How to use your Surface Pen
Applies To
Surface Devices SurfaceInteract with your Surface in new ways using Surface Pen. If you're not sure which pen you have, go to Identify your Surface Pen and features.
Here's an overview of what you can do with your pen:
Write and draw
Use your Surface Pen in any app that supports inking. To see which apps to start with, go to the section Try these apps with your Pen.
Start inking with your pen
Rest your hand on the screen, like you would on a piece of paper, then start writing. Your Surface is designed to ignore your hand and other inputs while you write. Use the pointer that appears under your pen tip to guide you while you ink.
To erase, turn your pen over and rub the end of your pen over your writing or drawing.
Enter text with your pen
If you want to write instead of typing on a keyboard, you can use the touch keyboard that appears on the screen. To learn how to use it, go to Get to know the touch keyboard.
Use the top button of your pen
Pair Surface Pen
Your pen uses Bluetooth to pair with your Surface. Here's how:
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth.
-
Press and hold the top button of your pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes white to turn on Bluetooth pairing mode.
-
Select your pen to pair it to your Surface.
Use top button shortcuts
Once your pen is paired, you'll be able to use the top button. The top button does different things depending on how you interact with the button. To change these shortcuts, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink.
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Open Microsoft Whiteboard |
Click the top button once. |
|
Open Snip & Sketch |
Double-click the top button. |
|
Open Sticky Notes |
Press and hold the top button. |
Customize your pen
Change pen pressure
Use the Surface app to check your pen pressure settings. To open it, select Start , enter surface, and select it to open the app. If the app doesn't open, get it from the Microsoft Store.
Once open, select the Pen tab to adjust the pen pressure.
Check battery level
You can also check your battery level on the Pen tab in the Surface app.
Change pen settings
If you want to change the top button shortcuts, change the hand you write with, or change other pen settings, go to Change pen settings for more info.
Try these apps with your pen
Ready to write your ideas, take notes, and be more productive with ink? Get started with these apps.
Microsoft Whiteboard
Microsoft Whiteboard is a freeform digital canvas where you can put your ideas, content, and notes in one place.
OneNote
OneNote is your digital notebook for capturing and organizing everything across your devices. Write down your to-do lists, keep track of your notes, and draw your ideas.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 lets you create your best work in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Use your pen to annotate documents, navigate through presentations, and draw diagrams.
Microsoft To Do
To Do helps you manage, prioritize, and complete the most important things you need to achieve every day, powered by Microsoft 365 Integration.
Related topics
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Interact with your Surface in new ways using Surface Pen. If you're not sure which pen you have, go to Identify your Surface Pen and features.
Here's an overview of what you can do with your pen:
Write and draw
Use your Surface Pen in any app that supports inking. To see which apps to start with, go to the section Try these apps with your Pen.
Start inking with your pen
Rest your hand on the screen, like you would on a piece of paper, then start writing. Your Surface is designed to ignore your hand and other inputs while you write. Use the pointer that appears under your pen tip to guide you while you ink.
To erase, turn your pen over and rub the end of your pen over your writing or drawing.
Enter text with your pen
If you want to write instead of typing on a keyboard, you can use the touch keyboard that appears on the screen. To learn how to use it, go to Get to know the touch keyboard.
Use the top button of your pen
Pair Surface Pen
Your pen uses Bluetooth to pair with your Surface. Here's how:
-
Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth .
-
Press and hold the top button of your pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes white to turn on Bluetooth pairing mode.
-
Select your pen to pair it to your Surface.
Use top button shortcuts
Once your pen is paired, you'll be able to use the top button. The top button does different things depending on how you interact with the button. To change these shortcuts, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink .
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Open Microsoft Whiteboard |
Click the top button once. |
|
Open Snip & Sketch |
Double-click the top button. |
|
Open Sticky Notes |
Press and hold the top button. |
Customize your pen
Change pen pressure
Use the Surface app to check your pen pressure settings. To open it, select Start , enter surface, and select it to open the app. If the app doesn't open, get it from the Microsoft Store.
Once open, select the Pen tab to adjust the pen pressure.
Check battery level
You can also check your battery level on the Pen tab in the Surface app.
Change pen settings
If you want to change the top button shortcuts, change the hand you write with, or change other pen settings, go to Change pen settings for more info.
Try these apps with your pen
Ready to write your ideas, take notes, and be more productive with ink? Get started with these apps.
Microsoft Whiteboard
Microsoft Whiteboard is a freeform digital canvas where you can put your ideas, content, and notes in one place.
OneNote
OneNote is your digital notebook for capturing and organizing everything across your devices. Write down your to-do lists, keep track of your notes, and draw your ideas.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 lets you create your best work in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Use your pen to annotate documents, navigate through presentations, and draw diagrams.
Microsoft To Do
To Do helps you manage, prioritize, and complete the most important things you need to achieve every day, powered by Microsoft 365 Integration.
Related topics
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.
