How to Fix Surface Not Turning On [100% Working Solutions?]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Microsoft Surface, Microsoft's endeavor into a convenient convertible laptop, is one of the most successful offerings from their line of computers. These devices boast compact designs and exceptional performance, albeit with occasional issues. A prevalent concern among users is when the Microsoft Surface fails to turn on or wake up from sleep. Our tools offer solutions to address this "Surface won't turn on" problem.

System Solutions to Fix Surface Laptop Not Turning On

Systemic issues, such as problems with the BIOS, corrupted system disks, or outdated drivers, are leading causes for Surface laptops not powering on. These primary software-related problems need to be resolved within the laptop's interface. Here are some key systemic issues and their corresponding solutions to get your Surface Laptop up and running: 1. **BIOS Issues**: If there's a problem with the Basic Input/Output System, you can try resetting the BIOS by performing a cold restart or using the manufacturer's recommended method. 2. **Corrupted System Disks**: A corrupted operating system can prevent your laptop from starting. You may need to perform a system repair or a clean installation of the operating system to resolve this issue. 3. **Outdated Drivers**: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause startup problems. Update your drivers through Device Manager or use the manufacturer's website to download the latest versions. 4. **Battery Issues**: If the battery is drained or malfunctioning, plug in the charger and wait for some time before attempting to turn it on. If the issue persists, you might need to replace the battery. 5. **Hardware Faults**: Check for any loose connections, damaged cables, or faulty components. Ensure that all external devices are disconnected, and the laptop is plugged in before trying to power on. 6. **Windows Update Problems**: Sometimes, an interrupted update can lead to boot issues. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot and restore from a previous point. 7. **Startup Repair**: Utilize the built-in Startup Repair tool in Windows to diagnose and fix startup problems automatically. Always make sure to back up your important data before attempting any major repairs or reinstallation processes. If none of these solutions work, it might be best to seek professional assistance.

1. Solution 1: Fix Surface Boot Errors
2. Solution 2: Rebuild Master Boot Record (MBR)
3. Solution 3: Perform System Restore
4. Solution 4: Contact Microsoft Technical Support

Follow the step-by-step instructions, and feel free to share this guide if you find it helpful.

Solution 1: Fix Surface Boot Errors

Boot Errors are among the most frequent causes for a Surface laptop failing to start up. Troubleshooting boot errors on your own can be cumbersome, as it requires identifying the issues and then navigating through numerous intricate online tutorials on how to address that particular error. However, imagine if we told you there's a far more straightforward method to fix Surface Boot Errors? Partition Master Professional is a utility software that streamlines the process of fixing and managing boot errors with its built-in boot repair function.

The tool has undergone extensive professional research and testing to optimize the product algorithm for the "Startup Repair" function. It is designed to resolve all issues encountered during startup, such as black screens and error codes, with a single click.

Step 1. Connect the external drive/USB to your computer and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Go to "Bootable Media" and click "Create Bootable Media."

Step 2. Choose an available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage medium.

Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and restart it by pressing and holding F2 or Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart the computer and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open the Partition Master tool and click on "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.

Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Repair."

Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive a notification that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to finish the boot repair process.

Fix 2: Rebuild Master Boot Record (MBR)

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is crucial information needed to boot up your computer. It contains data about the location of the operating system on your PC. Issues with the MBR on your Surface laptop might be preventing it from turning on. Manually rebuilding the MBR can be a complex process. However, by leveraging the features of tools like Partition Manager, you can swiftly restore the MBR to resolve a Surface laptop that won't turn on.

Here's how:

Step 1. Download, install, and open Partition Manager on your computer. From the left pane of the software, select the Bootable Media option.

Step 2. Connect the USB, select Create a Bootable Media, and proceed.

Step 3. Boot from the Bootable USB drive. While booting up your PC, press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS, then select the bootable USB drive to start. The tool's partition manager will launch automatically.

Step 4. Go to the Toolkit section in the Partition Manager window and click the Rebuild MBR button.

Step 5. Select the disk and the Windows version, then continue. This will rebuild the MBR.

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Solution 3: Perform a System Restore

If you've recently installed a new peripheral device or updated the drivers for any device on your Surface laptop, that could be interfering with the boot process and files, resulting in your Surface laptop not starting. To resolve this issue by reverting your laptop to its previous state, perform a System Restore. Here's how: 1. Turn off your Surface laptop completely. 2. Press and hold the Volume Down button, and then press and release the Power button. Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the Windows logo appear on the screen, which indicates you're in the Advanced startup options menu. 3. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to the "Troubleshoot" option, and then press the Enter key. 4. Select "Advanced options" and press Enter. 5. Choose "System Restore" and press Enter again. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point that predates the installation of the new device or driver update. 7. Confirm the restoration process and wait for it to complete. 8. Once the System Restore is finished, your Surface laptop should restart with the previous settings, potentially resolving the problem. If the issue persists after the System Restore, you might need to consider further troubleshooting steps or seek professional assistance.

Step 1. Open the Windows start menu, search for System Restore, and open the first option.

