Microsoft Surface Pro 8 keyboard issue

Question

Hello. I have a Microsoft Surface Pro 8, and its Type Cover keyboard does not work.

I tested two different Microsoft Surface keyboards, including(a new one) one that works on another Surface device. Both attach to my Surface, but pressing any key produces no response. A USB keyboard works normally.

I noticed that one of the gold contacts on the Surface's keyboard connector appears to be broken and missing.

How can I solve this issue. Thanks

Answer 1

Sounds like the broken gold pin is the problem. Since two different keyboards, including a new one that works on another Surface, do nothing on yours, the fault is in your tablet’s connector, not the keyboards.

Before giving up, try a couple of free things. Shut it down completely, then hold the power button for about 20 seconds until the logo shows, and start it again. Also run Windows Update, in case something small is stuck. It probably won’t fix a missing pin, but it costs nothing.

Then look at the connector closely with a flashlight. Sometimes a pin looks missing when it’s just pushed in or dirty. With the device off, you can gently clean it with a dry soft brush or a cotton swab with a tiny bit of alcohol.

If the pin is really gone, I’m afraid you can’t fix it yourself. That connector is built into the Surface’s body, and opening the device is risky because of the glued screen. Your options are:

Check if you’re still under warranty at account.microsoft.com/devices. If so, Microsoft may repair it.

If not, get a quote from Microsoft and from a local repair shop that works on Surfaces, and compare the price.

Meanwhile, use a regular Bluetooth keyboard, or your USB keyboard with a USB-C adapter. Both work fine and will get you through your daily work.

Honestly, a Bluetooth keyboard is the cheapest solution if the repair quote turns out to be high.

Answer 2

A broken or missing gold contact on the Surface keyboard connector points to a hardware problem on the Surface itself, not the Type Cover. Since two different Surface keyboards fail on this Surface, while a USB keyboard works, the most likely cause is the damaged connector.

Recommended path:

1. Reattach and confirm
   • Reattach the Type Cover so all magnets touch the bottom edge of the Surface.
   • Press Caps and Fn a couple of times.
   • If the LED lights do not turn on, that indicates a hardware issue and the next step is service.
2. Check for debris or physical obstruction
   • Detach the keyboard.
   • Make sure there is no debris, damage, or anything blocking the connection area.
   • In this case, the missing contact already indicates physical damage.
3. Do not focus on Windows troubleshooting
   • A USB keyboard working normally shows Windows is usable.
   • Because the Surface connector itself appears physically damaged, software steps are unlikely to fix the Type Cover connection.
4. Submit a service order
   • Sign in to Microsoft account | Select device for service.
   • Select the registered Surface and follow the repair steps.
   • If the device is not listed, use Don’t see your device? to register it first.
5. If warranty has expired
   • A replacement keyboard may help only if the keyboard is faulty. In this case, the damaged Surface connector suggests the Surface device needs repair.
   • Purchasing another keyboard is unlikely to solve the issue unless the Surface connector is repaired.

If repeated or dropped keys were the issue, cleaning or settings checks could help. But with no response from two known-good keyboards and visible connector damage, service is the supported solution.

---

• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover | Microsoft Support
• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover | Microsoft Support