Learn how to create installation media for installing or reinstalling Windows.

Surface Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) replaces the standard basic input/output system (BIOS) with new features including faster startup and improved security. You can use Surface UEFI to manage the firmware features on your Surface. These Surface models use the new firmware UEFI interface:

Check the Boot Configuration to try to fix this. On older devices, the Surface turns on and displays a drive icon with an X in the top right corner. When you turn on your Surface, it boots to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). If you see this, try the following steps for a possible solution. Check the configuration of your device:

Windows updates released on and after February 13, 2024 include the ability to apply the Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate to UEFI Secure Boot Allowed Signature Database (DB). Updating the DB will enable devices to receive future boot loader updates that are included in monthly updates.

By booting from the installation media and selecting the appropriate recovery options, you can restore your system to a stable state without the need for a complete wipe. In cases where a fresh start is required, the installation media can be used for a new installation of Windows.

To install this update, use one of the following Windows and Microsoft release channels. This update downloads and installs automatically from Windows Update and Microsoft Update.

When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, your operating system may begin to malfunction. Common symptoms include Windows features not working properly, system errors, or Windows becoming unresponsive or freezing.

Start your device from the USB drive that was created with Recovery Drive. The process to boot from a USB drive may vary by manufacturer, so refer to your device's manual if needed. Create a recovery drive to reinstall Windows in case you experience a major issue such as hardware failure.

For info about how to create a bootable USB drive for your Surface, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface. To download a recovery image for your Surface device, see Surface Recovery Image Download for next steps. Make this Surface start from a USB drive. For all Surface models.

Run the following commands from an Administrator command prompt to restore the boot files in EFI system boot partition. Type each command separately and then press Enter: