How to fix Surface Pen not writing on Surface Tablet

The Surface pen is compatible with the Surface tablet. It’s not the best drawing program, but it’ll suffice for annotating documents and taking notes. The Surface pen connects quickly to the tablet, and Windows 10 automatically installs the necessary drivers. Setting up the tablet and the pen is simple because they are both Microsoft products.

Fix Surface Pen not writing

The Surface pen has a button on the side and can draw. The function of the button varies depending on the app, but the function of the pen’s tip is consistent across all apps. Check if the app you’re using supports drawing or annotation if the pen isn’t working (you can’t draw with it but the buttons work fine). It’s possible to try it out in the OneNote app. Try the fixes below if the pen isn’t working.

1. Check device battery

Make sure the tablet and the pen are both fully charged. If the tablet is low on power, it may not accept input from the pen. Similarly, if the pen’s battery is low, it may not work as well. After that, charge both items and try again.

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2. Unpair and pair device

Unpair the Surface pen and then re-pair it. Unpairing and pairing the pen can solve the problem in the same way that turning something off and on can.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Devices.
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Select the Surface pen.
5. Tap on Remove device.
6. Once removed, pair the pen again.

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3. Restart Surface tablet

The Surface tablet, like any other tablet, is kept turned on at all times. Although it is possible to disable it, tablets are rarely used in this manner. Turn the Surface tablet off and on again to see if that helps.

1. Press and hold the volume up button and the power button on the Surface tablet.
2. Release after 20 seconds.
3. Press the power button to turn the tablet back on.

4. Install driver updates

Check for driver updates for the SP. Make sure the pen is paired with your system.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Human interface devices.
3. Right-click the Surface pen and select Update driver.
4. Check online for driver updates.
5. Install available driver updates.

5. Roll back driver updates

Some users have been able to fix problems with the pen by rolling back a driver update.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Human interface devices.
3. Double-click the surface pen.
4. Go to the Driver tab.
5. Click Rollback driver.

6. Install Windows updates

If you have pending Windows updates, install them. Updates often fix problems with software and drivers.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Update and security.
3. Select the Update tab.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. Install available updates.
6. Restart the system if needed.

7. Update Surface pen firmware

Much like Windows 10, the Surface Pen also gets firmware updates.

1. Make sure the pen is paired to your system.
2. Download the Surface Hub pen update tool from Microsoft.
3. Run the app and it will update the pen’s firmware.

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Conclusion

Because the Surface pen is a hardware device, it can be physically damaged. If everything else fails, have the device examined. It’s possible that the tip has been damaged. You may be able to repair it or you may need to purchase a new one.