surface laptop 4 keyboard issue

John Fearon 1 Reputation point
2026-08-12T07:22:39.87+00:00

When i type using physical keyboard it adds numbers to the text as seen below

When 0i t7ype 8us0ing ph7ys0ical ke7yb9oard 0it adds n8umbers t9o the text as seen bel9ow

Surface | Surface Laptop | Performance and maintenance

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-12T07:23:02.59+00:00

    This pattern usually points to either a stuck modifier key, an accessibility keyboard setting, a keyboard layout mismatch, or a hardware issue.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Press and release these keys one at a time:
      • Ctrl
      • Shift
      • Alt
      • Windows key
      If the keyboard was disconnected or the key state got stuck, this can clear it.
    2. Check Accessibility keyboard settings:
      • On Windows 11: Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
      • On Windows 10: Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard
      Turn Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, or other keyboard options on or off as needed. These settings can change how key presses are interpreted.
    3. Check the keyboard language/layout:
      • Go to Start > Settings > Time & language > Region & language
      • Make sure the keyboard input language matches the display language.
    4. Check for updates:
      • Open the Surface app
      • Expand Help & support
      • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them
    5. Force restart the Surface:
      • Select Start > Power > Shut down
      • After it turns off, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds
    6. Test 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 arrow keys there
      Results:
      • If the keyboard works in UEFI, the issue is likely with Windows/software.
      • If it does not work in UEFI, it points to a hardware problem.
    7. If only certain keys keep producing wrong characters or repeated extra input, inspect the keyboard for dust or debris. Compressed air can be used to clear debris from between keys.
    8. If the problem continues after the checks above, it is likely a hardware failure and the next step is to submit a service order.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Alex-L 12,565 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-13T10:07:29.0666667+00:00

    Hi John Fearon

    In addition to the suggestions already provided, you may also want to uninstall and reinstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager, then restart the Surface. Running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit and ensuring the latest Surface firmware and driver updates are installed can also help identify or resolve keyboard-related issues.

    If the problem occurs even in the UEFI environment, that would point more toward a hardware issue with the built-in keyboard.

    Feel free to update here if anything comes up!

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