Microsoft Surface laptops and tablets can be tested with the Surface app and the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, and the Surface UEFI shows the device information and hardware status.
Surface app and Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
- Open the Surface app from the Start menu and check Help & support for device status and warranty.
- Download the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Microsoft if you need a full hardware test.
- Run it and follow the tests for the display, touch, pen, audio, cameras, keyboard and battery.
Open Surface UEFI
- Shut down the Surface.
- Press and hold the volume up button, then press and release the power button.
- Let go of volume up when the Surface UEFI screen appears. It shows the serial number, firmware and security settings.
Check battery health
Run powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt and compare Full charge capacity with Design capacity. 80% or more is healthy.
Buying a used Surface: what to check
- Lay the Surface flat and look along the screen edge. A screen that lifts away from the frame or bulges usually means a swollen battery: don’t buy it.
- Open and close the kickstand through its full range. It should hold any angle without sagging.
- Attach the Type Cover and press every key with the keyboard test. If the cover is not detected, clean the magnetic connector pins on both parts.
- Charge it through the Surface Connect port and USB-C. The charger light should stay on and the battery icon should show charging.
- Draw across the whole screen with the touch test and test the pen with the pen test. Surface screens are expensive to replace.
- Make sure the seller has removed the device from their Microsoft account and turned off BitLocker, or you may be locked out after a reset.
Test the parts built-in tools miss
Manufacturer diagnostics check that hardware is connected, but they rarely test everything you use. The MxMob laptop test runs in the browser and checks each key on the keyboard, the trackpad, the webcam, speakers, microphone, real Wi-Fi speed, USB ports and overheating, then gives you a shareable report. Buying used? Follow the used laptop checklist.
Diagnostic guides for other brands
Frequently asked questions
How do I test a Surface touch screen and pen?
Use the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, or open mxmob.com/touch for touch dead zones and mxmob.com/spen for pen pressure and tilt.
How do I find a Surface serial number?
Open the Surface app, look in Surface UEFI, or check the label under the kickstand or on the bottom of Surface Laptop models.
Why does my Surface Type Cover stop working?
Usually dirt on the magnetic connector, a loose fit, or a driver problem. Detach it, clean both sets of pins with a dry cloth, reattach it and restart. If it also fails on another Surface, the cover is faulty.
How do I know if a Surface battery is worn out?
Run powercfg /batteryreport and compare Full charge capacity with Design capacity. Under about 80% means noticeably shorter battery life; a bulging screen or case means the battery is swollen and must be replaced.