What To Know
- The Surface Connect port is located on the bottom edge of the keyboard, and it accepts the standard Surface power adapter.
- While the Surface Book 2 doesn’t have a dedicated charging port on the tablet, you can still charge it using the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
- If you don’t have a Surface Connect cable but have a USB-C cable, you can use a USB-C to Surface Connect adapter.
The Surface Book 2 is a powerful and versatile device, but its unique design can sometimes present challenges. One common issue that users face is the inability to charge the device without the keyboard attached. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re on the go and need to use the tablet portion of the device.
This blog post will guide you through the various methods to charge your Surface Book 2 without the keyboard, providing practical solutions and troubleshooting tips.
Understanding the Charging Mechanism
The Surface Book 2’s design separates the tablet and keyboard, each with its own battery. While the keyboard houses the charging port, the tablet can also be charged independently using a special charging connector located on the bottom edge.
Method 1: Using the Surface Connect Port (with the Keyboard)
This is the most straightforward method. The Surface Connect port is located on the bottom edge of the keyboard, and it accepts the standard Surface power adapter.
Steps:
1. Connect the Surface power adapter to a power outlet.
2. Attach the Surface Connect cable to the adapter.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
Note: This method charges both the keyboard and tablet batteries simultaneously.
Method 2: Using the Surface Connect Port (without the Keyboard)
While the Surface Book 2 doesn’t have a dedicated charging port on the tablet, you can still charge it using the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
Steps:
1. Disconnect the keyboard from the tablet.
2. Connect the Surface power adapter to a power outlet.
3. Attach the Surface Connect cable to the adapter.
4. Plug the other end of the cable into the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
5. Carefully align the keyboard with the tablet, ensuring the Surface Connect pins on both devices are aligned.
6. Gently press the keyboard onto the tablet until it clicks into place.
Note: This method charges only the tablet battery, while the keyboard battery will remain at its current charge level.
Method 3: Using a USB-C to Surface Connect Adapter
If you don’t have a Surface Connect cable but have a USB-C cable, you can use a USB-C to Surface Connect adapter.
Steps:
1. Connect the USB-C to Surface Connect adapter to a power outlet.
2. Plug the other end of the adapter into the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
Note: This method charges both the keyboard and tablet batteries simultaneously.
Method 4: Using a Wireless Charger
While the Surface Book 2 doesn’t support wireless charging natively, you can use a wireless charging pad with a Surface Connect adapter.
Steps:
1. Connect the Surface Connect adapter to a power outlet.
2. Place the keyboard on the wireless charging pad, ensuring the Surface Connect adapter is aligned with the charging pad’s coil.
Note: This method charges only the keyboard battery, while the tablet battery will remain at its current charge level.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re experiencing issues charging your Surface Book 2 without the keyboard, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check the power adapter and cable: Ensure that your power adapter is working correctly and that the Surface Connect cable is not damaged.
- Clean the Surface Connect port: Dust and debris can accumulate in the port, preventing a proper connection. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the port.
- Try a different power outlet: If the outlet is faulty, it may not be providing enough power to charge the device.
- Update your device drivers: Outdated drivers can cause charging issues. Check for updates on the Microsoft website.
- Contact Microsoft Support: If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing problems, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
The Final Word: Charging Your Surface Book 2 Without the Keyboard, Simplified
Charging your Surface Book 2 without the keyboard can be a bit tricky, but with the right knowledge and a few simple steps, it’s entirely possible. Whether you’re using the Surface Connect port, a USB-C adapter, or a wireless charging pad, you can keep your device powered up and ready to go.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I charge the Surface Book 2 tablet while it’s detached from the keyboard?
A: Yes, you can charge the tablet portion of the Surface Book 2 without the keyboard using the Surface Connect port on the keyboard.
Q: Can I use a USB-C charger to charge my Surface Book 2?
A: While the Surface Book 2 doesn’t have a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to Surface Connect adapter to charge it.
Q: What if my Surface Book 2 doesn’t charge at all?
A: If your Surface Book 2 isn’t charging at all, try troubleshooting steps like checking the power adapter, cleaning the Surface Connect port, or updating your device drivers. If these steps don’t work, contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
Q: Is there a way to charge the tablet battery without the keyboard?
A: There isn’t a dedicated charging port on the tablet itself. You can only charge the tablet battery by connecting the keyboard and using the Surface Connect port.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Surface Book 2?
A: The charging time varies depending on the battery’s current charge level and the power adapter being used. A full charge can take around 2-3 hours.
