Detached screen no longer receives typing commands from the keyboard.

Question

I have a SUrface Book 3. Just today, when I detached the screen, the keyboard no longer functions. I can point the mouse and open up Word, but when I type, there is NO text in the document. The unit functions properly when the screen is attached to the keyboard.

Answer 1

Hello Fatherofnine,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I have fully read everything you have posted here. If your description is correct, the keyboard is not available when you separate the screen from the keyboard.

The Surface Book 3's screen and keyboard are physically connected through ports, and the keyboard doesn't support wireless connectivity, so it can't be used with a separate screen like the Surface Pro Flex keyboard.

So in fact your Surface Book 3 is working fine.

Best Regards,

Mitchell | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Thank you MItchell. I have been able to orgaise a workaround but using a bluetooth KB and mouse and flipping the screen to be a tablet. It now sits on the new stand and the screen is at eye level. Thanks a bunch for you time.

Answer 3

Hi Fatherofnine,

Apparently this is OK, because Surface Book series devices support removing the screen and connecting it to the keyboard in turn to do this:

Surface Book 2 specs and features - Microsoft Support

The link uses the Surface Book 2 as an example, but rest assured that the Surface Book 3 can do the same thing:

Once the keyboard is connected in this way, you can easily find a stand to set it up as a separate screen (which is still displayed in desktop mode because it is connected to the keyboard), and then connect the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to use it at will.

Best Regards,

Mitchell | Microsoft Community Support Specialist