Booting from a USB device doesn’t refresh or reset your Surface. Instead, it lets you start your Surface using Windows or another operating system that’s on your USB device. For info about how to create a bootable USB drive for your Surface, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface.

If you can’t boot from your USB recovery drive or don’t see the Recover from a drive option, you may need to ensure that the boot-from-USB function in the Surface BIOS is enabled or configure the boot order so the USB drive is the first option. For more info, see Boot Surface from a USB device.

Manually update Surface drivers and firmware. Manual updates are useful if you need to update an offline device, update many devices that are all the same model, or if you’re creating system images for your organization.

To create a recovery drive in Windows 11: In the search box on the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice. When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.

Start by running the automated audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Get Help automatically runs diagnostics and takes the correct steps to fix most audio issues. Open Get Help. If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your sound or audio issue, try the possible solutions listed: Windows 11 Windows 10. 1.

Help with giving digital games as gifts. Note that if you purchased content that isn’t working, check the Xbox status page for any issues that may prevent you from playing, and try troubleshooting the problem before making a request for a refund: Xbox status. Troubleshoot game issues on Xbox.

You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions.

Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade. How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware. Learn how to use the PC Health Check app to help you improve your device performance.

First steps if your Surface Type Cover or Keyboard doesn't work. To try to resolve these issues, you can begin by following the steps below to get the latest updates, detach the Type cover or keyboard, force a restart, reattach the Type Cover or Keyboard , or confirm connectivity.

With a USB-C connection, you can charge your Windows 11 PC, and you can also connect to other USB Type-C devices such as mobile phones, docking stations, display adapters, and other devices that have a USB-C port. Unfortunately, some combinations of hardware and software may cause problems. If this happens, you may get a notification that there ...