Microsoft Surface Pen: Features, Compatibility, and Troubleshooting
The Microsoft Pen is a combination of an active stylus and a digital pen that the company has specifically created for use with their Surface computer line.
It has one physical button on the side that acts as a right-click simulator. Also, it has an eraser tip at the top of the pen that eliminates ink strokes. Both of these functionalities are activated when the pen comes into contact with the display.
Is the Surface Pen worth it?
If you have an older Surface device, the best decision you can make is to stick with the original Surface Pen. It is less expensive, but it still supports 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt, and the only features it lacks are haptic feedback and a rechargeable battery. In addition to this, it has a magnetic design that works very well with the Surface Pro 7 or Go 3 and prior models.
Which Devices are Compatible with Surface Pen?
The Microsoft Surface stylus pen in black is compatible with:
- Surface Studio,
- Surface Laptop,
- Surface Book,
- Surface Pro,
- Surface Pro 4,
- Surface Pro 3
- Surface 3
It offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for a natural writing and drawing experience.
Does Any Stylus Work with Surface?
Any stylus will not do the job. Some styluses are designed to function similarly to your finger, but they lack true pressure sensitivity and fine-point control. That is, it is difficult for you to draw intricate forms and lines. These types of styluses are compatible with all touchscreen phones and computers.
Does Surface Pen Work with All Laptops?
If your laptop is compatible with N-trig technology, then the Surface Pen will most likely work with your device. If your laptop does not support N-trig technology, then it is unlikely that the Surface Pen will operate with your device. The first iteration of the Surface Pen was equipped with a side button as well as an eraser, but it lacked Bluetooth connectivity. The second-generation Surface Pen was introduced with the Surface Pro 3 in 2014; it had an eraser located directly next to the button that could be clicked and is compatible with a wide variety of Microsoft Surface devices.
The Surface Pro is the most recent iteration of the Surface Pen, and it is compatible with computers that use N-trig technology and support the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP).
Check Your Surface Pen Compatibility
Follow the steps that are listed below in order to determine whether or not your Surface Pen is compatible:
- If you're having compatibility problems, check the manufacturer's website.
- Visit the website of Microsoft in order to learn more about the Surface Pen that you own.
- Establish a Bluetooth connection between your laptop and the Surface Pen.
Connect Surface Pen with a Surface Device
Through the use of Bluetooth communication, your Surface Pen and Surface device may be connected to one another. To link your device with your Surface Pen, just connect it to your device using these easy steps:
- First, be sure to check whether or not the drivers have been updated. The next step is to add a device by going into the Bluetooth settings.
- Then activate your pen by holding down the power button for a few seconds in order to activate your pen, and then wait for the pen to be linked.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Surface Pen
If, after ensuring that the Surface Pen is compatible, the device still does not connect or function as expected, the problem may lie with the battery. Every Surface Pen runs on AAAA batteries and has a built-in test to determine whether the battery is dead. If, after repeatedly pressing the power button, there is still no indication of life coming from the device, the battery may be dead.
In the event that this occurs, the battery can be easily replaced by opening the pen. Connecting your pen to a different laptop that supports the feature will help if you are having problems with Bluetooth communication. If the problem persists, you may take the pen to a repair shop to have the Bluetooth device fixed, and vice versa if the problem persists with the pen. If, after attempting this, the pen still does not function, you will need to purchase a new one since the one you now have is broken and unusable.
Does the Surface Stylus Have a Battery?
A single common AAAA alkaline battery provides power to the Surface Pen. Depending on how you use your Surface device on average, you may get up to 15 hours of battery life. Before you can use your pen, it will need to be charged. The batteries in some Surface Pens will need to be changed at some point.