What to do if your Surface Pro won’t turn on Troubleshooting guide

If you own a Surface Pro and it suddenly won’t turn on, it can be a frustrating experience. Whether you rely on your Surface Pro for work, school, or entertainment, a non-responsive device can disrupt your daily routine. However, before panicking, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and get your Surface Pro up and running again.

1. Check the power source: The first thing you should do is make sure your Surface Pro is properly connected to a power source. Check if the power cable is securely plugged into both your device and the power outlet. If you’re using a docking station, ensure that it is also connected properly.

2. Perform a hard reset: If your Surface Pro is still unresponsive, try performing a hard reset. To do this, press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds. Then, release the button and wait a few seconds before pressing it again to turn on your device. This can help reset any temporary issues that may be preventing your Surface Pro from turning on.

3. Connect to an external display: In some cases, your Surface Pro may be turning on, but the display is not functioning. To check if this is the case, connect your device to an external display using the appropriate cables. If you see the display on the external monitor, it may indicate a problem with your Surface Pro’s screen or graphics card.

4. Contact Microsoft support: If none of the above steps work, it may be time to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide personalized troubleshooting advice and guide you through the process of getting your Surface Pro repaired or replaced if necessary.

Remember, troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the model and generation of your Surface Pro. It’s always a good idea to consult the official Microsoft support website or contact their customer service for specific instructions tailored to your device.

Section 1: Basic Troubleshooting

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try before seeking further assistance. Follow these steps to determine the cause of the issue and potentially resolve it:

1. Check the power source: Ensure that your Surface Pro is properly connected to a power source. Make sure the power adapter is plugged in securely to both the device and the power outlet.
2. Inspect the power cable: Examine the power cable for any signs of damage or fraying. If you notice any issues, try using a different power cable to see if that resolves the problem.
3. Perform a hard reset: Sometimes, a hard reset can fix minor software glitches that may be preventing your Surface Pro from turning on. To perform a hard reset, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds, then release it and press it again to turn on the device.
4. Charge the battery: If your Surface Pro’s battery is completely drained, it may not turn on until it has been charged for a sufficient amount of time. Connect the device to a power source and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on again.
5. Try a different power outlet: It’s possible that the power outlet you’re using is not functioning properly. Plug your Surface Pro into a different outlet to see if that resolves the issue.
6. Disconnect peripherals: If you have any external devices or accessories connected to your Surface Pro, disconnect them and try turning on the device again. Sometimes, incompatible or malfunctioning peripherals can prevent the device from powering on.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue and your Surface Pro still won’t turn on, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact Microsoft Support for further guidance.

Check the power source

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is the power source. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the power cable: Ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both your Surface Pro and the power outlet. If it is loose or disconnected, try plugging it in again and make sure it is firmly connected.
2. Try a different power outlet: Sometimes the power outlet itself may be the problem. Plug your Surface Pro into a different outlet to see if it powers on. If it does, then the original outlet may be faulty.
3. Use a different power cable: If you have access to another power cable that is compatible with your Surface Pro, try using it to see if the issue is with the cable itself. If your Surface Pro turns on with the new cable, then the original cable may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. Check the power adapter: Inspect the power adapter for any visible damage or signs of wear. If you notice any issues, such as frayed wires or a damaged connector, it may be causing the problem. In this case, you will need to replace the power adapter.
5. Test with a different device: If you have another device that uses the same type of power adapter, try using it with your Surface Pro. This will help determine if the issue is with the power adapter or with your Surface Pro itself.

If none of these steps resolve the issue and your Surface Pro still won’t turn on, it may be a more serious hardware problem. In this case, it is recommended to contact Microsoft Support or take your device to an authorized service center for further assistance.

Perform a hard reset

If your Surface won’t turn on, performing a hard reset can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps to perform a hard reset:

1. Press and hold the power button on your Surface for 30 seconds.
2. Release the power button.
3. Press and hold the volume up button and the power button at the same time for 15 seconds.
4. Release both buttons.
5. Wait for a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Surface.

If your Surface still won’t turn on after performing a hard reset, try connecting it to a power source and charging it for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on again.

If the issue persists, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Connect to an external display

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, connecting it to an external display can help determine if the issue is with the display or the device itself. Follow these steps to connect your Surface Pro to an external display:

1. Make sure both your Surface Pro and the external display are turned off.
2. Connect one end of the video cable (such as HDMI or DisplayPort) to the appropriate port on your Surface Pro.
3. Connect the other end of the video cable to the corresponding port on the external display.
4. Turn on the external display and set it to the correct input source.
5. Turn on your Surface Pro.

