Forum Discussion
Surface Pro 8 Cover defect
Hello everyone,
I’d like to share my experience with the Microsoft keyboard for the 13-inch Surface Pro 8 with pen holder compartment.
After a little more than two years of use, the keyboard stopped working.
At first, I thought it was a software problem, so (after checking for updates) I followed all the reset and diagnostic procedures recommended on Microsoft’s website, including those suggesting a safe mode restart, up to a full system reset. None of this worked.
I then checked on Microsoft’s website to see if it was still under warranty, but unfortunately, the two years had just passed, and the site suggested I send it in for a paid repair...
Instead, I decided to look into the issue myself and discovered that the flex cable connecting the keyboard’s connector was cleanly cut right after the pen holder slot, which is made of metal.
The cut occurred exactly where the metal base that holds the pen ends, at the point where the keyboard bends (see photo).
It is clear that the flex cable has no protective layer to prevent the metal from cutting into it when the keyboard is bent.
In my opinion, this is an obvious manufacturing defect that should be covered under warranty.
It would be nice if Microsoft gave some acknowledgment in this regard.
Best regards,
Adamo
1 Reply
We're seeing the exact same issue in our environment. I’m the IT coordinator for a small private high school that leases Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and 9 devices for student and staff use. We standardized on the Premium Type Cover with the pen nook (the version without the Copilot button), and after about a year of regular classroom use, over 60 of these covers have stopped working—no keyboard, no trackpad, no signs of physical damage.
We’ve tested with new covers and confirmed the devices themselves are fine. It really seems like a design flaw, possibly with the ribbon cable under the felt near the pen holder, just like you described. What’s especially telling is that Microsoft appears to have quietly stopped selling this model, which makes us think they may be aware of the issue but haven’t publicly acknowledged it.
Microsoft needs to issue a recall or at least extend the warranty for affected users. This is clearly a widespread problem and not acceptable for a premium accessory to fail so quickly under normal use.
Thanks for sharing your findings—this helps validate what we’re seeing.
Thanks,
Justin
