What To Know
- A factory reset is the ultimate solution to wipe your device clean and bring it back to its original state.
- If you can’t access the Settings menu on your Surface Pro, you can use a USB drive to perform a factory reset.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to customize your Surface Pro’s settings, such as creating a new user account, setting up your keyboard layout, and choosing your privacy settings.
Are you experiencing performance issues, facing stubborn software glitches, or simply want to sell or donate your Surface Pro 5th Gen? A factory reset is the ultimate solution to wipe your device clean and bring it back to its original state. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to factory reset Surface Pro 5th Gen, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
Why Factory Reset Your Surface Pro 5th Gen?
Factory resetting your Surface Pro 5th Gen can be beneficial in several scenarios:
- Performance issues: If your Surface Pro is running sluggishly, applications are constantly crashing, or you’re experiencing frequent freezes, a factory reset can resolve these problems.
- Software glitches: Persistent software bugs or errors can be eliminated by resetting your device to its default settings.
- Selling or donating: Before selling or donating your Surface Pro, it’s essential to erase all personal data to protect your privacy.
- Troubleshooting: If you’re facing a complex issue that cannot be resolved through other means, a factory reset might be the solution.
Preparing for the Factory Reset
Before you begin the process, it’s crucial to prepare your Surface Pro 5th Gen:
- Back up your data: Factory reset will erase all data on your device. Back up your important files, photos, documents, and settings to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage service like OneDrive.
- Sign out of all accounts: Log out of all user accounts, including your Microsoft account, other online accounts, and local accounts.
- Disconnect external devices: Detach any external peripherals like USB drives, printers, or external displays.
- Charge your Surface Pro: Ensure your device has a sufficient battery charge to avoid interruptions during the reset process.
Method 1: Resetting Through Settings
This method is the most straightforward way to factory reset your Surface Pro 5th Gen:
1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
2. Navigate to Update & Security: In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security”.
3. Choose Recovery: Click on “Recovery” in the left-hand menu.
4. Select Reset this PC: Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on “Get started”.
5. Choose your reset options: You’ll have two options:
- Keep my files: This option will remove all apps and settings but keep your personal files.
- Remove everything: This option will delete all data and restore your Surface Pro to its original factory state.
6. Confirm your choice: Review the information and click on “Next”.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts: The reset process will start. Your device may restart multiple times.
Method 2: Resetting Using a USB Drive
If you can’t access the Settings menu on your Surface Pro, you can use a USB drive to perform a factory reset:
1. Create a bootable USB drive: Download the Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft’s website. Use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
2. Boot your Surface Pro from the USB drive: Connect the USB drive to your Surface Pro and restart the device. Press the volume-up key repeatedly until you see the “Choose an option” screen.
3. Select “Troubleshoot”: Choose “Troubleshoot” from the options.
4. Select “Reset this PC”: Select “Reset this PC” and follow the on-screen instructions to choose your reset options and proceed with the reset process.
Important Considerations
- Data recovery: While factory reset erases all data, some data recovery software might be able to retrieve deleted files. If you’re concerned about data security, consider using a data destruction tool after the reset.
- Windows activation: After a factory reset, you’ll need to activate Windows again using your product key.
- Reinstall drivers: After the reset, you might need to reinstall device drivers for your Surface Pro’s hardware components.
Post-Reset Steps
Once the factory reset is complete, you’ll need to set up your Surface Pro again:
- Choose your language and region: Select your preferred language and region.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect your Surface Pro to a Wi-Fi network.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account: Enter your Microsoft account credentials to access your files and settings.
- Set up your device: Follow the on-screen instructions to customize your Surface Pro’s settings, such as creating a new user account, setting up your keyboard layout, and choosing your privacy settings.
Final Thoughts: Rejuvenating Your Surface Pro 5th Gen
Factory resetting your Surface Pro 5th Gen can be a powerful solution for various issues, allowing you to start fresh with a clean slate. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully restore your device to its original factory state, ensuring optimal performance and a smooth user experience. Remember to back up your data beforehand and consider the important considerations mentioned above to ensure a seamless reset process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will factory resetting my Surface Pro 5th Gen erase all my data?
A1: Yes, factory resetting your Surface Pro will erase all data on your device, including files, photos, apps, and settings. It’s crucial to back up your important data before proceeding with the reset.
Q2: Can I factory reset my Surface Pro without a USB drive?
A2: Yes, you can factory reset your Surface Pro through the Settings menu if you can access it. However, if you can’t access the Settings menu, you’ll need to use a bootable USB drive.
Q3: What happens to my apps after a factory reset?
A3: All apps installed on your Surface Pro will be removed during a factory reset. You’ll need to reinstall them after the reset process is complete.
Q4: Will I need to reactivate Windows after a factory reset?
A4: Yes, you’ll need to reactivate Windows after a factory reset using your product key.
Q5: Can I recover my deleted data after a factory reset?
A5: While factory reset erases all data, some data recovery software might be able to retrieve deleted files. However, data recovery is not guaranteed, and it’s always best to back up your data before a reset.
