What To Know
- A low battery or a faulty power supply can also lead to keyboard flashing.
- This could indicate a keyboard driver issue, a hardware problem, or a software glitch.
- Unplug the keyboard, press and hold the “Volume Up” and “Volume Down” buttons, plug the keyboard back in, and release the buttons after the keyboard flashes several times.
When your Surface Laptop’s keyboard starts flashing, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. You may wonder what’s causing it and how to fix it. This comprehensive blog post will delve into the root causes of this issue and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.
Causes of Keyboard Flashing
There are several possible causes for a flashing Surface Laptop keyboard:
- Keyboard Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers can lead to communication problems between the keyboard and the system.
- Hardware Problems: A damaged keyboard cable or loose connection can cause the keyboard to malfunction.
- Software Glitches: Windows updates or third-party software can sometimes introduce bugs that affect keyboard functionality.
- Firmware Issues: The keyboard’s firmware may become corrupted or outdated, causing it to behave erratically.
- Battery Problems: A low battery or a faulty power supply can also lead to keyboard flashing.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Check for Keyboard Driver Updates:
- Go to the Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar).
- Expand the “Keyboards” section.
- Right-click on the Surface Type Cover Keyboard and select “Update Driver.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
2. Inspect for Hardware Issues:
- Unplug the Surface Type Cover Keyboard from the laptop.
- Check the keyboard cable for any damage or loose connections.
- Reattach the keyboard and ensure it’s securely connected.
3. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit:
- Download the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Microsoft’s website.
- Run the toolkit and select the “Hardware Tests” option.
- The toolkit will run a series of tests to identify any hardware issues with the keyboard.
4. Reset the Keyboard Firmware:
- Unplug the Surface Type Cover Keyboard.
- Press and hold the “Volume Up” and “Volume Down” buttons simultaneously.
- While holding the buttons, plug the keyboard back into the laptop.
- Release the buttons after the keyboard flashes several times.
5. Update Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for and install any available Windows updates.
6. Uninstall Third-Party Software:
- If the keyboard flashing started after installing a particular software program, try uninstalling it.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Select the software you want to uninstall and click “Uninstall.”
7. Reset Your Surface Laptop:
- As a last resort, you can reset your Surface Laptop to its factory settings.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Select “Reset this PC” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Wrap-Up: Resolving Your Keyboard Flashing Woes
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Surface Laptop’s keyboard flashing. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. Remember, timely troubleshooting and proper maintenance can help prevent this issue from recurring in the future.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why is my Surface Laptop keyboard flashing when I type?
A: This could indicate a keyboard driver issue, a hardware problem, or a software glitch. Try updating drivers, checking for hardware issues, or running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit.
Q: How do I update the Surface Laptop keyboard firmware?
A: Unplug the keyboard, press and hold the “Volume Up” and “Volume Down” buttons, plug the keyboard back in, and release the buttons after the keyboard flashes several times.
Q: Can a low battery cause my Surface Laptop keyboard to flash?
A: Yes, a low battery or a faulty power supply can lead to keyboard flashing. Ensure your Surface Laptop is fully charged or connected to a reliable power source.
