 4

Barb,

When I try to install the 32-bit software and drivers for the keyboard from the link you provided it starts the installation but as soon as you click on Install after accepting the license agreement, the next screen of the Keyboard with Fingerprint ID Installer says, "! Installation failed.  Something went wrong while installing.  Please try again."  

Whoever is testing the iPhone 11 + iTunes issue can also verify that the keyboard installer does not work also.

Answer 5

I think you need to get on Apple's forum on this issue.  This is actually an Apple issue and "they" are the only ones who would be doing any testing.

Apple doesn't care about Windows and really do not support their Windows versions of software very well.  They also have switched to 64-bit for software and drivers and when they get around to it, they "may" create optimized ARM drivers for the Windows version of iTunes.

Best to pester Apple on this issue and they may update the drivers and you will see an update come across for it.

This issue is most likely the cause of your keyboard dilemma as well (driver interference).

I do not have a Pro X myself to test, so, this is just a best guess but check with Apple forums on the issue.