Are you looking for the perfect hybrid between a desktop and a phone?
In a fast-paced world, taking your work with you can be unavoidable. Whether it’s catching up on work emails or making edits for a client, there will be times when you need to clock in outside of your usual working space. 20% of Americans work remotely, and more are prioritizing hybrid formats.
If you want a device that offers flexibility, the Microsoft Surface Book is a solid choice. This device is a powerhouse tool for productivity. It also comes with a pen and is a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
However, the Surface book isn’t perfect, and there are common issues you may encounter. Luckily, most of these problems are easy to troubleshoot at home! Check out our list of the most common Microsoft Surface book problems and how to fix them.
No WiFi
Having no WiFi connection is one of the most frustrating problems you can encounter. Unfortunately, the Microsoft Surface Book isn’t immune to it, either.
The first thing you can do is check if other devices can connect to the WiFi. You can also try moving closer to your router and check if that fixes the problem. If you have an all-around WiFi issue, it may be time to call your internet provider.
You may also disconnect your device from the WiFi and try to reconnect it again. Make sure you didn’t type in the wrong password or have any typos. If that doesn’t fix the problem, run a network diagnostic.
Select the Start Menu and search for Network Problems. You should see an option that says Find and Fix Network Problems. Clicking this will give you instructions to start a diagnostic prompt.
Your Microsoft Surface Book will also look for any software updates and correct found issues. If you’re still having WiFi issues, you may be dealing with a component malfunction. Contact a Microsoft repair technician.
Touchscreen and Brightness Problems
If you have an unresponsive touchscreen, don’t panic. Ensure you have clean hands, as oily skin can interfere with your device’s sensor. It also helps to wipe down your screen with a lint-free cloth.
Touchscreen problems can also be a result of a software or hardware issue. You can fix this by going to the Start Menu and looking for the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit. If you can’t find it, you will have to install the diagnostic app from the Microsoft store.
Launch the ToolKit and type Touch Screen. Your device will check for overdue updates and prompt you to install them. If there are no updates available, the ToolKit will direct you to System Repair.
Answer the questions and follow the directions so the Diagnostic app can perform the needed tests. Your device will then repair any issues and prompt you to restart your Microsoft Surface Book. If this doesn’t work, your device will prompt you to schedule an appointment at a repair shop.
No Sound
No sound coming from your Surface Book’s system? It can be easy to forget if you’ve connected your device to Bluetooth headphones, so check that first. Confirm that you haven’t muted your Surface Book by pressing the mute key or adjusting the volume in Quick Settings.
If this doesn’t work, open the Start Menu and look for Fix Audio. You should see an option that says Find and Fix Problems With Playing Sound. Windows will then start an audio service, which should fix the sound issue.
If this doesn’t work, check for a Windows software update. You can also try restarting your device.
No Surface Pen Connection
The Surface Pen is a handy feature of the Microsoft Surface Book. However, it will sometimes have trouble connecting to the Surface Book. If you have an older pen model, check if you need to replace the batteries.
Newer versions like the Surface Slim Pen 2 will have a cradle, which charges the pen. Before you start running diagnostics, ensure that you have Bluetooth on.
If you’re experiencing connection issues with the pen, open Bluetooth and Devices. Select Pen and Windows Ink and look for Tactile Signals. Switch this on and your pen should connect to your Microsoft Surface Book.
Slow Start-Up
Does your Microsoft Surface Book feel slower than usual? Windows cleans up your disk through Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu. Your Surface Book can also help you clean up system files that could be bogging down your computer.
Go to the Start Menu and select Clean Up System Files. Your device will identify any unused or unnecessary files and prompt you to delete them.
It also helps to check your Task Manager to see which apps launch when you start up your device. You can enable or disable these apps to speed up your start-up time.
Microsoft Surface Book Won’t Charge
Any device will have a charging problem if the charging port is full of dirt and dust. If you don’t have a faulty charger, use an air blower or needle to poke out any debris stuck inside the charging port. You can also take your device to a professional cleaner.
Another issue that Surface Book users may encounter is the battery draining when it’s supposed to be charging or sleeping. If this happens, visit the nearest Microsoft store and get some help from an expert.
Screen Flickering
A flickering screen may have you wondering if you’ve broken your device’s LCD. This problem usually happens if you have a lot of activity on your screen. Many Surface Book users said that the problem lies with Hyper-V, which comes with Visual Studio.
If your screen is flickering constantly, try disabling Hyper-V. You can do this by typing the following into the search bar: dism.exe /Online /Disable-Feature:Microsoft-Hyper-V
Another solution is to change the resolution to something lower than the default 3000×2000.
Common Microsoft Surface Book Problems and How to Fix Them
Here are some of the most common Microsoft Surface Book problems and their solutions. When buying a new device, it’s always best to know what you’re getting into. The Microsoft Surface Book is a powerful device, but issues like battery problems or a flickering screen can be disheartening.
Are you in need of repair for serious issues? Contact us today!
