Microsoft fixes Surface Pro 3 battery drain issue with firmware update

Microsoft rolls out firmware update for Surface Pro 3 devices to fix battery drain issue, and outlines steps to properly install the update.

Surface Pro 3 with pen and Type Cover

Surface Pro 3 devices are now getting new firmware update to fix the drain battery issue. If you own a Surface Pro 3, you were probably aware of the battery drain issue with the Simplo batteries.

After a number of reports from users, Microsoft acknowledged that in fact there was a battery issue. Then the company confirmed that it wasn’t a problem with the Simplo batteries themselves, and software update would fix the problem.

Today, Microsoft has completed the testing, and it’s rolling out “System Firmware update – 8/29/2016” that permanently fixes the drain issue on a small number of devices.

On a Surface support website, Microsoft explains that the problem is caused when the full charge capacity of the battery is not reported correctly to the operating system and device firmware. When this happens, the device won’t fully charge the battery, and as a result the Surface Pro 3 is not able to function on battery power.

How to install this Surface Pro 3 firmware update

While the new August 29th, firmware update fixes the problem, the company explains users should make sure to install the update correctly.

If you own a Surface Pro 3 with a Simplo battery do make sure to:

  • Connect your Surface Pro 3 device directly to the AC power using the AC power adapter.
  • Do not use the Surface Docking Station to connect the device to AC power.
  • Disconnect any USB devices or external monitors.
  • Check that the operating system reports at least 40% of charge before updating.
  • Use Windows Update to install the update and let it restart automatically.
  • Restart a second time manually to complete the installation process.

Did the update fix the battery problem with your Surface Pro 3? Tell us in the comments below.

Update, November 18, 2016: Microsoft released a firmware in November “System Firmware Update — 11/7/2016” meant to once again try to fix the battery issued experienced for those with LGC batteries.

Source Microsoft

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.