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title, description, ms.assetid, keywords, ms.prod, ms.mktglfcycl, ms.pagetype, ms.sitesec, author
| title | description | ms.assetid | keywords | ms.prod | ms.mktglfcycl | ms.pagetype | ms.sitesec | author |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (Surface) | Find out how you can use the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to test the hardware of your Surface device. | FC4C3E76-3613-4A84-A384-85FE8809BEF1 | hardware, device, tool, test, component | w10 | manage | surface, devices | library | miladCA |
Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
Find out how you can use the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to test the hardware of your Surface device.
The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit is a small, portable diagnostic tool that runs through a suite of tests to diagnose the hardware of Surface devices. The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit executable file is less than 3 MB, which allows it to be distributed through email. It does not require installation, so it can be run directly from a USB stick or over the network. The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit walks you through several tests of individual components including the touchscreen, cameras, and sensors.
Note: A Surface device must boot into Windows to run the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit. The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit will run only on the following Surface devices:
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Surface Book
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Surface Pro 4
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Surface 3 LTE
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Surface 3
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Surface Pro 3
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Surface Pro 2
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Surface Pro
Note: Security software and built-in security measures in many email applications and services will block executable files that are transferred through email. To email the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, attach the .zip archive file as downloaded from the Surface Tools for IT page without extracting it first. You can also create a custom .zip archive that contains the .exe file. (For example, if you want to localize the text as described in the Localization section of this article.)
Running the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit is a hands-on activity. The test sequence includes several tests that require you to perform actions or observe the outcome of the test, and then click the applicable Pass or Fail button. Some tests require connectivity to external devices, like an external display. Other tests use the built in Windows troubleshooters. At the end of testing, a visual report of the test results is displayed and you are given the option to save a log file or copy the results to the clipboard.
To run a full set of tests with the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit, you should be prepared with the following items:
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An external display with the appropriate HDMI or DisplayPort connection
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A Bluetooth device that can be put into pairing mode
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A MicroSD or SD card that is compatible with your Surface device
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A Surface Pen
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Room to move the Surface device around
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External speakers or headphones
Note: The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit tests verify only the hardware of a Surface device and do not test or resolve issues with the operating system or software.
The tests
The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit runs several individual tests on a Surface device. Not all tests are applicable to every device. For example, the Home button test is not applicable to Surface Pro 4 where there is no Home button. You can specify which tests to run, or you can choose to run all tests. For tests that require external devices (such as testing output to an external display) but you do not have the required external device at the time of the test, you are given the option to skip the test. If a test fails, you are prompted to continue or stop testing at that time.
Windows Update
This test checks for any outstanding Windows updates and will prompt you to install those updates before you proceed to other tests. It is important to keep a Surface device up to date with the latest Windows updates, including drivers and firmware for the Surface device. The success of some of the tests that are performed later in the task sequence depend on these updated drivers and firmware. You will be prompted to restart the device if required by Windows Update. If you must restart the device, you will need to start the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit again.
Device information
This test reads the Device ID and serial number in addition to basic system information such as device model, operating system version, processor, memory, and storage. The Device ID is recorded in the name of the log file and can be used to identify a log file for a specific device. Several system log files are also collected, including update and rollback logs, and output from several Windows built-in tools, such as DirectX Diagnostics and System Information, power configuration, disk health, and event logs. See the following list for a full set of collected log files:
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Output of Get-WindowsUpdateLog if the operating system is Windows 10
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%windir%\Logs
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%windir%\Panther
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%windir%\System32\sysprep\Panther
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%windir%\System32\WinEvt\Logs
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$windows.~bt\Sources\Panther
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$windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
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%windir%\System32\WinEvt\Logs
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Output of dxdiag.exe /t
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Output of msinfo32.exe /report
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Output of powercfg.exe /batteryreport
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Output of powercfg.exe /sleepstudy
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Output of wevtutil.exe epl System
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Events from:
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Chkdsk
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Microsoft-Windows-Ntfs
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Microsoft-Windows-WER-SystemErrorReporting
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Microsoft-Windows-Startuprepair
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Microsoft-Windows-kernel-Power
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Output of powercfg.exe /q
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Output of powercfg.exe /qh
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%windir%\Inf\SetupApi*.log
These files and logs are stored in a .zip file saved by the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit when all selected tests have completed alongside the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit log file.
Type Cover test
Note: A Surface Type Cover is required for this test.
