Detachable Keyboard on Surface Pro 9 doesn't work

Detach Type Cover completely, wait 10 seconds, and firmly reattach it until you hear/feel the magnetic click. Make sure the connector pins are clean and lined up properly.

Both on the Type Cover and on the Surface body — dust or debris on the magnetic connector pins can break the connection. Use a dry, lint-free cloth or a soft brush.

Download the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Microsoft's site and run it — it specifically tests the Type Cover connection and can catch hardware faults.

Follow these steps in order to troubleshoot the Surface Pro 9 detachable keyboard (Type Cover):

1. Check connection and physical condition

• Detach the keyboard from the Surface Pro.
• Inspect the connector edge on both the Surface and the keyboard for dust, debris, or visible damage.
• Gently clean the connector area and magnets, then firmly reattach the keyboard, making sure all magnets align with the bottom edge of the Surface.

2. Check keyboard LEDs for basic hardware response

• Press the Caps Lock and Fn keys a few times.
• If the LED lights do not turn on at all, the keyboard is likely experiencing a hardware issue and needs service.
• If the LEDs turn on but keys and touchpad still do not work, continue with the next steps.

3. Use the Surface app to check health and updates

• Open the Surface app (install it from Microsoft Store if not present).
• In the Surface app, expand Help & support and check the update status.
• If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install all available updates.
• In Help & support, select Get help and describe the keyboard issue so the app can run checks and report any detected problems.

4. Force restart the Surface

• Select Start > Power > Shut down and wait for the device to turn off.
• Once off, press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds. If the logo appears, keep holding until it appears a second time.
• After it restarts, test the keyboard and touchpad again.

5. Confirm functionality in UEFI (to separate hardware vs Windows issue)

• Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
• Press and hold Volume Up, then press and release the Power button while still holding Volume Up.
• When the UEFI screen appears, release Volume Up.
• Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move through the left-side menu:
  • If the arrow keys and touchpad work in UEFI, the keyboard hardware is functioning and the issue is likely with Windows or drivers.
  • If they do not work in UEFI and the Caps/Fn LEDs also do not respond, the keyboard is likely faulty and needs service.

6. If the keyboard works in UEFI but not in Windows

• This indicates a software issue on Windows.
• Create a recovery drive if needed, then:
  • Go to Start, type reset, and select Reset this PC.
  • Choose Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download and follow the prompts. This reinstalls Windows, keeps personal files and built-in apps, but removes installed apps, drivers, and custom settings.
• After reset completes, test the keyboard again.

7. When to submit a service order

• If Caps/Fn LEDs never light and the keyboard does not respond in UEFI, or
• If the keyboard intermittently fails even after the above steps, then the keyboard is likely experiencing a hardware failure and needs service. Submit a service order for the Surface Pro Keyboard/Type Cover.

References:

• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover