Press and hold the power button for a few seconds
To turn on a Surface tablet, locate the power button on the right edge of the device (when held in portrait orientation). Press and hold it for about three to five seconds until you see the Windows logo appear on the screen. You will feel a slight vibration, and the screen will light up.
The first time you power on a new Surface tablet, the startup process takes longer than usual — typically one to two minutes. Windows will load, and you may see a setup screen asking you to choose your language and region. Do not let go of the power button during this time; once the logo appears, you can release it and let the device finish booting.
If the screen remains black after holding the power button for ten seconds, your tablet may have a depleted battery. Plug it into its charger using the USB-C cable (or Surface Connect cable, depending on your model) and wait at least 15 minutes before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is located on the right edge of the Surface tablet and requires a three- to five-second press to turn on the device.
- The first startup can take one to two minutes as Windows loads and displays the initial setup screen.
- If nothing happens after ten seconds, the battery may be empty; plug in the charger and wait 15 minutes before trying again.
- Once the Windows logo appears, you can release the power button and let the tablet complete its startup sequence.
- A slight vibration confirms the tablet has registered your button press.
What to expect during the first startup
When you turn on a Surface tablet for the first time, Windows will guide you through a setup process. You will see screens asking you to select your language, region, and keyboard layout. After that, you will be prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network and sign in with a Microsoft account or local account.
This initial setup usually takes five to ten minutes depending on your internet speed and how quickly you fill in each screen. You can pause and resume setup later if needed — straightforward turn off the tablet by holding the power button for ten seconds, and when you turn it back on, you will return to where you left off.
Restarting a frozen or unresponsive tablet
If your Surface tablet is on but not responding to touch or button presses, you can force it to restart. Hold down the power button for at least ten seconds — the screen will go black, and the device will shut down completely. Wait five seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
This hard restart clears temporary files and often fixes freezing or lag. It is different from a normal shutdown because it does not give running programs a chance to save their work, so use it only when the tablet is truly unresponsive.
Understanding the power button location on different Surface models
Most Surface tablets have the power button on the right edge, but the exact position varies slightly by model. On the Surface Pro and Surface Go lines, the button is about one-third of the way down from the top. On the Surface Laptop Go (which is technically a laptop but uses similar controls), the power button is in the top-right corner of the keyboard.
If you are unsure where the power button is on your specific model, check the quick-start guide that came in the box or visit the Microsoft Support website and search for your exact model number. The model number is printed on the back of the tablet near the bottom.
Charging before your first power-on
Although Surface tablets ship with some battery charge, it is a good idea to plug in your device for at least 30 minutes before turning it on for the first time. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the full startup and setup process without shutting down unexpectedly.
Use only the charger that came in the box with your tablet. Surface devices use either USB-C or Surface Connect charging, depending on the model, and using the wrong charger can damage the battery or device.
What happens if the tablet won't turn on at all
If you have held the power button for ten seconds and the screen remains completely black with no vibration or response, the battery is likely empty. Plug the tablet into its charger and leave it connected for at least one hour. Some Surface tablets take time to accumulate enough charge before they will respond to the power button.
While charging, you may see a small light on the charger itself or a faint battery icon on the screen after a few minutes. This is normal. After an hour of charging, try pressing the power button again. If the tablet still does not respond after two hours of charging, there may be a hardware issue, and you should contact Microsoft Support or visit a service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the power button to turn on my Surface tablet?
Hold the power button for three to five seconds. You will feel a vibration and see the Windows logo appear on the screen. You can release the button once the logo shows up.
Is it normal for the first startup to take a long time?
Yes. The first time you turn on a Surface tablet, Windows takes one to two minutes to load and display the setup screens. Subsequent startups are much faster, usually 30 to 60 seconds.
What should I do if my tablet is on but frozen and not responding?
Hold the power button down for at least ten seconds to force a shutdown. Wait five seconds, then press the power button again to restart. This hard restart often fixes freezing or unresponsive screens.
Can I turn on my Surface tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can turn on your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, it is recommended to charge your tablet for at least 30 minutes before the first startup to may support it has enough battery power to complete setup.
What if the screen stays black even after I charge the tablet for an hour?
Try holding the power button for a full ten seconds to may support you are pressing long enough. If the screen remains black after two hours of charging and multiple power button attempts, contact Microsoft Support, as there may be a hardware problem.