User Guide

Troubleshoot your Surface Type Cover or
keyboard
Applies to: Windows 8.1Windows 10
Select Product Version
Note
Some products might not be available in your country or region.
Notes
 If your Surface Cover is torn or needs physical repair or replacement, go to Get my Surface fixed.
 If you have a Surface Keyboard or Surface Ergonomic keyboard, see Troubleshoot problems with
Surface Keyboard and Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.
Before you begin
In many cases, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface will
fix the issue. To see how, go to Install Surface and Windows updates.
Restart Surface
Restart (don't shut down) your Surface. Select the Start button, then select Power > Restart.
If you have a Type Cover, detach and reattach it
1. Unplug your Surface and detach the Cover.
2. Wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. (Use 95% or stronger isopropyl alcohol if
possible.) Rub the cotton swab back and forth over the six circular magnets on the Type
Cover's connector. After you're done, make sure the pins are dry and that no cotton fibers
remain on the connector. Then clean the connector on your Surface.
3. Reattach the Cover, making sure that all the magnets touch the bottom edge of your
Surface.
Reinstall the Surface Cover driver
If shutting down doesn't fix the problem, try reinstalling the driver for your Surface Cover.