What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different ways to reset your Surface Pro laptop, ensuring you choose the method that best fits your situation.
- If you can’t access the Settings menu, you can use a recovery drive to reset your Surface Pro.
- Resetting your Surface Pro can be a powerful tool for resolving software issues, freeing up storage space, or preparing your device for a new owner.
Facing performance issues, a cluttered hard drive, or simply want a clean slate on your Surface Pro? Resetting your device can be the solution you need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different ways to reset your Surface Pro laptop, ensuring you choose the method that best fits your situation.
Understanding the Reset Options
Before diving into the reset process, it’s crucial to understand the different options available:
- Refresh your PC: This option keeps your personal files and settings but removes apps and drivers, reinstalling them from Windows. It’s ideal for resolving software issues without losing your data.
- Reset your PC: This option completely wipes your hard drive, removing everything, including personal files, apps, and settings. It’s ideal for selling or giving away your Surface Pro or when dealing with persistent software problems.
Backing Up Your Data: A Crucial First Step
No matter which reset option you choose, it’s essential to back up your important data before proceeding. This safeguards your files in case something goes wrong during the reset process.
Here are some common ways to back up your data:
- Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox allow you to store files online, making them accessible from any device.
- External Hard Drive: Connect an external hard drive to your Surface Pro and manually copy your files.
- USB Flash Drive: Use a USB flash drive to store smaller files or specific folders.
How to Reset Your Surface Pro: Step-by-Step Guides
1. Resetting Your Surface Pro Through Settings
This method allows you to choose between refreshing or resetting your PC.
Steps:
1. Go to Settings by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Recovery in the left-hand menu.
4. Under Reset this PC, choose either **”Keep my files”** (refresh) or **”Remove everything”** (reset).
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, choosing the desired reset options.
2. Resetting Your Surface Pro Using the Recovery Drive
If you can’t access the Settings menu, you can use a recovery drive to reset your Surface Pro.
Steps:
1. Create a Recovery Drive: Connect a USB flash drive to your Surface Pro and follow these steps:
- Open Settings > **Update & Security** > **Recovery**.
- Click Create a recovery drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create the recovery drive.
2. Boot from the Recovery Drive: Restart your Surface Pro and press the **F12 key** repeatedly during boot to access the boot menu.
3. Select the USB drive from the list of boot options.
4. Choose the desired reset option on the recovery drive.
3. Resetting Your Surface Pro Using the Command Prompt
This method is for advanced users and requires familiarity with command prompt commands.
Steps:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for **”cmd”** in the Start menu, right-click on **Command Prompt**, and select **”Run as administrator”**.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `reset this pc -clean`
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Tips for a Smooth Reset
- Ensure your Surface Pro is plugged in: Resetting can take time, and you don’t want your device to shut down during the process.
- Close all open programs: Before starting the reset, save any open work and close all programs.
- Be patient: The reset process can take a while, especially if you’re choosing the “Remove everything” option.
- Check for updates: After resetting, ensure your Surface Pro has the latest Windows updates.
What to Do After Resetting
Once the reset is complete, you’ll be greeted by a fresh Windows installation. Here’s what to do next:
- Set up your account: Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one.
- Install necessary drivers: You may need to download and install drivers for your Surface Pro’s hardware components.
- Reinstall your apps: Download and install your preferred apps from the Microsoft Store or other sources.
- Restore your data (if you chose “Keep my files”): If you selected the “Keep my files” option, your data will be restored automatically. However, you may need to manually restore specific files.
Resetting Your Surface Pro: A Final Thought
Resetting your Surface Pro can be a powerful tool for resolving software issues, freeing up storage space, or preparing your device for a new owner. By following these steps and understanding the different reset options, you can confidently give your Surface Pro a fresh start.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Will resetting my Surface Pro delete all my data?
Yes, if you choose the “Remove everything” option, it will delete all your data, including personal files, apps, and settings. If you choose “Keep my files,” it will only remove apps and drivers, reinstalling them from Windows.
2. Can I reset my Surface Pro without a password?
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can use a recovery drive or reset your Surface Pro from the cloud. However, you’ll need to have access to your Microsoft account.
3. What happens to my apps after resetting?
All your apps will be removed during the reset process. You’ll need to reinstall them from the Microsoft Store or other sources.
4. How can I avoid losing data during a reset?
Always back up your important data before resetting your Surface Pro. This will ensure you have a copy of your files even if something goes wrong during the reset process.
5. Is it safe to reset my Surface Pro?
Resetting your Surface Pro is generally safe, but it’s essential to understand the different options and back up your data before proceeding. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a Microsoft support representative.
