Cannot get keyboard to work when changed mouse

Question

After I changed the mouse, the keyboard will not work.

Answer 1

Which Surface model is this?

What kind of keyboard stopped working?

Unplug or turn off the new mouse

Restart the Surface completely

After reboot, test the keyboard before reconnecting the mouse.

---

Detach and reattach the Type Cover firmly.

Go to Device Manager → Keyboards — check if there's a yellow warning icon

Right-click → Uninstall device, then reattach the Type Cover to reinstall.

---

If It's a Bluetooth Keyboard: Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → remove the keyboard, then re-pair it

Also check if the keyboard battery is low.

---

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard

Make sure Filter Keys and Sticky Keys are OFF Microsoft Reference Article:

Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover

Answer 2

Try these steps in order to get the keyboard working again after changing the mouse:

1. Check basic hardware
   • Make sure the keyboard is firmly plugged in.
   • If it is USB, unplug it, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.
   • Try a different USB port.
   • If using a USB hub, plug the keyboard directly into the PC instead of the hub.
   • If it is wireless, check that the batteries are fresh and correctly inserted.
2. Test the keyboard on another PC
   • Connect the keyboard to a different computer.
   • If it does not work there either, the keyboard may need to be replaced.
3. Check for wireless/Bluetooth issues (if applicable)
   • For wireless USB receivers, unplug the receiver for about 10 seconds and plug it back in to re-establish the connection.
   • If there is a Reset button on the keyboard or receiver, press it to resync.
   • For Bluetooth keyboards, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and confirm the keyboard is paired and connected.
4. Update Windows and drivers
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
   • In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, open Device Manager, find the keyboard under Keyboards, open its Properties, go to the Driver tab, and select Update Driver.
5. Check if the keyboard works at all
   • If there are no lights on the keyboard (for models that have them) and no response in any USB port or on another PC, replacement is likely required.

If the keyboard is a Microsoft keyboard, installing and using the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center can also help configure and verify the device.

---

References:

• Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows
• Troubleshoot problems with your Surface mouse or keyboard