Putting Apple on the defensive in the tablet space requires something new for Microsoft. Moreover, the company needed to deliver something that people needed, even if they didn’t know they needed it yet. Microsoft has decided to create the best productivity experience. To make Surface devices the most productive they can be, Microsoft has introduced thin Type Covers the world has yet to see. The second thing was the pen he called the Surface Pen. This was not new, Microsoft and its partners have created devices with a stylus for years.
The Surface Pen allows owners of Surface devices to navigate, take notes, sign documents, and draw in Windows 10. Small metal devices work with imaging technology built into every Surface device. There are pressure sensitivity and dedicated buttons so that users can quickly launch certain applications when they are in a hurry.
Here’s how to sync and set up the Surface Pen accessory for Surface.
Buying a Surface Pen
With each generation of Surface, Microsoft has refreshed the Surface Pen. Early Surface Pens were black with long thin barrels and magnets attached to the side of the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2. For the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft introduced the gray Surface Pens with purple caps that can monitor around 200 pressure levels. This model also works on Surface 3, Microsoft’s cheapest tablet and iPad rival. Microsoft still sells this Surface Pen in blue, black, silver, and red for $49.99 on the Microsoft Store. Works with Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, and Surface 3.
Then there’s the Surface Pen, which debuted with the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. It’s still metal, but has an eraser cover and a magnet that allows it to clip onto the side of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. The technology that powers it and the technology in these latest Surfaces allow for more than a thousand different pressure levels. Pressure levels are important for a realistic drawing experience. Interchangeable tips allow users to get the best typing experience for themselves.
The Microsoft Store sells this Surface Pen for $59.99. It comes with the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4. It is also compatible with Surface Pro 3 and Surface 3. The Pen Tip Kit sells for $10 on its own, this kit is for users who buy a Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 and want them.
Note that the last two Surface Pens are compatible with everything except the Surface, Surface 2, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro. Surface 2 and Surface do not support any pen technology. Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro require Wacom’s original Surface Pen, built around digitizer technology. The Microsoft Store sells them refurbished for $24.99.
Before You Begin
Before you begin, make sure your Surface Pen has a battery inside. The two latest Surface Pens require an AAAA battery, which is not available everywhere but available at office supply stores and websites. Also make sure you have the Surface app installed on your Surface device. It should be in your list of installed apps on Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. Surface apps are completely free. Microsoft Store.
For the purposes of this setup guide, we are configuring a Surface Pro 4 with Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system installed.
Surface Pen Installation
Press the Windows button on your Taskbar or the Windows button on your Surface Type Cover to open the Start Menu or Start Screen. Note that what you get depends on whether you are in Tablet Mode or not.
Tap or click .
Tap or click .
Tap or click in the menu on the left side of your screen.
Make sure your connected Bluetooth is enabled. Get your Surface Pen. Press and hold the lid of your Surface Pen until it appears in the Bluetooth settings app on your device.
Now tap or click it in the Bluetooth settings app to start pairing.
After you have everything set up, launch the Surface app to configure your Surface Pen. From the app, you can decide how sensitive your Surface Pen is. Microsoft recently added options to customize what each button does when it is pressed. For example, clicking the top of the Surface Pen automatically turns on Microsoft’s OneNote note-taking feature.
Good luck with your new Surface Pen.