What to try if your Surface Pen doesn't ink
If your Surface Pen isn't writing, rest assured that there are some steps you can try to get it working again.
Before you start, here are some things to review.
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Surface Laptop Go models aren't compatible with Surface Pen inking features.
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Make sure your Surface Pen has fresh batteries or is charged (if required).
Solution 1: Restart your Surface device
Sometimes, the problem isn't your Surface Pen. It might be the device itself. A restart can often improve connections between the device and accessory. To restart your Surface, select Start , select the Power , and then select Restart .
Solution 2: Test your pen features on a different app
Try drawing, writing, or erasing in OneNote, Sticky Notes, or Paint. If your pen works in one of these apps, the app you were using might not be compatible with your pen. If it isn't compatible, check with your app provider for additional support.
Solution 3: Reinstall the touchscreen driver
Surface Pen relies on touchscreen functionality. Make sure that your touchscreen drivers are installed correctly and working properly. This might also fix your pen.
Warning: Don't perform this solution on Surface Pro X. It can put your Surface in an unusable state and put your data at risk. You can continue troubleshooting by going to reset Surface.
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On your Surface, right-click on Start , then select Device Manager.
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Select View at the upper-right of the Device Manager window > Show hidden devices.
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Find Human Interface Devices on the list of devices displayed and select the arrow to expand the section.
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Uninstall HID-complaint touchscreen drivers that are listed.
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Right-click Intel (R) Precise Touch Device and select Uninstall device. Then select Uninstall in the Uninstall Device dialog.
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Right-click HID-compliant touch screen and select Uninstall device. Then select Uninstall in the Uninstall Device dialog.
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Repeat this process if you see any additional HID-compliant touch screen drivers.
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Select Action at the upper-right of the Device Manager window > Scan for hardware changes. It will automatically download and install the touchscreen driver when connected to the internet.
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Restart your Surface, select Start , select Power , and then select Restart . After your Surface restarts, try using your pen.
Solution 4: Manually install drivers
Your Surface device might be missing some drivers, such as Surface Touch firmware or HID-Compliant Touchscreen. These drivers are needed for your touchscreen to work. Downloading and installing drivers specific for your device model and Windows version might restore your touchscreen functionality. For more info, see Manually update Surface drivers and firmware.
Solution 5: Reset Surface
If you’re still having a problem with your touchscreen or inking capabilities, try resetting your Surface. For more info, see Restore or reset Surface for Windows and follow the recommended steps for Reset your Surface. After you reset and setup your Surface, try using your pen again.
Request a replacement pen
If these steps don't resolve the problem, you can request a replacement Surface Pen. Go to Device service and repair, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select a Surface or register a new device.
After you select a registered device, you'll see replacement offers based on your warranty status and eligibility for exchange. For more info, see Surface warranty: FAQ.
Note: Our premium Surface Slim Pen 2 is equipped with an easily removable pen tip. Removal is intended only for pen tip replacement. Excessive (500 or more) removal+ reinsertion cycles of the pen tip can damage the internal parts of the pen and lead to inking failures. Pen failure due to excessive removal and reinsertion cycles isn't covered under the product warranty.
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