Issues with Surface pro keyboard

Question

I have a surface keyboard that has lights on the keyboard and they worked for about a week and now they don't and the delete key won't work either and it is only a few months old, thoughts. It is charged and connected but kinda upset about things not working as they should

Answer 1

Hi Carol D'Artagnan,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand how disruptive it is when the keyboard backlight stops working and an important key like Delete no longer responds, even though it's only a few months old.

Please follow the steps below to help confirm whether this is a software or hardware issue:

Step 1: Confirm keyboard connectivity using LED indicators

With the keyboard attached to the Surface, press the Caps Lock key and then the Fn key.

• If the LED lights do not turn on or off, the keyboard is likely not receiving power. This indicates a hardware issue, and the next step is to submit a service order for a replacement keyboard.
• If the LED lights do turn on and off, the keyboard is receiving power and the issue is more likely related to Windows or software.

Step 2: Verify keyboard functionality in UEFI

Turn off the Surface and wait about 10 seconds.

1. Press and hold the Volume Up button.
2. While holding Volume Up, press and release the Power button.
3. When the Surface logo appears, continue holding Volume Up.
4. Release Volume Up when the UEFI screen appears.

Step 3: Test keys in the UEFI screen

Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the menu on the left side.

• If the arrow keys do not respond, this confirms a keyboard hardware failure and replacement is recommended.
• If the arrow keys do respond, the keyboard hardware is working and the issue is likely related to Windows settings, drivers, or firmware.

If a hardware issue is confirmed, please contact Microsoft Surface Support to submit a service order for a keyboard replacement under warranty.

Please keep me posted on how it goes and feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. I'm here to help.

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Answer 2

It sounds like you are experiencing a couple of issues with your Surface keyboard. For the backlighting issue, on newer Surface devices, the F5 key typically cycles through different levels of backlighting. You may need to toggle the Fn key if the F5 key does not work as expected.

Regarding the delete key not functioning, this could be due to debris under the key. It's recommended to use compressed air to blow under the affected keys and to wipe them with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. If the problem persists, trying an external keyboard can help determine if it's a hardware issue with the keyboard itself or a software/driver problem. Additionally, if the keys work fine in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be interfering with the keyboard's functionality.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issues, you may want to consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance, especially since your device is relatively new.

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References:

• Backlit keyboard - Microsoft Q&A
• Keypad issue - Microsoft Q&A