Step 2. Click on 'Open System Restore' when the window opens. You will now see the restore point that was automatically created.

Step 3. Choose the restore point, click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions. After it's finished, restart your Surface laptop for the changes to take effect.

Further Reading: Boot Manager Failed to Find OS Loader

Fix 4. Contact Microsoft Technical Support

Suppose none of the systemic remedies prove effective for you. In that case, it is advised to seek assistance from Microsoft's technical support. You can reach out to Microsoft Technical Support through the 'Get Help' app on your Surface laptop. Alternatively, you can visit an authorized Microsoft service center to have the issue resolved by professionals.

The tool also offers extensive support for Microsoft Surface boot issues. Backed by their powerful and feature-packed utility software, their dedicated team of experts is available around the clock to provide comprehensive solutions.

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Non-System Solutions to Fix Microsoft Surface Not Turning On

There can also be temporary non-system issues causing the Microsoft Surface laptop not to turn on. These issues are fleeting and can be resolved easily. Here are some common non-system problems and their solutions to power on Microsoft Surface laptops.

Note: If the Surface fails to boot due to system issues, utilize Partition Master for boot repair.

Fix 1: Charge the Surface Device

When a Surface device consistently remains on low battery or is completely drained, it may encounter difficulties in booting up. The process of booting requires a substantial amount of power, and if the Surface laptop isn't sufficiently charged, it might not start. Before attempting to boot your Surface laptop again, let it charge for a while and check if it successfully boots up after charging.

Fix 2: Check the Power Connection

If your Surface laptop isn't turning on and you've attempted to charge it for some time, verify the power connection. Ensure the charger cable is properly inserted into the socket. Additionally, inspect if the plug is securely connected. To test if the Surface laptop charger is functioning correctly, try using it on another Surface laptop or use another charger with your laptop for comparison.

Fix 3: Turn On Surface Using a Hotkey

If the built-in power-on button on your Surface laptop isn't functioning properly, you can utilize the Surface hotkeys to power on your device. If you have a Surface-type keyboard, a Touch Cover, or any other keyboards, press the Windows key + Shift key + Ctrl key + B simultaneously to activate the Surface keyboard. If your Surface is in tablet mode, press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons together three times to turn on the laptop.

Fix 4: Remove External Devices from Surface

External devices such as USB drives, keyboards, or external mice can disrupt the boot process of your Surface laptop. Attempt to disconnect all non-essential external devices from your Surface before starting it up, and then check if it boots properly.

Fix 5: Keep your Surface cool

Devices often overheat and, as a makeshift safety precaution, shut down suddenly. If your Surface experienced something similar, allow it to cool down for a while, and then attempt to reboot it. When using the Surface, make sure the CPU and RAM usage aren't consistently at 100%, as this can cause overheating issues.

Fix 6: Perform a Soft Reset

Performing a soft reset on your Surface laptop will refresh the boot files and resolve any minor underlying non-system issues. To do this, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds, and then release it as soon as the Windows logo appears.

Alternatively, press and hold the volume up and power button at the same time for 15 seconds. When the screen turns black, let go of the buttons. After 20 seconds, press the power button again to restart the device.

Conclusion

This article guides you through resolving a Microsoft Surface device that won't turn on. The Microsoft Surface laptops are excellent devices that occasionally encounter issues, many of which can be easily fixed. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to promptly address the problem of your Surface laptop not turning on. Utilizing a robust and user-friendly software like Partition Manager is the simplest approach to rectify boot-related issues on your Surface laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Not Powering On

While we have made every effort to provide comprehensive solutions for the Surface not turning on issue, there may still be some questions left unanswered. You can find the answers to those queries in this section:

**1. What should I do if my Surface laptop won't turn on?**

If your Surface laptop doesn't turn on, verify the power connection and make sure it's sufficiently charged. If that's not the problem, try using the hotkeys to turn it on, or perform a soft reset to address the issue of the Surface not turning on.

**2. How do you restart a Surface laptop with a black screen?** To restart a Surface laptop with a black screen, try the following steps: 1. Press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds to force shut down the device. 2. Release the power button, then press it again briefly to turn the laptop back on. 3. If that doesn't work, connect your Surface to a power source in case the battery is drained. 4. Perform a hard reset by pressing and holding both the Volume Up and Power buttons together for at least 15 seconds. Release them when you see the Surface logo. 5. If the issue persists, try starting your Surface in Safe Mode: - Press and hold the Volume Down button. - While holding the Volume Down button, press and release the Power button. - Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the Surface logo, then release it. - Your Surface should start in Safe Mode. From there, you can troubleshoot any potential software issues. If none of these steps resolve the problem, it might be necessary to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

To restart your Surface laptop when the screen is black, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds or until the Windows logo appears.

Step 2. Release the power button once you see the Windows logo.

**3. Why is my laptop black and not turning back on?**

There can be various reasons for your laptop screen to be black and not turning on, such as insufficient charge, corrupted MBR, boot-related issues, external device conflicts, system overheating, and many others.