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Surface Pen Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Usually, the stylus needs either new batteries or a re-pairing through Bluetooth

By Brad Stephenson Brad Stephenson Freelance Contributor Western Sydney University Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 20, 2022 Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Download Any Updates Check the Battery Pair With Surface Pro Use the Correct App Other Solutions Frequently Asked Questions The Microsoft Surface Pen adds extra functionality to your Surface, but this stylus isn't without faults. It's been known to stop working on occasion, so here are some of the best solutions for fixing your Surface Pen so you can get back to writing, drawing, and multitasking on your Windows 10 computer. The instructions in this guide apply to Windows 10.

Download the Latest Windows 10 Update

If your Surface Pen doesn't work properly, it may be because the latest Windows update isn't installed on your Surface Pro, Go, Book, or Laptop. Performing an update downloads the latest Windows 10 operating system patch, and it updates and fixes the device drivers used to make peripherals like the Surface Pen run properly. To check for the latest Windows 10 update and any new drivers, tap the icon in the lower-right corner to open the Action Center. Alternatively, swipe in from the right side of the screen with your finger. Tap All settings. Tap Update & Security. Tap Check for updates. The Surface advises you of potential updates and, depending on your update settings, either installs updates automatically or prompts you to install or delay updates.

Check the Surface Pen' s Battery

All Surface Pens are powered by an AAAA battery, and a flat battery could be the reason why the Surface Pen doesn't work. To check the battery in a Surface Pen, press and hold the eraser button on the end of the stylus for five to seven seconds. A small LED light should turn on. A green light means the battery has a charge, while a red light means it's almost flat and should be replaced. No light means the battery is dead. To replace the battery, open the Surface Pen by firmly twisting and then pulling the eraser end of the stylus. There are three models of the Microsoft Surface Pen, each with slight variations in button location and design. All Surface Pens function in the same manner, and every tip on this page works with each model.

Pair Your Surface Pen to Your Surface Pro

If the Surface Pen's LED light turns on, but it's still not writing when you touch it to the screen, you may need to pair it through Bluetooth. Open the Windows 10 Action Center on your Surface Pro, Go, Laptop, or Book by swiping in from the right side of the screen with your finger. Tap All settings. Tap Devices. If you see the Surface Pen in the list of paired devices, tap it, then tap Remove device. Removing it and pairing it again should fix any connection errors you experienced. If you don't see your Surface Pen on the list, proceed to the next step. Tap the grey Plus button next to Add Bluetooth or other device. Tap Bluetooth. Tap Surface Pen to pair it. The pairing process only takes a few seconds.

Are You Using the Correct Program or App

After watching commercials for the Surface Pen and Surface range of devices, it's easy to mistakenly believe that the Microsoft stylus can draw on any app at any time in Windows 10. However, the range of apps that support the Surface Pen isn't infinite. While you may think your Surface Pen is broken, you could be using the incorrect app. The easiest way to test the Surface Pen is to open the Windows Ink Workspace by tapping the pen icon on the right side of the Windows 10 Taskbar, near the clock. Once open, select Screen sketch and draw on the screen with the Surface Pen.

Surface Pen Still Not Working

If your Surface Pen still doesn't work properly, it may be damaged and in need of replacement. If this is the case, reach out to Microsoft Support, either in person at a Microsoft Store or through the company's online support page. FAQ How does the Surface Pen attach to my Surface Pro? The flat side of the Surface Pen has a magnet, allowing it to attach to the left side of your Surface Pro. However, it's recommended to get a carrying case for your Pen to keep it safe.
How do I fix my Surface Slim Pen 2 not working? The steps for troubleshooting the Surface Slim Pen 2 are the same as the regular Surface Pen, but the Slim Pen 2 only works with the Surface 3 model and higher. It also works with the Surface Laptop, Surface Go, Surface Book, and Surface Duo.
How do I take a screenshot on my Surface Pro without the pen? To take a screenshot on a Surface Pro, press and hold Power+Volume Up or Windows button+Volume Up. Alternatively, use PrtScn or the Snip & Sketch tool. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When Windows 10 Bluetooth Is Not Working The Next Microsoft Surface Event: Date, News, Announcements, Rumors, and More Surface Slim Pen 2 Not Working? How to Fix the Problem How to Fix 'No Battery Is Detected' on Your Laptop How to Fix a Surface Pro That Won't Turn On How to Fix It When a Laptop Microphone is Not Working How to Fix Surface Pro Screen Shaking and Flickering How to Fix It When Your iPhone Microphone Isn't Working How to Fix a Surface Pro Keyboard That's Not Working How to Fix a Surface Pro Not Charging LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It Which Microsoft Surface Is Best for You? How to Fix It When Snapchat Is Not Working on an iPhone How to Fix the Microphone on AirPods How to Fix a Touchpad That's Not Working on Windows 10 How to Connect AirPods to a Microsoft Surface Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies