Getting started with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 laptop-like tablet can be a little confusing at first. All together, we are used to laptops and tablets being two different devices with their own characteristics and their own way of doing things. Surface Pro 4 tips for new adopters can help with some of this confusion.

Here are some quick tips for new Surface Pro 4 owners. They will help you understand how Windows 10 makes it easy to switch from laptop to tablet modes. They’ll also help you decide which accessories and add-ons you should plan to purchase for your new Windows 2-in-1.

Surface Pro 4 Tips for New Owners: Update Your Surface Pro 4 Now

Must Be Mobile He described the Surface Pro 4 last year as the best Windows 2-in-1 available. It does, but this only happens after installing it with software updates designed to fix bugs and introduce new features.

During setup, make sure to provide Wi-Fi to your Surface Pro 4 so it can download software updates instantly when it needs it. After the installation is complete, go to the app and manually check for more updates.

Surface Pro 4 can and will automatically download updates, but it’s better to get them as soon as possible. Software and firmware updates fixed many early issues, including display driver failure, crashes, and problematic app upgrades.

Tips for Surface Pro 4 New Owners: Hold Surface Pen Left and Get Extra Battery

Despite its beloved device status, Microsoft made some minor mistakes with the Surface Pro 3. The company bet users would want a removable fabric ring to hold the included Surface Pens. It’s impossible to tell how many people have lost their Surface Pen using these cycles. Of course, they weren’t a great idea.

The Surface Pro 4 bypasses the loop for a magnetic stripe that runs along the left edge of the Surface Pro 4. Some said this magnet is not good enough. They think the Surface Pen might fall in a bag. One year of personal use confirmed my theory that this concern is not factual. The only time I misplaced the Surface Pen was when I didn’t plug it into the device itself. Stick your Surface Pen to Surface Pro 4. No problem.

Microsoft promises year-round battery life for the Surface Pen, but your results will vary. Keeping the pen tied to your pants or shirt seems to have a big impact on how long the AAAA battery will last inside. If you’re heavily dependent on the Surface Pen for productivity – as you take notes with it in lectures and lectures – make sure you have a spare battery in case you run out at the worst possible moment.

Tips for Surface Pro 4 New Owners: Make Your Surface Pro 4 a Great Desktop, Too

Forget having three separate devices, the Surface Pro 4 can be your laptop, desktop and tablet. Switching between laptop and tablet is pretty easy, just remove the Type Cover. I would say it takes extra work to get a great desktop experience.

If you’re into big screens and you already have one, consider purchasing the Surface Dock. The docking station lets you connect several USB devices, Ethernet, and a display with just one cable. Perfect for turning your Surface Pro 4 into a desktop computer.

If you’re happy with the Surface Pro 4’s built-in display, definitely consider ordering a tablet stand to give you a little more flexibility at your desk. Surface Dock, $199 Microsoft Store. Amazon For $124.99 it has the dock and stocks a ton of different tablet stands to let you get a better angle for your Surface. To be clear, the built-in stand is fine, but the height adjustments require a separate tablet stand on your desk.

Surface Pro 4 Tips for New Owners: How to Setup Windows Hello for Surface Pro 4

One of the Surface Pro 4’s biggest feature additions is its built-in support for Windows Hello. It allows users to use their password for a password and facial recognition software. The password is a rare case where Windows Hello cannot recognize you. Press the power button and Windows Hello will immediately unlock your device, provided it can see you. If it can’t, it will remain locked.

Note that you will need to install the latest software and firmware updates for your Surface Pro 4 to run this feature.

Surface Pro 4 New Owners Tips: Upgrade Your Surface Type Cover

Upgrading from Surface Pro 3 to Surface Pro 4? The Surface Pro Type Cover you already have will work fine. That being said, you should remove that old keyboard and upgrade to the latest version. Surface Pro Type Cover.

The new Surface Pro Type Cover features island-style keys with space between them for easier typing. Each key is covered in a soft-touch plastic that feels comfortable under your fingertips. What’s more, the cover’s trackpad is more glass than plastic. The trackpad is also larger than the trackpad on the older Surface Pro Type Cover.

If you have money to waste, definitely invest in the new Surface Type Cover. It is better than previous versions. $129 isn’t too much to spend on a significantly improved input experience. Microsoft also makes a $159.99 version of the Surface Type Cover made from a soft Alcantara material.

Tips for Surface Pro 4 New Owners: Configuring Auto Switch in Tablet Mode

Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest operating system, still has two very different user experiences. That much hasn’t changed. The difference with Windows 8 is how it combines these two experiences. Windows 8.1 mostly kept them separate. Windows 10 ties them together.

The Surface Pro 4 is one of those Windows 2-in-1s that can automatically enter and exit Tablet Mode when a keyboard is attached. For the best experience, turn on this auto-on in the Settings app under System. Look for the settings area labeled Tablet Mode.

Surface Pro 4 Tips for New Owners: Get the Surface Pro 4 Skin

Admittedly, many people are not experts in litigation. It makes sense, who really wants to ruin the device on which they spent a lot of money with a thick, unattractive shell. The Surface Pro 4 is durable, but it needs some form of protection.

If you’re determined not to pack your device in a bag, consider a coating to cover the Surface Pro 4’s metal back and sides. Toast It makes a great real wood veneer to protect against scratches and kicks.

Surface Pro 4 Tips for New Owners: Get an Old Surface Pen for Cheap

That’s less tips and smarter buying advice. Get an extra one to keep around in case you lose your Surface Pen. It doesn’t matter whether you buy or not Surface Pen for $49.99 or newer Surface Pen for $59.99, both will work just fine. Note that you won’t get 1024 different sensitivity levels with the cheaper Surface Pen. Also, it doesn’t fit the older model Surface Pro 4 very well.

Surface Pro 4 New Owners Tips: Customize the Surface Pen

After running everything. Search for the Surface app in your list of installed apps. In this app you can adjust the sensitivity of the Surface Pen and decide what you want the button to do when you click on it. It’s configured for OneNote by default, but you can add screenshots and reminders. It can also launch other Windows Store apps or programs.

Tips for Surface Pro 4 New Owners: Visit App Store and Download Essentials Apps for Your Surface Pro 4

Download these essential apps to get you moving.

Note that Microsoft OneNote and Drawboard PDF versions are already available on your device. go Microsoft’s Office website to start a free one-month trial of Microsoft Office 365. The Surface Pro 4’s screen is larger than 10.1 inches, so you’ll need a subscription to take advantage of the Office apps available in the Windows Store. Do not forget to install the programs you like from your old device. Note that the Surface Pro 4 can install apps from websites and the Windows Store.

Tips for Surface Pro 4 New Owners: Track Your Surface Pro 4

Don’t forget to configure device tracking for your Surface Pro 4 after you finish all your updates. This option allows you to track it from Microsoft’s website in case the device is lost or stolen. To be clear, the Surface has no built-in GPS but uses internet connections for tracking. Microsoft says this information is only available to you.

Surface Pro 4 Tips for New Owners: Ink WorkSpace

Created specifically with devices like the Surface Pro 4 in mind, Windows 10’s new Ink WorkSpace makes using stylus on Windows more enjoyable. The new SketchPad app lets you draw anything you want with digital rulers and guides to help you along the way. An updated Sticky Notes app lets you quickly save important information. The screenshot tool in Ink WorkSpace lets you take notes about what you’re currently seeing.

On your Surface Pro 4, Ink WorkSpace is accessible from the pencil icon to the left of the clock in the Taskbar.

Good luck with your new Surface Pro 4.