MS Update / Dead Battery Workaround on Docked Surface Pro 3

Are you facing issues with your Surface Pro 3 not turning on or experiencing a dead battery while it's docked? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many users have encountered this problem, but there is a simple workaround that can help you get your device up and running again. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to resolve this issue.

Why does the Surface Pro 3 battery drain while docked?

The Surface Pro 3 is designed to charge its battery while it's docked. However, a recent Microsoft update has caused some devices to experience a draining battery while docked. This issue occurs due to a conflict between the update and the power management settings on the device.

Workaround for the dead battery issue

To resolve the dead battery issue on your docked Surface Pro 3, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the Surface Pro 3 from the docking station.
2. Press and hold the power button on the device for about 30 seconds. This will drain any residual power from the device.
3. Reconnect the Surface Pro 3 to the docking station.
4. Press the power button to turn on the device.

By following these steps, you are essentially performing a power cycle on your Surface Pro 3, which can help resolve the dead battery issue.

Preventing the battery drain issue in the future

To prevent your Surface Pro 3 battery from draining while docked, you can disable the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" option for the USB Root Hub in the device manager. Here's how:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category.
3. Right-click on "USB Root Hub" and select "Properties" from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, go to the "Power Management" tab.
5. Uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

By disabling this option, you are ensuring that the power to the USB ports on the docking station remains active, preventing the battery from draining while docked.

Conclusion

If you are facing a dead battery issue on your docked Surface Pro 3, following the steps mentioned above should help you resolve the problem. Additionally, disabling the power-saving option for the USB Root Hub can prevent the issue from occurring in the future. If you continue to experience battery drain or any other issues with your Surface Pro 3, it is recommended to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

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