Surface Slim pen 2, it pairs but does not work

Question

I have a new surface pro and an old surface. I am trying to use the pen from the old laptop to the new one. It pairs but does not select or do anything on the screen.

Answer 1

Yes — Surface Slim Pen 2 can work with newer Surface Pro models, so the fact that it pairs but doesn't write suggests a pen/Windows/firmware issue, not simply Bluetooth pairing. Microsoft confirms Slim Pen 2 supports inking on Surface Pro 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12-inch models.

Remove the pen from Bluetooth devices.

Restart the new Surface.

Pair the pen again.

Open the Surface app → Check for updates and install all Surface/pen updates.

Make sure the pen is charged.

Answer 2

If the pen pairs over Bluetooth but does not ink, select, or interact with the screen, the first check is device compatibility.

Some Surface devices do not support pen inking or writing at all. These models are listed as not compatible with Surface Slim Pen or Surface Pen:

• Surface Laptop (8th Edition)
• Surface Laptop 13-inch
• Surface Laptop (7th Edition)
• Surface Laptop Go (all editions)

If the new device is one of those models, Bluetooth pairing can still occur, but pen input will not work on the screen.

If the new device is a pen-compatible Surface Pro, try these steps:

1. Restart the Surface: Select Start > Power > Restart.
2. Test the pen in another app such as OneNote, Sticky Notes, or Paint.
   • If it works there, the original app likely does not support pen input.
   • If it does not work anywhere, continue.
3. Check battery/charge status:
   • In the Surface app, look for the connected pen at the bottom to view battery level.
   • If the pen LED shows amber or red, the battery is low and needs to be charged or replaced depending on the pen model.
4. Check for updates in the Surface app:
   • Open Surface app > expand Help & support.
   • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them.
5. Manually install Surface drivers and firmware if inking still does not work. Missing touchscreen-related drivers such as Surface Touch firmware or HID-Compliant Touchscreen can prevent pen inking.

If the pen still pairs but only the top button works, that can also indicate a compatibility issue rather than a Bluetooth problem.

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• Surface Pen compatibility and features
• Steps to try if your Surface Pen won't ink or write
• Troubleshoot your Surface Pen
• Troubleshoot your Surface Pen