How to set up Microsoft ‘Modern Keyboard’ or ‘Surface Keyboard’ on Windows 10

Alongside creating software that impacts millions of people around the world, Microsoft is also known for building great peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and webcams.

If you recently purchased a Surface Studio 2, you probably received the Surface Keyboard, or if you’re transitioning from a laptop to a desktop computer, chances are that you picked up the Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID, which also happens to support Windows Hello.

While these are excellent premium input peripherals with slim profile designs, because they connect wirelessly using Bluetooth, the setup process can be a little confusing.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to set up your brand-new Microsoft Modern Keyboard or Microsoft Surface Keyboard for Windows 10.

How to connect a Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard to your device

To connect your new Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID (EKZ-00001) or Microsoft Surface Keyboard use these steps.

1. Connect the USB cable to connect the keyboard with your computer.

2. Turn on the keyboard using the sliding button located on the side of the number pad.

3. Click the “Add a device?” notification that appears in the bottom-right corner to add the device.

   Quick Tip: If you missed the toast notification, turn off the keyboard and turn it back on again.

4. Open Settings.

5. Click on Devices.

6. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

7. If under the “Mouse, keyboard, & pen” section, you see the BTLE Keyboard with Fingerprint ID item with the status of Paired, you can disconnect the USB cable from the keyboard and computer.

   

Once you’ve completed the steps, the status of the peripheral should change to “Connected,” and then, you can start using the Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID or Surface Keyboard.

It’s important to note that both peripherals are virtually the same, the only two differences are the branding and the built-in fingerprint reader, which is only available in the “Modern Keyboard” model. In addition, these instructions may also work to set up a “Microsoft Designer Bluetooth Desktop” keyboard.

If you’re setting up the Modern Keyboard, you can also use this guide to set up Windows Hello using your fingerprint.