My pen stops working as soon as I tap my screen

Amerie Alvis 0 Reputation points
2026-08-26T02:21:17.7833333+00:00

I've been using this ASUS stylus pen for my Microsoft Surface for a while, but ever since 2 months ago, whenever I try to draw on a program and I even so much as tap my pen, it doesn't register. Immediately when it hits my screen it shuts off automatically and the light indicating it being on stops lighting up. Is there any way to fix this, or should I replace it?

Surface | Surface Pro | Performance and maintenance
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-26T02:21:34.25+00:00

    If the pen powers off the moment the tip touches the screen, start with the basic hardware checks first:

    1. Make sure the pen has fresh batteries, or fully charge it if it is a rechargeable model.
    2. Restart the Surface: Start > Power > Restart.
    3. Test the pen in another app such as OneNote, Sticky Notes, or Paint.
      • If it works there, the original app is likely the issue.
      • If it fails everywhere, continue.
    4. Check the Surface app:
      • Open Surface app
      • Expand Help & support
      • Check update status
      • Select Check for updates to install available Windows updates
    5. If inking still does not work, manually install Surface drivers and firmware for the specific device model and Windows version. Missing touch-related drivers such as Surface Touch firmware or HID-Compliant Touchscreen can prevent pen inking.

    If the pen light does not stay on even after replacing batteries or charging, Microsoft guidance indicates it may be time to replace the pen. Also, if touch or pen inking is not working because of a hardware issue with the screen, the recommended next step is to submit a service order.

    One important limitation: the available guidance covers Surface Pen behavior on Surface devices. Since this is described as an ASUS stylus pen, full compatibility and repair guidance for that pen is not provided here.

    References:

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

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  2. Hendrix-V 18,515 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-26T06:36:00.1033333+00:00

    Hi Amerie Alvis,

    Based on your description, the fact that the stylus powers off immediately when the tip touches the screen suggests the issue may be related to the pen itself rather than the drawing application.

    To help narrow this down, could you try these quick checks:

    1. Test the stylus on another compatible touchscreen device, if available.
    2. Try a different compatible pen on your Surface.
    3. If your ASUS stylus uses removable batteries, replace them with a new set. If it is rechargeable, ensure it reaches a full charge before testing again.
    4. Check whether the pen remains powered on when not touching the screen and only shuts off upon contact.

    If the pen consistently powers off the moment it touches the display, even after charging or replacing the battery, that may indicate a hardware issue with the stylus itself.

    Please let us know the exact ASUS pen model and your Surface model, as that may help identify any device-specific compatibility considerations. Feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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