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Person using Surface Pro 9 at their kitchen table

July 25, 2023

How to use your 2-in-1 as a convertible laptop

Do everything you can do on a traditional laptop with a Surface 2-in-1. Experience the flexibility of a tablet with the operating power of a laptop. That’s why we call it the best of both worlds! Learn about many ways your 2-in-1 can serve as your go-to convertible laptop and more.

Work, play, and create with your favorite apps

Surface 2-in-1 laptops run Windows 11 and come preloaded with Microsoft 365¹ and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 30-day trial.² Whether you’re using your Surface 2-in-1 for work, play, or something else, you’ll have access to the whole world of Windows:

  • OneDrive. OneDrive makes backing up your files easy. Organize, protect, and share your files and photos with Microsoft’s personal cloud storage solution.
  • OneNote. Ready to get organized? OneNote is a digital notebook that helps you organize your thoughts, create tags, and collaborate with others. Use Surface Slim Pen 2 to take notes on your 2-in-1 PC in real time with the same pen on paper feel you get from traditional note taking.
  • Excel. Visualize data and generate insights with Excel, the premium spreadsheet app for home or business. 
  • PowerPoint. Create beautifully designed and engaging presentations for school or work with PowerPoint
  • Word. Word is a word-processing software that helps you collect your writing and create sharable documents. When used with OneDrive, you can access and edit your documents from anywhere, making collaboration a breeze. 
  • Outlook. Sync your email and calendar with friends and colleagues with Outlook, a personal email and calendar app that helps you stay on task. 
  • Teams. Whether you use Teams to chat with coworkers or connect with classmates, this communication app makes staying in touch easier than ever.

Position your screen at the right angle with the built-in kickstand

Whether you want to prop your 2-in-1 laptop on the kitchen counter to reference a recipe or set it up in your home gym so you can follow along with your favorite virtual yoga class, the built-in Surface kickstand makes getting the right screen angle simple. Coffee shop, co-working space, couch—the flexibility of the Surface kickstand means that the world is your office (or playground).

Multitask with all the ports you need

Want to create a customized, flexible workspace? With USB-C® and Thunderbolt™ 4 ports on many Surface 2-in-1s and the option to add on additional ports with a Surface Dock 2 station, you can easily dock to a monitor, charge your accessories, and transfer files while you work.

Type in style and comfort on a Surface detachable keyboard

Surface 2-in-1 touchscreens are great for sketching, notetaking, and navigating, but the detachable keyboards (along with powerful processing and extensive storage) bring out these devices’ full laptop functionality. If you need increased versatility or a more comfortable setting for long-form writing, get a laptop with a detachable keyboard. The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard offers a premium keyboard experience. Equipped with a glass touchpad and built-in Slim Pen 2 storage, the Signature Keyboard is available in a range of colors to match your style.

With a Surface 2-in-1, you get all the great features of a laptop with the portability and touchscreen capabilities of a tablet. To find the right Surface for you, let us help you choose.

  • DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
  • [1] Requires license or subscription (sold separately) to activate and use.
  • [2] Activation required for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Game Pass ultimate 30-day trial accessible through the Xbox Cloud Gaming website. You can use it to play games on Xbox One and Xbox Series Consoles, and stream select games where available to Surface Pro 9 through the Xbox Cloud Gaming website and other supported devices. Not currently available in China.

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