Keyboard on new Surface Pro 11 does not always pair with unit upon startup

Anonymous
2024-08-24T16:52:33+00:00

I am on my second keyboard/cover for my new Surface Pro 11 and am experiencing the following issue: On some startups -- not the majority of them -- the keyboard does not pair with the Surface Pro unit. The only solution has been to detach the keyboard from the unit and reattach it. I have cleaned the contacts (although this issue arose almost immediately out of the box after purchase), and followed a few other suggestions that I found online. One thing I have not done is reinstall the drivers. I can't imagine that they are out of date and a check of each says that they are up to date and the best drivers for the unit.) So, my question is this: if two different, new keyboards have experienced the same problem, does it sound like the issue is with the Surface unit itself? And if so, what other remedies are there before I turn it over to an expert?

Surface | Surface Pro | Performance and maintenance

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

126 answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T14:39:28+00:00

    It is interesting that a new computer fixed the keyboard concern but I think we need to identify how to duplicate the concern. This is with my Surface Pro 11 where I can duplicate the keyboard concern 100 percent of the time. 1: Shutdown using Windows "Shut down". 2: Fold keyboard/cover over display/screen immediately. 3: Wait overnight before using computer. 4; Lower keyboard/cover and turn on computer with the power button. When the computer boots, the keyboard should be unresponsive. You don't even have to try the keyboard. You could tell by the size of the icons in the task bar, they are larger.

    To avoid this from happening. 1: Shutdown using Windows "Shut down". 2: Delay folding keyboard/cover over display/screen by a few minutes. It should start up with the keyboard responsive.

    Or, sometimes I don't have the time to wait to do the above. This is the procedure when starting the computer up the next day. 1: Press power button BEFORE lowering keyboard/cover. The keyboard should be responsive.

    If a new computer did actually fix this keyboard concern, Microsoft will have a lot of computers being returned since all of the computers are still under warranty. I won't be returning my computer even if a new one does fix it for this keyboard concern being I can adapt to the above and I don't want to get a computer back with a different concern.

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T19:49:36+00:00

    This is so helpful! Microsoft is supposed to call me back today, to see if what they did last night fixed this problem (reinstalling keyboard drivers, etc.). I saw your post before I turned it on this morning, so I followed your instructions to replicate the problem, and it did. Perfect timing! I am going to ask for a new one.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T22:29:39+00:00

    Just so you understand, I didn't say a new computer will fix the keyboard concern. Someone else said this. Also, you will need to return yours, get a refund and purchase again if you want a new computer. Otherwise, it may be a refurbished computer. That said, I don't know what you paid for your computer since there are a lot of discounts on these computers now so you may be able to get one cheaper.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T22:49:19+00:00

    I understand. I was simply saying I do intend to ask for a new one (NEW with problem supposedly resolved, not refurbished, where it may be not be) in exchange, even though you didn't. Will have to see what they say.

    What was helpful in your post was having the information about how to replicate the problem. That way, I was able to replicate it today and I can tell them tonight that it is not fixed. Without that info, I might have opened it in a way that didn't replicate it, and then they'd say it was corrected.

    I really appreciate it!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2025-02-02T04:25:47+00:00

    To everyone discussing a new laptop.

    Just some education about getting a new laptop if you live in Australia.

    If you live in Australia and there is any push back regarding a new laptop, ACCC laws protect you.

    Our laws state that a product must be suitable for the purpose the product is sold for. Thus, if a product is sold to you with a keyboard connection, and the trackpad is failing, consumer laws would state that this is a major fault and therefore, Australians are provided the option for a refund, repair, or replacement.

    This extends beyond the arbitrary one or two-year warranty that a company gives you. This applies to however long someone would reasonably expect a product would last. So, a multi-thousand dollar laptop would be expected, if looked after well, to last for, arguably, up to four years.

    I would further read the ACCC website so you have a firm understanding of these concepts if you are an Australian, and ensure you don't back down from at least a replacement.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments