Windows 10: Why can't I use my keyboard when my Surface Pro 6 is sideways?

When I have my Surface Pro 6 in laptop mode rightways up and turn it on its side with rotation lock on, I get a pop-up asking me if I want to go into tablet mode. I already cannot use my keyboard at this point. The mouse disappears, I click "no" with my finger, and I still cannot use my keyboard. Why? Is this by design? Is there a way to fix it? All I want is to use my laptop, with keyboard, sideways, and I don't care if that seems ridiculous.

:)

 

Using surface pro keyboard sideways

I've realised that after updating my Surface Pro 2017 to windows 10 to version 1803, they keyboard is disabled when I rotate the device sideways. There was also a problem with the rotation lock being greyed out when the keyboard is attached, making it difficult
to lock the tablet to stay in landscape mode.

I would like to keep using my device in bed while leaning sideways. Is there anyway to keep the keyboard working while the device is held sideways?

 

Surface Pro 3

Hi ChrisWaters3,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Could you please help me with the below information:

1. Does the battery drain out, if the tablet is not connected to peripherals?
   
   
2. Which version of Windows you are using? (To check, type: winver in start menu and hit enter.)
   

I understand how something like this can try your patience. This issue is an indication of faulty drivers or incompatible driver.
However, I suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

Method 1: Check the drivers.

Step1: Battery driver

1. Press Windows andR
   key together on your Keyboard.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
   
3. Click on view on top > Select Show hidden devices.
   
4. Expand the Batteries option from the list.
   
5. Select the ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery> right click on the driver and click on
   Properties.
6. Click on Driver tab > check if you have the option to
   Roll Back Driver.
7. If yes, Roll back the driver or uninstall it and restart the computer.
   

Uninstalling the driver will be automatically installed after the system is restarted. Check if the issue is fixed.

Step 2: Keyboard driver.

1. In the Device manager, go to ‘Other devices’, you will find
   Unknown devices.
   
2. Double tap on the unknown device > click on
   Driver tab> click on update driver.
   
3. Select browse my computer for driver software> Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers
   
4. Select keyboard, then click ‘Next’.
   
5. Select HID Keyboard device and click finish.
   

Method 2: Run the toolkit.


Note: If your Surface is managed by your work or school, check with your organization's IT department before running the tool.

I would suggest you to run the toolkit provided by Microsoft on
Fix common Surface
problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

If the above steps, doesn’t fix the issue. I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned in the article on
Surface Pro 3 Battery
FAQ for the Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware update.


Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Stuck at OneDrive screen during Surface Pro 6 initial setup

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Try the below suggested steps.

Method 1

1. Unplug all the external devices except Mouse and Keyboard.
   
2. Try to reboot the device and check the status of the issue.
   

Method 2

I would suggest you to perform Power drain by following the suggested steps.

1. Press and hold the Power Button down for 30-40 seconds.
   
2. Hold the Volume Rocker up and Power ON for almost 20 second.
   
3. Release the power button and wait for next 10-15 seconds.
   
4. Press the power button to turn on your Surface and check the status of the issue.
   

Hope it helps.

Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator