Press and hold the power button for a few seconds

The power button on a Microsoft Surface tablet is located on the right edge of the device, near the top. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds until you see the Surface logo appear on the screen. You do not need to hold it longer than that — the tablet will start up on its own once the logo shows.

If nothing happens after five seconds, release the button and wait a moment. The tablet may be completely powered down and need a few extra seconds to respond. Try again with another three-to-five-second press.

On some Surface models, the power button may be slightly recessed so it does not turn on accidentally in a bag or case. If you are having trouble locating it, run your finger along the right edge of the tablet — you will feel a small button that clicks when pressed.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the right edge of the tablet near the top and requires a three-to-five-second press to turn on the device.
  • The Surface logo will appear on the screen once the tablet is starting up, and you can release the button at that point.
  • If the tablet does not respond, wait a few seconds and try pressing the power button again, as it may need time to wake from a deep power state.
  • The power button may be slightly recessed on some models to prevent accidental set up.

What to expect during startup

After you press the power button, the Surface logo will light up on the screen. This is normal and means the tablet is booting. The screen may stay on the logo for 30 seconds to a minute while Windows loads in the background.

During this time, do not press the power button again or try to interact with the screen. Let the tablet finish its startup sequence. Once Windows has fully loaded, you will see either the lock screen (if you have a password set up) or the home screen (if you do not).

If the tablet does not turn on

If you press the power button and nothing happens at all, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the tablet into its charger using the USB-C cable or magnetic connector (depending on your Surface model) and wait at least 15 minutes before trying again. Some Surface tablets take a few minutes to respond when the battery is critically low.

If the tablet still does not respond after charging, try a force restart. Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, then release. This is different from a normal startup and can help if the tablet is frozen or stuck. You should see the Surface logo appear after a few seconds.

Charging before first use

If you have a brand-new Surface tablet that has never been turned on, charge it for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power it on. New devices often ship with a low battery charge, and the tablet may not respond to the power button until it has enough power to boot.

Use the charger that came in the box with your tablet. Different Surface models use different charging connectors, so using the correct charger ensures the tablet charges properly and quickly.

Waking the tablet from sleep mode

If your Surface tablet is in sleep mode rather than completely powered off, a quick press of the power button (one to two seconds) will wake it. You do not need to hold it for the full three to five seconds — a brief tap is enough to bring the screen back to life.

You can also wake the tablet by pressing any key on the keyboard (if you have one attached) or by tapping the screen. Sleep mode uses very little battery, so your tablet can stay in this state for days without draining significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the power button on a Surface tablet?

The power button is on the right edge of the tablet, about one-third of the way down from the top. It is a small, slightly raised button that clicks when you press it. On some models it may be recessed slightly to prevent accidental presses.

How long should I hold the power button?

Hold it for three to five seconds for a normal startup. If the tablet is completely frozen or not responding, hold it for 10 to 15 seconds to force a restart. A brief one-to-two-second tap will wake the tablet from sleep mode.

What if the screen stays black after I press the power button?

Wait at least one minute — the tablet may still be loading Windows. If the screen remains black after two minutes, plug in the charger and wait 15 minutes, then try again. If it still does not respond, try a force restart by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Can I turn on my Surface tablet without the power button?

No, the power button is the only way to turn on a Surface tablet from a completely powered-off state. You can wake it from sleep by pressing a keyboard key or tapping the screen, but only if it is already in sleep mode, not fully shut down.

Is it normal for the startup to take a long time?

The first startup after a fresh install or major update can take two to three minutes. Normal startups usually take 30 seconds to one minute. If startup is consistently taking longer than three minutes, the tablet may have a software issue and you should contact Microsoft Support.