How to fix Surface pro Win 11 task bar not responding to on screen Keyboard Icon in tablet mode

Try these steps to work around and troubleshoot the touch keyboard/On-Screen Keyboard not opening from the taskbar in tablet mode on Surface Pro with Windows 11:

1. Use Settings to open OSK and confirm it works
   • Go to Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
   • Turn on On-Screen Keyboard.
   • Confirm the OSK appears and works with text fields. This verifies the OSK component itself is functioning.
2. Check keyboard accessibility options
   Incorrect accessibility keyboard options can cause unexpected keyboard behavior.
   • In Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, review options such as Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and other interaction settings.
   • Toggle them off/on as needed so that only the features actually required are enabled.
3. Use OSK from the sign-in screen (to verify system integration)
   • Sign out or restart to reach the sign-in screen.
   • Select the Accessibility button in the lower-right corner.
   • Select On-Screen Keyboard and confirm it opens there.
     If it works at sign-in but not from the taskbar in the desktop session, the issue is likely with the Windows shell/UI integration rather than the OSK itself.
4. Adjust OSK input options
   If the OSK opens but behaves oddly (e.g., not responding as expected):
   • With OSK open, select Options.
   • Configure:
     • Click on keys (for normal tap/click behavior).
     • Turn on Use click sound or Show keys to make it easier to move around the screen as desired.
     • Turn on Turn on numeric keypad if needed.
       These do not directly fix the taskbar icon, but ensure OSK behavior is correct once it opens.
5. Use the Touch Keyboard as an alternative in tablet mode
   • In tablet mode, Windows also provides a Touch Keyboard that appears when tapping inside a text box.
   • Ensure tablet mode is active and then tap directly in a text field to see if the touch keyboard appears.
   • For more details on keyboard tools, see the guidance on On-Screen Keyboard and Touch Keyboard.
6. If OSK works via Settings but not via taskbar icon
   Because OSK and touch keyboard components are working (as confirmed via Settings and sign-in screen), the remaining issue is likely with the taskbar integration in Windows 11. In that case:
   • Keep using Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard to toggle OSK as a reliable workaround.
   • Use the touch keyboard in tablet mode by tapping in text fields.
   • Continue to install Windows and Surface updates, as taskbar/keyboard integration issues are typically addressed via cumulative updates.

If the problem persists even after confirming OSK works from Settings and sign-in, and all updates are installed, the next step is to contact Surface support or use the Surface app (Help & support > Get help) to report the behavior, as it may be a shell/UI bug specific to the current build.

References:

• Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type
• Use a screen reader to explore and navigate different keyboard and text tools in Windows
• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover
• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Flex Keyboard