If a Surface Type Cover is not detected, the test prompts you to connect the Type Cover. When a Type Cover is detected the test prompts you to use the keyboard and touchpad. The cursor should move while you swipe the touchpad, and the keyboard Windows key should bring up the Start menu or Start screen to successfully pass this test. You can skip this test if a Type Cover is not used with the Surface device.
Integrated keyboard test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book and requires that the Surface Book be docked to the keyboard.
This test is essentially the same as the Type Cover test, except the integrated keyboard in the Surface Book base is tested rather than the Type Cover. Move the cursor and use the Windows key to bring up the Start menu to confirm that the touchpad and keyboard are operating successfully. This test will display the status of cursor movement and keyboard input for you to verify. Press ESC to complete the test.
Canvas mode battery test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book.
Depending on which mode Surface Book is in, different batteries are used to power the device. When Surface Book is in clipboard mode (detached form the keyboard) it uses an internal battery, and when it is connected in either laptop mode or canvas mode it uses different connections to the battery in the keyboard. In canvas mode, the screen is connected to the keyboard so that when the device is closed, the screen remains face-up and visible. Connect the Surface Book to the keyboard in this manner for the test to automatically proceed.
Clipboard mode battery test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book.
Disconnect the Surface Book from the keyboard to work in clipboard mode. In clipboard mode the Surface Book operates from an internal battery that is tested when the Surface Book is disconnected from the keyboard. Disconnecting the Surface Book from the keyboard will also disconnect the Surface Book from power and will automatically begin this test.
Laptop mode battery test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book.
Connect the Surface Book to the keyboard in the opposite fashion to canvas mode in laptop mode. In laptop mode the screen will face you when the device is open and the device can be used in the same way as any other laptop. Disconnect AC Power from the laptop base when prompted for this test to check the battery status.
Battery test
In this test the battery is discharged for a few seconds and tested for health and estimated runtime. You are prompted to disconnect the power adapter and then to reconnect the power adapter when the test is complete.
Discrete graphics (dGPU) test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book models with a discrete graphics processor.
This test will query the device information of current hardware to check for the presence of both the Intel integrated graphics processor in the Surface Book and the NVIDIA discrete graphics processor in the Surface Book keyboard. The keyboard must be attached for this test to function.
Discrete graphics (dGPU) fan test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book models with a discrete graphics processor.
The discrete graphics processor in the Surface Book includes a separate cooling fan. The fan is turned on automatically by the test for 5 seconds. Listen for the sound of the fan in the keyboard and report if the fan is working correctly when prompted.
Muscle wire test
Note: This test is only applicable to Surface Book.
To disconnect the Surface Book from the keyboard, software must instruct the muscle wire latch mechanism to open. This is typically accomplished by pressing and holding the undock key on the keyboard. This test sends the same signal to the latch, which unlocks the Surface Book from the Surface Book keyboard. Remove the Surface Book from the keyboard when you are prompted to do so.
Dead pixel and display artifacts tests
Note: Before you run this test, be sure to clean the screen of dust or smudges.
This test prompts you to view the display in search of malfunctioning pixels. The test displays full-screen, single-color images including black, white, red, green, and blue. Pixels that remain bright or dark when the screen displays an image of a different color indicate a failed test. You should also look for distortion or variance in the color of the screen.
Digitizer edges
The touchscreen of a Surface device should detect when a user swipes in from the left or right side of the screen. This test prompts you to swipe in from the edges of the screen to bring up the Action Center and Task View. Both Action Center and Task View should launch to pass this test.
Digitizer pinch
The pinch gesture (when you bring two fingers closer together or farther apart) is used to manipulate zoom and to position content through the touchscreen. This test displays an image in Windows Picture Viewer and prompts you to zoom in, move, and zoom out of the picture. The picture should zoom in, move, and zoom out as the gestures are performed.
Digitizer touch
The Surface touchscreen should detect input across the entire screen of the device equally. To perform this test a series of lines are displayed on the screen for you to trace with a finger in search of unresponsive areas. The lines traced across the screen should appear continuous for the length of the line as drawn with your finger.
Digitizer pen test
Note: A Microsoft Surface Pen is required for this test.
This test displays the same lines as those that are displayed during the Digitizer Touch test, but your input is performed with a Surface Pen instead of your finger. The lines should remain unbroken for as long as the Pen is pressed to the screen. Trace all of the lines in the image to look for unresponsive areas across the entire screen of the Surface device.
Digitizer multi touch
The Surface touchscreen is capable of detecting 10 fingers simultaneously. Place all of your fingers on the screen simultaneously to perform this test. The screen will show the number of points detected, which should match the number of fingers you have on the screen.
