What To Know
- If you encounter any errors during the recovery process, try restarting your Surface Pro 4 and repeating the steps.
- If you have important data on your Surface Pro 4, make sure to back it up before performing a recovery.
- The recovery process can take several hours, depending on the method used and the speed of your Surface Pro 4.
Experiencing technical difficulties with your Surface Pro 4? Don’t panic! Recovery options are available to restore your device to its optimal state. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various recovery methods, providing step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful recovery process.
Method 1: Using a USB Recovery Drive
Materials Required:
- USB drive (16GB or larger)
- Surface Pro 4
Steps:
1. Create a USB Recovery Drive:
- Download the Surface Recovery Image from Microsoft’s website.
- Use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB Recovery Drive.
2. Boot from the USB Recovery Drive:
- Insert the USB Recovery Drive into your Surface Pro 4.
- Hold down the Volume Down button and press the Power button.
- Release the Volume Down button when the Surface logo appears.
3. Select Recovery Options:
- Choose “Troubleshoot” from the recovery options menu.
- Select “Recover from a drive.”
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- Select your keyboard layout and language.
- Choose “Troubleshoot” again.
- Click on “Recover from a drive.”
- Select the USB Recovery Drive and click “Recover.”
5. Complete the Recovery Process:
- The recovery process will begin and may take several hours.
- Once complete, your Surface Pro 4 will restart and be restored to its factory settings.
Method 2: Using the Built-In Recovery Partition
Steps:
1. Access the Recovery Environment:
- Hold down the Shift key while pressing the Restart button.
- Select “Troubleshoot” from the recovery options menu.
2. Choose Recovery Options:
- Select “Reset this PC.”
- Choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” depending on your preference.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- The recovery process will begin and may take some time.
- Once complete, your Surface Pro 4 will restart and be restored to its factory settings.
Method 3: Using a Surface Recovery Image
Materials Required:
- USB drive (16GB or larger)
- Another Windows 10 PC
Steps:
1. Download Surface Recovery Image:
- Download the Surface Recovery Image from Microsoft’s website.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive:
- Use Rufus or another third-party tool to create a bootable USB drive using the Surface Recovery Image.
3. Boot from the USB Drive:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into your Surface Pro 4.
- Hold down the Volume Down button and press the Power button.
- Release the Volume Down button when the Surface logo appears.
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- Select your keyboard layout and language.
- Choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Recover from a drive.”
- Select the bootable USB drive and click “Recover.”
5. Complete the Recovery Process:
- The recovery process will begin and may take several hours.
- Once complete, your Surface Pro 4 will restart and be restored to its factory settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you encounter any errors during the recovery process, try restarting your Surface Pro 4 and repeating the steps.
- If the recovery process fails repeatedly, contact Microsoft support for assistance.
- If you have important data on your Surface Pro 4, make sure to back it up before performing a recovery.
Common Questions and Answers
Can I recover my Surface Pro 4 without losing data?
- Yes, using Method 2 (Built-In Recovery Partition) allows you to reset your Surface Pro 4 while keeping your personal files.
How long does the recovery process take?
- The recovery process can take several hours, depending on the method used and the speed of your Surface Pro 4.
What should I do if the recovery process fails?
- Restart your Surface Pro 4 and try the recovery process again. If it still fails, contact Microsoft support for assistance.
