If you have a Surface Pro 4, Microsoft is now releasing a firmware update that finally brings on-screen support for the Surface Dial accessory. The Surface Dial was originally introduced in 2016, and it works out of the box on the Surface Studio and Surface Pro (2017), but support for Surface Pro 4 was missing, even though, it’s also compatible with most Windows 10 devices using Bluetooth LE (Low Energy).
Surface Dial is a peripheral designed to help you optimize the way you work and create. It’s also compatible with desktops, laptops, and tablets running Windows 10 with support of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy).
Using simple presses and turns this accessory can bring up the most used shortcuts, controls, drawing tools, and more to keep you focus on your work, instead of spending time thinking on keyboard shortcuts or menu navigations.
Although the Surface Pro 4 has a smaller display, adding on-screen support for Surface Dial is still a welcome addition.
Surface Pro 4 firmware update changes
The April 2018 firmware update not only introduces support for the Surface Dial, but it also delivers a number of improvements:
- Surface Digitizer Integration – Human Interface Device: 2.0.313.0 enables on-screen support for Surface Dial.
- Surface Touch – Firmware: 105.0.106.8 enables on-screen support for Surface Dial and improves touch accuracy.
- Surface Dial Detection – System: 2.0.2.0 enables on-screen support for Surface Dial.
- Surface Touch Servicing ML – System: 1.0.821.0 enables on-screen support for Surface Dial and improves touch accuracy.
The April 2018 firmware update for Surface Pro 4 should download and install automatically. However, if you have not received the update on your Surface, then go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and try to force the download manually.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.