keyboard issues

Try these steps to get the physical keyboard working again on Surface/Windows:

1. Check for Windows updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
   2. Install all available updates and restart. This helps especially if special keys or device firmware need updates.
2. Verify keyboard language/layout
   1. Select Start > Settings > Time & language > Region & language.
   2. Make sure the input language for the keyboard matches the display language of the PC.
   3. If needed, add the correct input language and remove incorrect ones.
3. Test with On-Screen Keyboard and accessibility options
   1. Press Windows logo key + U to open Accessibility settings.
   2. Select Keyboard.
   3. Confirm On-screen keyboard is only used as a backup (you can turn it off after the hardware keyboard is working).
   4. Check that Filter keys and Sticky keys are set as desired; misconfigured Filter keys can make typing seem unresponsive.
4. Use an external keyboard to isolate the issue
   1. Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard.
   2. If the external keyboard works normally, the built-in keyboard or its connection may be faulty.
   3. If the external keyboard has the same issue, it is likely a software/driver or settings problem.
5. Clean and inspect the keyboard (if some keys work intermittently)
   1. Use compressed air to blow under the keys.
   2. Wipe the keys with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
6. If only certain key combinations or characters are wrong
   1. Add a fresh keyboard layout (for example, the correct language), move it to the top, and remove the problematic layout.
   2. Sign out and sign back in, then test again.

If none of these steps restore the physical keyboard and only the on-screen keyboard works, the device may need hardware service.

References:

• Troubleshoot problems with your Surface mouse or keyboard
• Make your mouse, keyboard, and other input devices easier to use
• Hardware and software keyboards
• Keyboard only works for Administrator Account - Microsoft Q&A
• Why won't my keyboard work when I power up my laptop? - Microsoft Q&A
• How to reset my keyboard? Combination of "Alt + L " gives weird characters and message is sent automatically. - Microsoft Q&A
• keypad issue - Microsoft Q&A
• Computer is acting like there are hidden keystrokes - Microsoft Q&A