My surface wireless keyboard keys are not working only the #9

Sara Laboranti 0 Reputation points
2026-08-07T04:28:56.9166667+00:00

Hi, I need assistance with my Microsoft Surface Slim Bluetooth Keyboard (2nd Edition).

The keyboard is less than one year old, and suddenly almost all of the keys have stopped working. When I press the keys, there is no response. The 9 key is the only key that currently works.

Because the other number keys do not work, I cannot enter the Bluetooth pairing code required to pair the keyboard with my Microsoft Surface computer.

I have tried reconnecting/pairing the keyboard, but I cannot complete the process because the keys are nonresponsive.

Since the keyboard was purchased less than a year ago and appears to have a hardware failure, I would like assistance troubleshooting it and, if necessary, having it replaced under warranty.

Model 1742

Thank you!

Surface | Accessories | Surface mice and keyboards
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  1. S.Sengupta 31,831 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-08T01:56:58.4933333+00:00

    This sounds more like a keyboard hardware or connection problem than a typical Bluetooth pairing issue.

    Try these steps:

    1. Charge the keyboard fully
      • Connect it to power via USB cable for at least 30 minutes.
        • If possible, try a different USB cable and charger.
    2. Power-cycle the keyboard
      • Turn the keyboard off.
        • Wait 30 seconds.
          • Turn it back on and test several keys.
    3. Test it on another computer
      • This is the most important test.
        • If the same keys fail on another Windows PC or Surface, the problem is almost certainly with the keyboard itself.
    4. Remove and re-pair via Bluetooth
      • On your Surface, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices.
        • Remove the existing Surface Keyboard entry.
          • Restart the Surface.
            • Try pairing again.
    5. Important in your case: the pairing-code problem
      • Normally, Windows displays a PIN/code that you type on the keyboard and confirm with Enter.
        • Since almost all keys are unresponsive, don't keep trying to fix this through Bluetooth settings — if the keyboard can't register the required digits, pairing simply can't complete that way.
          • Testing on another computer is therefore the best way to tell a pairing issue apart from a hardware failure.

    If only the "9" key works

    If you've already charged the keyboard fully and "9" is the only key producing a response, I wouldn't recommend opening the keyboard or attempting a repair. This pattern strongly points to an internal keyboard matrix or controller failure.

    Since Model 1742 is less than a year old, you should pursue Microsoft's warranty/support process rather than buying a replacement keyboard.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-07T04:29:16.4833333+00:00
    1. Check power first. Press and hold the pairing button on the keyboard for 5–7 seconds.
      • If the light blinks, the keyboard has power.
      • If the light does not come on, replace the batteries or recharge it with the USB cable if it has a rechargeable battery.
    2. If the keyboard has power, try pairing again:
      • On the keyboard, press and hold the pairing button for 5–7 seconds until the light blinks.
      • On the Surface, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
      • Make sure Bluetooth is on, then select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and choose the keyboard.
    3. If pairing still fails:
      • Turn airplane mode on for 10–15 seconds, then turn it off.
      • Turn off other Bluetooth devices connected to the Surface, because too many Bluetooth devices can interfere with the connection.
      • Remove the keyboard from the Bluetooth devices list on the Surface, then pair it again.
      • If the pairing light flashes three times and then turns off, the keyboard is already paired to another PC within range. Remove it from that PC first, then pair it again to the Surface.
    4. If the keyboard connects but most keys still do not respond:
      • Check for updates from Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
      • Restart the Surface after updates.
      • If special keys are not functioning, missing updates can be the cause.
    5. Because only the 9 key works and the rest of the keyboard is nonresponsive, test whether the issue follows the keyboard by trying it with another PC if available.
      • If it also fails there, that points to a keyboard hardware problem.
      • If it works on another PC, the issue is more likely with the current Surface Bluetooth connection.
    6. For Surface devices, also check the device in the Surface app:
      • Open the Surface app.
      • Expand Help & support to check update status.
      • Select Check for updates if updates are available.
      • Select Get help and describe the keyboard problem.

    For warranty or replacement, the available context only confirms that Microsoft provides a Microsoft PC Accessory warranty related topic, but it does not include the replacement process details.

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

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