Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Is the new Surface Pro 2 firmware actually fixing problems?

By
new surface pro 2 firmware actually fixing problems
Image used with permission by copyright holder

By now, we are more than well aware about the iffy firmware update that Microsoft released last month for its Surface Pro 2. Long story short: Microsoft put out some tainted Surface Pro 2 firmware, which, when installed, created issues with how the device behaves when put in sleep mode, and also decreases its battery life significantly in multiple instances, among other issues. 

After we reported a few weeks ago that a Microsoft forum poster was given a January 14 release date for the new firmware, it turns out they were just a few days off. Microsoft began to roll out the new Surface Pro 2 firmware on January 18.

Recommended Videos

So, what are the returns on the new Surface Pro 2 firmware? Considering that the December update caused a bunch of problems, it would be unwise to assume that the new firmware would right the wrongs caused by Microsoft’s previous release last month. We took to the official Microsoft forums to see what Surface Pro 2 owners were saying about the new firmware.

Related

Here’s what “BCVHOG” had to say about his/her experience with the new Surface Pro 2 firmware: “It did fix the sleep issues with my 128gb surface.” Another user, “lowellmauer,” chimed in with this bit: “I can also confirm that the 1/18/14 update fixed most of the issues. My 128GB Pro2 no longer turns itself on. I had it in sleep mode starting at 100 percent battery and it lasted almost 2 days, with some minor usage.”

Many of the complaints have more to do with Microsoft’s rollout of the update, and impatience on the part of the user. Not that we blame them after everything that has gone down though. “Pro2UPNY” said: “I’m in Upstate NY – no update here yet. When (and if) it shows up, I will be waiting to install until more people share their experience with it.” User “Iria” responded: “Me either.  And last night I blew it and forgot to hibernate and ended up with with a hot pro 2 this morning. Hurry up [Microsoft].”

Based on our early observations of Surface Pro 2 owners and their reported experiences with the new firmware update, it seems as if it’s doing what the previous update was supposed to do: work. However, slow roll-outs of software updates are a common strategy employed by tech companies, so any Surface Pro 2 owners using a device tainted by the December firmware should just hold tight knowing that help is on the way.
 
What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Konrad Krawczyk
Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
Surface Laptop Go 3 vs. Surface Pro 7+: is it an upgrade?
Microsoft Surface Pro 7

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's new affordable Surface laptop, with upgraded hardware and long battery life making it a compelling option for budget laptop buyers in 2023. But for anyone considering an upgrade to a Surface device at around that $800 price, the Surface Pro 7+ still presents an attractive purchase, and it can flip into a tablet when you need it.

That brings to mind the age-old question, of whether newer is automatically better. In this case, it might not be. Let's take a look at the Surface Laptop Go 3 versus Surface Pro 7+, to find out.

Read more
Should you buy the Surface Laptop Studio or wait for the Surface Laptop Studio 2?
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 on a white table.

Announced during the Microsoft September event, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 joins a growing family of Surface devices. Equipped with all the same flexibility we'd expect from the best 2-in-1 laptops, the Studio 2 may look very similar to the previous version, but it's a lot more different than it seems at a glance.

How does the new version compare to Microsoft's original Laptop Studio? Below, we'll take you on a deep dive into these two devices and help you make your pick if you're trying to choose between them. Make sure to read our Surface Laptop Studio 2 review, as well.
Pricing and availability

Read more
Surface Laptop Studio 2 specs: which should you buy?
Microsoft showing off new Surface Laptop Studio 2 at its September event.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 has now been officially announced at Microsoft's September 2023 Surface event, and it has some really exciting specifications and features that may well make it one of our favorite 2-in-1 laptops of this year. But there are lots of options to pick from and a wide range of possible prices for this next-gen laptop. Do you pick the entry-level model with its affordable pricing and more modest hardware? Or go for something more impressive with a higher price tag?

It all depends on what you want to do with it. Let's take a look at the difference Surface Laptop Studio 2 configurations, and which ones are the best to consider. If you want an overview on if you should buy the laptop at all, make sure to read our Surface Laptop Studio 2 review.

Read more