Surface Pro 8 won't show internernal input/output audio devices, same with Microsoft keyboard cover after 11 update.

Michael Alexander 0 Reputation points
2026-05-21T09:48:32.36+00:00

Windows 11 Upgrade Broke My Surface Pro 8 – Type Cover and Audio Issues Still Unfixed

After upgrading my Surface Pro 8 to Windows 11, I had several hardware problems. I’ve since managed to get the Wi-Fi working again, but I’m still dealing with these two major issues and really don’t want to do a factory reset.

Here’s what’s still broken:

• Microsoft Surface Type Cover (keyboard + trackpad) completely stopped working — The keys and trackpad do nothing in normal Windows. The lights still turn on when I press buttons, and the cover works perfectly in Safe Mode. As soon as I boot back into Windows, it stops responding entirely.

• Internal speakers disappeared — They no longer show up in Sound settings, Device Manager, or anywhere else. I also can’t set any default audio playback or recording devices — Windows says none are found. I’ve already tried:

• Every built-in troubleshooter

• Downloading and reinstalling all available drivers from Microsoft

• Multiple resets (everything except a full factory reset) Has anyone else run into the Type Cover and missing audio issues after upgrading a Surface Pro 8 to Windows 11? I’m hoping there’s a fix that doesn’t require wiping the device. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update
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  1. Barb Bowman 80,795 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-05-23T12:42:52.14+00:00

    Please confirm

    1. That you downloaded the Windows 11 msi from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=103503 and ran it successfully
    2. You ran the Surface Diagnostic Tookit

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  2. Barb Bowman 80,795 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-05-21T15:36:31.36+00:00

    Surface Pro 8 consumer came with Windows 11, Surface Pro 8 for Business came with either Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, so it sounds like you have a business SKU.

    Business SKU's have access to the devices tab in the UEFI. Can you boot to the UEFI and check device settings

    1. Shut down your Surface and wait about 10 seconds to ensure it's off.
    2. Press and hold the Volume-Up button and - at the same time - press and release the Power button.
    3. As the Microsoft or Surface logo appears on your screen, continue to hold the Volume-Up button until the UEFI screen appears.

    Enable and disable specific devices.

    Verify that everything is set to ON and toggle if needed. Exit and save. If this does not resolve your issues, is it/was it joined to a domain and managed by IT? Are you using a business or personal account?

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  3. AI answer

    2026-05-21T09:48:51.2766667+00:00

    The behavior described indicates that the hardware (Type Cover and audio) still works, but Windows 11 is failing at the OS/driver level. The supported guidance is to:

    1. Confirm the Type Cover hardware and connection
      • Detach the Type Cover, inspect the connector for debris or damage, then reattach it so all magnets fully contact the bottom edge of the Surface.
      • Press Caps and Fn a few times to see if the LED lights toggle. If they do, the keyboard is powered and detected at a basic level.
      • Boot into UEFI:
        1. Turn off the Surface and wait 10 seconds.
        2. Press and hold Volume Up, then press and release Power while still holding Volume Up.
        3. Release Volume Up when the UEFI screen appears.
      • In UEFI, use the arrow keys and touchpad:
        • If the keys and touchpad work correctly in UEFI but not in Windows, the issue is with Windows/software, not the Type Cover hardware.
        • On commercial SKUs with a Devices menu, you can disable the Type Cover port, exit UEFI, then re-enter UEFI and re-enable the port to reinitialize it.
    2. Use the Surface app and Windows Update
      • Open the Surface app (install from Microsoft Store if needed).
      • In the Surface app, expand Help & support and check update status.
      • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install all available Surface and firmware updates.
      • In the Surface app, select Get help and describe the keyboard problem; if the app detects issues, it will report them.
    3. Address the “works in Safe Mode but not in normal Windows” symptom
      • Since the Type Cover works in Safe Mode and in UEFI, the problem is almost certainly with Windows 11 drivers, services, or installed software.
      • The supported remediation when hardware works in UEFI but fails in Windows is to reinstall Windows while keeping files:
        1. Go to Start and search for Reset this PC.
        2. Select Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download.
        3. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. This keeps personal files and built-in apps but removes installed apps, drivers, and custom settings.
      • This process often resolves driver-stack corruption that affects both keyboard and audio devices.
    4. Handle missing audio devices on Surface
      • For missing internal speakers and audio devices, the official guidance is:
        • Run the audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app: Run the troubleshooter in Get Help.
        • Make sure nothing is blocking speaker or microphone openings (screen protectors, decals, etc.).
        • Manually update Surface drivers and firmware for the device model.
        • Get the latest Windows and Surface updates.
        • Restart the Surface, and if needed, perform a force shutdown and restart.
        • If the problem persists, use Restore or reset your Surface as above.
    5. When to submit a service order
      • If, after reinstalling Windows (Reset this PC → Keep my files → Cloud download) and applying all updates, the Type Cover LEDs no longer respond or the keyboard/trackpad fail even in UEFI, or audio devices still do not appear, treat it as a hardware/service case.
      • Submit a service order:
        1. Sign in to Microsoft account | Select device for service.
        2. Select the registered Surface Pro 8 or register it, then follow the instructions to get service.
      • For the Type Cover, the serial number is on the spine near the left side or center.

    If the Type Cover and audio both function in UEFI but not in Windows, the supported non-destructive path is to reinstall Windows via Reset this PC with Keep my files and then reapply all Surface updates. If that fails, service is the next step.

    References:

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

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