Applies to Surface RT, Surface Pro.

Troubleshoot Touch Cover or Type Cover

If your Touch Cover or Type Cover isn’t working correctly, try the following steps:

  • Solution 1: Make sure Surface is ready for typing.
  • Solution 2: Remove and reattach the keyboard.
  • Solution 3: Make sure the trackpad is turned on.
  • Solution 4: Install the latest updates.

 

Solution 1: Make sure Surface is ready for typing

Touch Cover and Type Cover are disabled when folded back or when closed, covering the display.  To make sure the keyboard is ready for use, flip out the kickstand and fold out Touch Cover or Type Cover. Try typing an email message in the Mail app, or open the Search charm and type something in the search box.

Surface with the keyboard and kickstand folded out and ready for typing

If you can’t type anything, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Remove and reattach the keyboard

  1. Detach the keyboard—pull the Touch Cover or Type Cover away from the screen like you’re tearing a page out of a book.
  2. Check the magnetic connections for debris and clean Surface and the keyboard if necessary. For more info, see Clean and care for Surface.
  3. Reattach Touch Cover or Type Cover. Set the keyboard down on a hard surface and lower your Surface down onto it until the keyboard clicks into place.


    Reattach the keyboard
  4. Try typing again.

Solution 3: Make sure the trackpad is turned on

If the keys are working, but the trackpad isn’t, check the settings to make sure the trackpad is turned on:

  1. From the Start screen, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then open the Search charm. (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)
  2. With Apps highlighted, enter Trackpad settings and tap or click Enter, and then tap or click Trackpad settings in the results on the left side of the screen.
  3. Tap or click the Trackpad button to turn the trackpad back on.

Note  If you need help finding or installing the Trackpad settings app, see Start, find, and close apps  or Trackpad: A built-in mouse.

Solution 4: Install the latest updates

Install the latest updates for Surface, including updates to Windows, Touch Cover, and Type Cover, while the cover is attached. This may help fix the problem. See Install Surface updates.

If the keys or trackpad on your keyboard don’t respond to typing or touch after trying these solutions, your Touch Cover or Type Cover needs service. Request service at the Surface Online Service Center.



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