"Long shot" question about original Windows Optical Keyboard for Bluetooth

Question

In 2002 (!) I bought (an awfully expensive >$150) Microsoft optical desktop set. - I desperately needed something to demonstrate the new-fangled Bluetooth in my training courses (many at Microsoft as it happens). I only really ever used to demonstrate (it came with a Bluetooth stack to add to XP Sp1 and a dongle for your computer)
I still have the keyboard and I recently dusted it off (it's quite a nice keyboard and I now work at a desk more than I used to) and thought I'd give it a go. After following some forum advice, it connected and works "fine" with Windows 11 (wow!)- except that it eats batteries*.

In view of MS's newfound enthusiasm for repair, re-use etc. I thought I'd see if anyone has any clever ideas (it doesn't have power switch sadly). I suspect it has something to do with the keyboard using a version of Bluetooth whose spec was on the tablets Moses brought down from Mount Sinai (:>) but... if anyone is able to say confidently "Oh, set this key to 1 in the registry" or "download this optional Bluetooth driver" etc.
[I understand that I might be only person on the planet still using a Bluetooth keyboard from 2002 so I don't expect a hotfix!]

I didn't try it under Windows 10 so I can't say if it's a Windows 11 "feature"

• Don't worry about eco implications - I do use re-chargeables. And to save anyone posting "sometimes rechargeables...." I did try a set of real batteries which lasted a bit longer (perhaps a week) but still had the same issue.

Answer 1

Since this is an old device, the battery issue might be related to the device itself.
If possible check if there is any possibility to change the battery?
I advise you to open start and search for feedback and open the Feedback Hub app and report this issue.

Answer 2

As this is a problem that occurs within Windows 11, I recommend that you post your question on the windows 11 forum, because there you will be received by the team that built this version and will help you more accurately.

To do this, access the link below and select the option "Ask a question" from the top menu and describe the entire problem, including images if possible:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_11?sort=LastReplyDate&dir=Desc&tab=All&status=all&mod=&modAge=&advFil=&postedAfter=&postedBefore=&threadType=all&isFilterExpanded=false&page=1

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