5 Surface Book 2 Problems & Fixes

Microsoft’s Surface Book 2 is a powerful Windows 10 2-in-1, but software issues can ruin your experience with the new device. That’s why you need these fixes for Surface Book 2 problems and issues.

We don’t know if the Surface Book 2 is exceptionally prone to software issues yet. However, this new laptop replaces the original Surface Book, itself one of Microsoft’s most troubled PCs. That laptop launched with screen flickering issues and bad hardware drives. There’s no evidence that these two issues are among the Surface Book 2 problems that buyers can expect.

That being said, there are new Surface Book 2 problems to worry about. There are reports that the Surface Book 2 doesn’t get enough power to charge as you game. Others have run into issues syncing their Surface Pen, Surface Dial and Xbox Wireless Controller accessories with the laptop.

Here’s how to fix all the Surface Book 2 problems that users have run into so far. When possible, we’ve included fixes along with a description of the issue so that you can get your device working correctly again. Gotta Be Mobile will continue to update this breakdown of Surface Book 2 problems and fixes as we learn more about the new device.

Read: 52 Windows 10 Tips & Tricks You Need to Master Your PC

How to Fix Surface Book 2 Battery Problems

At least one outlet, The Verge, received a Surface Book 2 that had a problem charging while playing a video game on it. It appeared as if the device was charging, but then the battery inside the base of the Surface Book 2 would die. That caused the tablet part of the Surface Book 2 to lose the horsepower from the graphics card inside the base and crash the game.

What’s really causing this issue is unclear for now. The Verge points out that the Surface Book 2 comes with a power adapter that offers much less power than other laptops in its class. However, the site also notes that Microsoft believes the issue is due to a faulty power supply.

If you have this issue with your Surface Book 2, exchange it for another model immediately.

How to Fix Surface Book 2 Screen Detachment Problems

There’s only one way to detach the Surface Book 2 from its keyboard base. You need to press the dedicated button in the top-right corner of the deck to the left of the DEL key. This button sends a pulse to muscle wire inside the tablet half of the notebook. Quickly remove the tablet from the keyboard base after you press the button. Otherwise, the two will lock together again.

If the detach button isn’t working on your Surface Book 2, try restarting the device. Click on the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Next, click on the Power button in the Start Menu and select Restart. Finally, try detaching the display again.

If this continues to happen, return your Surface Book 2 for a replacement. There aren’t many reports of a driver issue causing this, so it may be related to the hardware inside your device.

How to Fix Surface Book 2 Surface Pen Problems

Even 2017 Surface Pro users are reporting problems with the Surface Pen, so don’t be alarmed if your Surface Book 2 has some issues too.

The first thing you should do is check to see whether your Surface Pen’s power is low. On your Surface Book 2, open the Start Menu and look for the Surface app. Click or tap on the battery icon in the left menu. If the battery is low, you need a AAAA battery to replace it. Microsoft says that you can find them in drug stores, but save yourself some time and order a pack from [easyazon_link identifier=”B00LH3DTYS” locale=”US” tag=”gbm-ea-20″]Amazon[/easyazon_link] instead.

Read: How to Sync & Set Up a Surface Pen

Second, try pairing your Surface Pen with your Surface Book 2 again. Go to the Settings app and select Devices. Click on the Surface Pen in the list of paired devices under Mouse, Keyboard & Pen. Now click on the Remove Device button. Hold down the eraser on your Surface Pen until you see a flashing white light on its barrel.

Finally, click the + Add Bluetooth or other device button at the top of your screen and go through the pairing process again. All Surface Pens should work with the Surface Book 2.

Surface Book 2 Xbox Wireless Controller Problems

For whatever reason, the latest versions of Windows 10 have trouble communicating with the Xbox Wireless Controller over Bluetooth. Until Microsoft manages to fix that, expect the controller to disconnect from your Surface Book 2 randomly.

Read: How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Consoles & Windows 10 PCS

Luckily, anyone that purchased a Surface Book 2 15” can skip using Bluetooth and connect their Xbox Wireless Controller using Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless standard. To do that, open the Settings app and click on the Devices option. Hold down the pairing button on the top of your Xbox Wireless Controller and wait for the controller to surface on your list of available accessories. Select it in the menu and you are done.

Surface Book 2 Gaming Problems

Even the least powerful Surface Book 2 laptops are powerful enough to play entry-level games on. That being said, some Surface Book 2 problems are directly related to a game’s requirements. Usually, the more modern a game is, the more power it requires. There are some things you can do to help your games run smoothly on your new device.

First, make sure you have the latest drivers and software upgrades. If you have a Surface Book 2 with an NVIDIA graphics processor, install the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app to get the latest software for it. All Surface Book 2 users should go to the Settings app and click on Update & Security to confirm their device is up-to-date.

Read: How to Use Xbox On Windows 10

Second, the Surface Book 2 has a very detailed display. Games that try to take full advantage of that display can struggle. Go into your game’s settings area and look for a drop-down menu that lets you change your game’s resolution to a lower setting. The lower the resolution setting, the less demanding the game is on your system.

Read: 7 Xbox on Windows 10 Games Worth Playing

Again Gotta Be Mobile will continue to add to this breakdown of Surface Book 2 problems as we learn more about the new device.

Microsoft Surface Sleevecase – $69.99

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Microsoft Surface Sleevecase from Waterfield has lots of options. It comes in two orientations. One lets you put your Surface Laptop in horizontally just like you would a briefcase. The second lets you insert your Surface Laptop like you would a piece of paper in an inter-office envelope. It’s this version that’s best for sticking into other backpacks. Your Surface Laptop will fit snugly inside the padded inner sleeve. The outer pocket can hold your charger, adapters and cables. The Waterfield Microsoft Surface Sleevecase costs $69.99. You can choose from Black with Micro Trim or Waxed Canvas with a brown leather trim. Adding strap rings costs an extra $5. The optional suspension strap is another $22. Buy the Microsoft Surface Sleevecase from Waterfield for $69.99

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