If your Surface Pro turns on and displays content on the external display, but not on its own screen, the issue may be with the Surface Pro’s display. In this case, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

If your Surface Pro still doesn’t turn on or display content on the external display, there may be a different underlying issue. It’s recommended to try other troubleshooting steps or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Section 2: Battery Related Issues

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, it could be due to battery-related issues. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check the power adapter: Make sure the power adapter is properly connected to both the Surface Pro and a working power outlet. Try using a different power adapter or charging cable to see if the issue is with the adapter.
2. Inspect the charging port: Check the charging port on your Surface Pro for any debris or damage. Clean the port gently using a soft cloth or compressed air if necessary.
3. Perform a hard reset: Sometimes, the Surface Pro may not turn on due to a temporary software glitch. To perform a hard reset, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds, then release it and press it again to turn on the device.
4. Check the battery level: If your Surface Pro has a low battery level, it may not turn on until it is charged. Connect the device to a power source and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on.
5. Reset the battery driver: In some cases, resetting the battery driver can resolve issues with the Surface Pro not turning on. Go to the Device Manager, expand the Batteries category, right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery, and select Uninstall. Restart your Surface Pro, and the battery driver will be reinstalled automatically.
6. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or arrange a repair if necessary.

Remember to always follow proper safety precautions when troubleshooting battery-related issues. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing any of the steps, it is best to seek professional help.

Check the battery level

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is the battery level. A low or depleted battery can prevent your device from powering on. Follow these steps to check the battery level:

1. Connect your Surface Pro to a power source using the original charger.
2. Make sure the charger is plugged into a working power outlet.
3. Look for the LED indicator on the charger. If it’s lit, it means the charger is receiving power.
4. Connect the charger to your Surface Pro by inserting the charging cable into the charging port.
5. Wait for a few minutes to allow the battery to charge.
6. Press and hold the power button on your Surface Pro for at least 10 seconds.
7. Release the power button and check if the device powers on.

If your Surface Pro still won’t turn on after following these steps, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

Charge the device

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is if the device is properly charged. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Connect the power adapter to a working power outlet.
2. Make sure the power adapter is securely connected to your Surface Pro.
3. Check if the LED light on the power connector is lit, indicating that the device is receiving power.
4. Leave your Surface Pro plugged in for at least 30 minutes to allow it to charge.
5. Try turning on your Surface Pro again after it has been charged.

If your Surface Pro still won’t turn on after charging, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps.

Replace the battery

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, it could be due to a faulty battery. In this case, you may need to replace the battery to resolve the issue. Follow the steps below to replace the battery on your Surface Pro:

1. Make sure your Surface Pro is turned off and disconnected from any power source.
2. Flip your Surface Pro over so that the back is facing up.
3. Locate the battery compartment on the back of your Surface Pro.
4. Using a small screwdriver or a coin, carefully unscrew the screws securing the battery compartment.
5. Remove the battery compartment cover.
6. Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard by gently pulling it out.
7. Remove the old battery from the compartment.
8. Insert the new battery into the compartment, making sure it is securely in place.
9. Reconnect the battery cable to the motherboard.
10. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it with the screws.
11. Flip your Surface Pro back over and connect it to a power source.
12. Turn on your Surface Pro to see if the issue is resolved.

If replacing the battery does not solve the problem, there may be another underlying issue with your Surface Pro. It is recommended to contact Microsoft support or take your device to a certified technician for further assistance.

Section 3: Software and Firmware Problems

If your Surface Pro won’t turn on, it could be due to software or firmware issues. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Perform a forced restart: Press and hold the power button on your Surface Pro for 30 seconds, then release it. Wait for a few seconds, and then press the power button again to turn it on.
2. Check for updates: Make sure your Surface Pro is running the latest software and firmware updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your device.
3. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit: Microsoft provides a diagnostic tool specifically designed for Surface devices. Download and run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from the Microsoft website to identify and resolve any software or firmware issues.
4. Perform a system restore: If your Surface Pro was working fine before, you can try performing a system restore to revert any recent changes that may have caused the issue. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click on “Get started” under the “Reset this PC” section. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your Surface Pro to a previous state.
5. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary.

Remember to backup your important data before attempting any troubleshooting steps that may result in data loss.