What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the most common causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Surface Go back up and running.
- The BIOS settings might be configured to boot from an incorrect device, like a USB drive, instead of your hard drive.
- Your Surface Go might be trying to boot from a USB drive or other external device instead of the internal hard drive.
The dreaded “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go can be a real headache. You’ve probably tried restarting, but it’s still there, leaving you unable to access your files or use your device. Don’t worry, this isn’t a lost cause! This guide will walk you through the most common causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Surface Go back up and running.
Understanding the “No Bootable Device” Error
Before diving into the fixes, it’s crucial to understand what’s happening. This error message means your Surface Go can’t find a valid operating system (OS) to boot from. This could be due to various reasons, including:
- Damaged or corrupted OS: A corrupted or damaged Windows installation can prevent your Surface Go from booting. This can happen due to sudden power outages, faulty updates, or malware infections.
- Hard drive failure: If your Surface Go’s hard drive is failing, it can prevent the system from finding the OS.
- Incorrect boot order: The BIOS settings might be configured to boot from an incorrect device, like a USB drive, instead of your hard drive.
- Loose connections: A loose connection between the hard drive and the motherboard can also lead to this error.
Troubleshooting Steps for “No Bootable Device” on Surface Go
Now that we understand the possible culprits, let’s tackle them head-on with these troubleshooting steps:
1. Restart Your Surface Go
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then press the power button again to restart.
2. Check the Boot Order in BIOS
Your Surface Go might be trying to boot from a USB drive or other external device instead of the internal hard drive. To check and adjust the boot order:
1. Power on your Surface Go and press F12 repeatedly during the startup process. This will open the boot menu.
2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot Order” or “Boot Device Priority” option.
3. Ensure that your hard drive (usually labeled as “Hard Disk” or “SSD”) is listed as the first boot device.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
3. Run a Startup Repair
Windows includes a built-in tool called Startup Repair that can help fix boot-related issues. Here’s how to access it:
1. Start your Surface Go and press F12 repeatedly during the startup process.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” from the boot menu.
3. Choose “Advanced Options” and then “Startup Repair.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If Startup Repair doesn‘t resolve the issue, you can try using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This environment provides various tools that can help fix corrupted system files.
1. Start your Surface Go and press F12 repeatedly during the startup process.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” from the boot menu.
3. Choose “Advanced Options” and then “Command Prompt.”
4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
- `bootrec /fixmbr`
- `bootrec /fixboot`
- `bootrec /scanos`
- `bootrec /rebuildbcd`
5. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your Surface Go.
5. Perform a System Restore
If the above steps haven‘t worked, you can try restoring your Surface Go to a previous restore point. This will revert your system to an earlier state before the error occurred.
1. Start your Surface Go and press F12 repeatedly during the startup process.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” from the boot menu.
3. Choose “Advanced Options” and then “System Restore.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system.
6. Reinstall Windows
If all else fails, you might need to reinstall Windows. This will erase all data on your Surface Go, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
1. Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media.
2. Start your Surface Go and press F12 repeatedly during the startup process.
3. Select the USB drive from the boot menu.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your Surface Go still displays the “No Bootable Device” error, it’s time to consider professional help. This could indicate a hardware failure, such as a damaged hard drive or motherboard.
Wrapping Up: Your Surface Go is Back in Action!
By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and fix the “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go. Remember to back up your data regularly and keep your operating system up to date to prevent such issues in the future.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What if I don’t have a bootable USB drive for reinstalling Windows?
A: You can download the Windows installation media from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB drive using a tool like the Media Creation Tool.
Q: Will I lose all my data if I reinstall Windows?
A: Yes, reinstalling Windows will erase all data on your Surface Go. Make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
Q: How can I prevent this error from happening again?
A: Regularly back up your data, keep your operating system and drivers updated, and avoid sudden power outages.
Q: Is it possible to recover data from a damaged hard drive?
A: Yes, data recovery services can often recover data from damaged hard drives. However, the success rate depends on the severity of the damage.