Home button test
The Home button or Windows button on your Surface device is used to bring up the Start screen or Start menu. This test is successful if the Start screen or Start menu is displayed when the Windows button is pressed. This test is not displayed on Surface Pro 4 because no Windows button exists.
Volume rocker test
This test prompts you to use the volume rocker to turn the volume all the way up, all the way down, and then all the way up again. To pass this test, the volume slider should move up and down as the rocker is pressed.
Micro SD or SD slot test
Note: This test requires a micro SD or SD card that is compatible with the slot in your Surface device.
Insert a micro SD or SD card when you are prompted. When the SD card is detected, the test prompts you to remove the SD card to ensure that the card is not left in the device. During this test a small file is written to the SD card and then verified. Detection and verification of the SD card automatically passes this test without additional input.
Microphone test
This test displays the Recording tab of the Sound item in Control Panel. The test prompts you to monitor the meter that is displayed next to the Microphone Array recording device. A recommended test is to speak and watch for your speech to be detected in the meter. If the meter moves when you speak, the microphone is working correctly. For Surface Book you will be prompted to tap locations near the microphones. This tapping should produce noticeable spikes in the audio meter.
Video out test
Note: This test requires an external display with the applicable connection for your Surface device.
Surface devices provide a Mini DisplayPort connection for connecting to an external display. Connect your display through the Mini DisplayPort on the device when prompted. The display should be detected automatically and an image should appear on the external display.
Bluetooth test
Note: This test requires a Bluetooth device. The device must be set to pairing mode or made discoverable to perform this test.
After you receive a prompt to put the device in pairing mode, the test opens the Add a device window and begins to search for discoverable Bluetooth devices. Watch the Add a device window to verify that your Bluetooth device is detected. Select your Bluetooth device from the list and connect to the device to complete the test.
Camera test
Use this test to verify that the cameras on your Surface device are operating properly. Images will be displayed from both the front and rear cameras, and the infrared camera on a Surface Pro 4. Continuous autofocus can be enabled on the rear camera. Move the device closer and farther away from an object to verify the operation of continuous autofocus.
Speaker test
Note: Headphones or external speakers are required to test the headphone jack in this test.
This test plays audio over left and right channels respectively, both for the internal speakers and for speakers or headphones connected to the headphone jack. Mark each channel as a pass or fail as you hear the audio play.
Network test
Note: Connect the Surface device to a Wi-Fi network before you run this test. Connections that are made during the test are removed when the test is completed.
This test uses the Windows Network Diagnostics built in troubleshooter to diagnose potential issues with network connectivity, including proxy configuration, DNS problems, and IP address conflicts. An event log is saved by this test in Windows logs and is visible in the Windows Event Viewer. The Event ID is 6100.
Power test
Settings such as display brightness, the elapsed time until the screen sleeps, and the elapsed time until device sleeps, are checked against default values with the Power built-in troubleshooter. The troubleshooter will automatically correct settings that may prevent the device from conserving power or entering sleep mode.
Mobile broadband test
This test prompts you to enable mobile broadband and attempts to browse to http://www.bing.com. This test is only applicable to Surface devices that come equipped with mobile broadband, such as Surface 3 LTE.
Accelerometer test
The accelerometer detects lateral, longitudinal, and vertical movements of the Surface device. This test prompts you to pick up and move the Surface device forward and backward, to the left and to the right, and up and down, to test the sensor for directional movement. The test automatically passes when movement is detected.
Gyrometer test
The gyrometer detects pitch, roll, and yaw movements. This test prompts you to pick up and rotate the Surface device to test the sensors for angular movement. The test automatically passes when movement is detected.
Compass test
The compass detects which direction the Surface device is facing relative to north, south, east, and west. Turn the Surface device to face in different directions to test the sensor. The test automatically passes when a change in direction is detected.
Ambient light test
The ambient light sensor is used to automatically adjust screen brightness relative to the ambient lighting in the environment. Turn the device toward or away from a light source to cause the screen to dim or brighten in response increased or decreased light. The test automatically passes when the screen brightness automatically changes.
Device orientation test
Note: Before you run this test, disable rotation lock from the Action Center if enabled.
The device orientation sensor determines what the angle of the Surface device is, relative to the ground. Rotate the display 90 degrees or 180 degrees to cause the screen orientation to switch between portrait and landscape mode. The test automatically passes when the screen orientation switches.
