Skip to main content

Microsoft claims new update fixes Surface power issues

Microsoft Surface Book
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Microsoft’s Surface line has become an enormous success over the last couple of years, but recently many users have been complaining about power usage issues in the wake of recent firmware updates. Now, the company is attempting to placate users with a fix that will apparently solve these problems.

Last month, there were widespread reports of the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 suffering from difficulties relating to power usage. In some cases, users were reporting that their systems would appear to be in sleep mode, but would continue to use up its battery life and have no charge the next time it was needed.

In a blog post published yesterday, Microsoft’s Panos Panay announced that new updates developed in response to user feedback were being distributed. While there’s no explicit mention of a fix, Panay does suggest that the updates will help users “get the most of the power management options that Surface is designed to offer.”

Response to this latest update on Reddit has been largely positive. Users are reporting that most battery issues have indeed been solved, and have also noted fixes to audio errors, and to a problem where a blank screen would be displayed after coming out of sleep mode.

Panay speaks at length about his desire to build devices that people love in the above-referenced blog post, and further stresses the paramount importance of user feedback. This could be written off as good consumer discourse, but the fact that users are responding so positively adds some credence to his statement.

The Surface line has gone from an uncertain proposition for Microsoft to one of its most successful ventures. While the hardware has so far built up plenty of good will among users, it doesn’t take long for that reputation to be squandered. But if this week’s updates are as comprehensive as they seem initially, they will do a great deal to help keep Surface devotees happy.

Editors' Recommendations

Brad Jones
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
Microsoft plans to charge for Windows 10 updates in the future
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Microsoft has confirmed it will offer security updates for Windows 10 after the end-of-life date for the operating system for consumer users but for a fee.

The brand recently announced plans to charge regular users for Extended Security Updates (ESU) who intend to continue using Windows 10 beyond the October 14, 2025 support date.

Read more
I’m worried about the future of the Microsoft Surface
Panos Panay with a Surface

I've always rooted for the Surface. What started exclusively as a way to push the concept of the Windows 2-in-1 has grown into a full-fledged premium laptop brand, with options at nearly every price point.

But after a year like 2023, it's hard not to feel like we may be reaching a turning point for the brand.
Lack of momentum

Read more
A major Windows update just launched. Here’s what’s new
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Microsoft has just announced the latest update to Windows 11, which brings the operating system up to version 23H2. This is a cumulative update that comes with some of the most exciting features already announced in September, including Copilot, and brings some changes to Teams, among other things. Here's what's new and how to get it on your own PC.

When Microsoft first announced Copilot during its September event, many thought that it'd be available right away -- and it was, but not widely. Now, with the 23H2 update, Copilot should be downloaded and toggled on by default, alongside everything else that was announced during the Surface event. Some new things are on the way, too.

Read more