Surface Pro 7 keyboard issues due to software

Andrew Burrell 0 Reputation points
2026-08-16T12:57:53.3866667+00:00

Every time I turn on my surface pro 7 I have to use the touchscreen to open surface diagnostic and repeatedly test the keyboard until it's recognised and functional. I've done the hard reboot thing, updated drivers etc, cleaned the hardware. It's definitely a software issue - probably from the latest update. Any suggestions of how to permanently resolve it? Very annoying.

Surface | Accessories | Surface Type Cover
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  1. S.Sengupta 31,926 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-17T00:47:35.8133333+00:00

    The pattern you describe strongly points to a Windows/Surface driver or firmware initialization problem, especially because the keyboard works after you run the Surface Diagnostic test and repeatedly test it. Microsoft itself says that when the Type Cover works in UEFI but not properly in Windows, the problem is likely software.

    What I would do, in this order is described in the following Microsoft reference article:

    Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-16T12:58:10.92+00:00

    Since the keyboard works only after repeated software diagnostics and the hardware has already been cleaned, updated, and hard-restarted, the supported next step is to isolate Windows from hardware and then repair Windows if needed.

    1. Confirm whether the keyboard works in UEFI
      • Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
      • Press and hold Volume Up, then press and release Power.
      • Keep holding Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears.
      • Test the keyboard there using the arrow keys.
    2. Interpret the result
      • If the keyboard does not work in UEFI: this points to a hardware failure, and the next step is to submit a service order.
      • If the keyboard works in UEFI but fails in Windows: this points to a Windows/software issue.
    3. If it is a Windows/software issue, use the supported repair path
      • Go to Start, type reset, then select Reset this PC.
      • Select Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download.
      • Follow the prompts.
      This reinstalls Windows, keeps personal files and apps that came with the PC, and removes changes to settings plus apps and drivers that were installed. This is the documented path when the keyboard works correctly in UEFI but not in Windows.
    4. Before resetting, check updates in the Surface app one more time
      • Open the Surface app.
      • Expand Help & support.
      • Select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install available updates.
      • If needed, run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Start and follow the on-screen steps.
    5. If using a custom or clean Windows image
      • The keyboard may need the latest Surface driver package installed manually.

    Given the symptom pattern, the most direct permanent fix supported here is: test in UEFI first, and if it works there, repair Windows with Reset this PC using Keep my files and Cloud download.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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