Brightness test
This test cycles the screen through brightness levels from 0 percent to 100 percent, and then a message is displayed to confirm if the brightness level changed accordingly. You are then prompted to disconnect the power adapter. The screen should automatically dim when power is disconnected.
System assessment
Note: The Surface device must be connected to AC power before you can run this test.
The Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) runs a series of benchmarks against the processor, memory, video adapter, and storage devices. The results include the processing speed of various algorithms, read and write performance of memory and storage, and performance in several Direct3D graphical tests.
Performance Monitor test
Performance and diagnostic trace logs are recorded from Performance Monitor for 30 seconds and collected in the .zip file output of the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit by this test. You can analyze these trace logs with the Windows Performance Analyzer to identify causes of application crashes, performance issues, or other undesirable behavior in Windows.
Crash dump collection
If your Surface device has encountered an error that caused the device to fail or produce a blue screen error, this stage of the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit records the information from the automatically recorded crash dump files in the diagnostic log. You can use these crash dump files to identify a faulty driver, hardware component, or application through analysis. Use the Windows Debugging Tool to analyze these files. If you are not familiar with the analysis of crash dump files, you can describe your issue and post a link to your crash dump files (uploaded to OneDrive or another file sharing service) in the Windows TechNet Forums.
Command line
You can run the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from the command line or as part of a script. The tool supports the following arguments:
Note: Many of the tests performed by the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit require technician interaction. The Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit cannot run unattended.
exclude
Use this argument to exclude specific tests.
Example:
Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_1.0.60.0.exe “exclude=BatteryTest,CameraTest”
See the following list for test names:
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AccelerometerTest
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AmbientLightSensorTest
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BatteryTest
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BluetoothTest
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BrightnessTest
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CameraTest
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CanvasModeBatteryTest
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ChargingTest
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ClipboardModeBatteryTest
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CrashDumpCollectionTest
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DeadPixelDetectionTest
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DeviceInformationTest
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DeviceOrientationTest
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DigitalCompassSensorTest
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DigitizerEdgeTest
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DigitizerMultiTouchTest
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DigitizerPenCoverageTest
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DigitizerPinchTest
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DigitizerTouchCoverageTest
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DisplayArtifactsTest
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DualGraphicsTest
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FanTest
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GyrometerSensorTest
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HomeButtonTest
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IntegratedKeyboardTest
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LaptopModeBatteryTest
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MicrophoneTest
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MicroSdCardTest
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MobileBroadbandTest
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MuscleWireTest
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NetworkTest
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PenTest
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PerformanceMonitorTest
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PowerTest
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SdCardTest
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SpeakerTest
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SystemAssessmentTest
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TypeCoverTest
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VideoOutTest
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VolumeRockerTest
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WindowsUpdateCheckTest
forceplatformsupport
Use this argument to force tests to run when the make and model of the device is not properly detected by Windows. Surface Diagnostic Toolkit is intended to run only on Surface devices.
Example:
Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_1.0.60.0.exe forceplatformsupport
include
Use this argument to include tests when you run Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from the command line. Tests specified by the Include command will be run even if the test is not supported on the model of Surface device. In the following example, the Surface Book specific tests for the latch mechanism and discrete graphics will be run, even if the command is run on a Surface Pro 4 or other Surface model.
Example:
Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_1.0.60.0.exe “include=DualGraphicsTest,FanTest,MuscleWireTest”
logpath
Use this argument to specify the path for the log file.
Example 1:
Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_1.0.60.0.exe logpath=C:\Folder
Example 2:
Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_1.0.60.0.exe “logpath=C:\Folder with spaces”
Localization
By default, the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit is available in English only. If you want to localize the text of the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit prompts into another language, you can do so by creating a custom localization file. If the localization file exists, the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit will override the default English text and use the text contained in the file instead. To create a localization file, follow these steps:
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Open Notepad.
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Type the following line at the beginning of the file:
<root /> -
Save the file as SurfaceDiagnosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale in the same location where the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit executable file is stored.
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Run the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit executable file, Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit_v1.0.60.0.exe. The SurfaceDiagnosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale file will be populated with all of the text from the default prompts.
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Open the SurfaceDiagnosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale file in Notepad and change the text of each prompt to your custom or localized text.
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Save the SurfaceDiagnosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale file.
Note: The SurfaceDiganosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale file must be located in the same folder and have the same name other than the file extension as the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit executable file to use the custom prompt text. The SurfaceDiganosticTool_v1.0.60.0.locale is an .xml file and must use UTF-8 encoding.