What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset wipes your Surface tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your files, apps, and settings are removed, and Windows reinstalls itself fresh. This is different from a restart, which just turns the device off and back on. You should factory reset when your tablet is running slowly due to software problems, when you are selling or giving it away, or when malware or a serious glitch has made it unstable.

Before you reset, understand that this action cannot be undone. Every photo, document, email, and installed program will be gone. If you have files you want to keep, back them up to OneDrive, a USB drive, or an external hard drive first. Microsoft Surface tablets back up to OneDrive automatically if you are signed in with a Microsoft account, so check there before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset removes all your files and programs and reinstalls Windows from scratch — back up anything you want to keep before you start.
  • The reset process is built into Windows Settings and takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your tablet model and internet speed.
  • You can choose to keep your files and remove only apps, or remove everything — the choice appears during the reset process.
  • After the reset completes, you will sign in with a Microsoft account and reinstall any programs you need.
  • If your tablet will not start or Settings will not open, you can force a reset using the physical buttons on the device.

How to reset through Windows Settings

This is the standard method and works when your tablet still starts and you can reach the Settings app. Plug in your Surface tablet and make sure it has at least 50 percent battery, because the reset will fail if the device powers off during the process.

Open Settings by swiping in from the right edge of the screen and tapping the gear icon, or press the Windows key and type "Settings" and press Enter. Go to System in the left menu, then scroll down and tap Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," tap get your free guide. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose Remove everything for a complete factory reset. If you only want to remove apps and keep your personal files, choose Keep my files instead.

Windows will then ask whether you want to remove files securely or quickly. For a tablet you are keeping, quick removal is fine. If you are selling or giving away the device, choose Full clean to make recovery of deleted files much harder. The reset will then begin. Your tablet will restart several times and show a progress screen. Do not unplug it or force it off. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Resetting when your tablet will not start

If your Surface tablet will not turn on or gets stuck on a black screen, you can force a reset using the physical buttons. The exact button combination depends on your Surface model, but the most common method works for Surface Pro and Surface Go devices: hold the Volume Down button and the Power button together for 10 seconds, then release both.

Your tablet should vibrate and show the Surface logo, then display a screen with options. You will see "Continue," "Troubleshoot," and "Shut down." Tap Troubleshoot, then tap Reset this PC, then choose Remove everything. From here, the reset process is the same as the Settings method. If your tablet model is different, check the label on the back or bottom of the device — it usually lists the button combination for a forced reset.

What happens after the reset finishes

When the reset is complete, your tablet will restart and show the Windows setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, region, and keyboard layout. Then you will sign in with a Microsoft account — use the same one you used before if you want to restore your OneDrive files and settings. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one during setup or sign in with a local account, though this limits some features.

After you sign in, Windows will spend a few minutes downloading and installing updates. Let this finish — do not turn off the tablet. Once that is done, your tablet is ready to use, but it will have no programs except the ones that come with Windows. You will need to reinstall any apps you want, such as Microsoft Office, Chrome, or Spotify. These are available from the Microsoft Store or from the publishers' websites.

Backing up your files before you reset

If you have not already backed up your files, do this before you start the reset. The easiest method is OneDrive, which is built into Windows. Open File Explorer, look for your Documents, Pictures, and Downloads folders, and make sure they are syncing to OneDrive. You can check this by opening OneDrive (search for it in Settings) and looking at the sync status. Files with a green checkmark are backed up.

If you prefer not to use OneDrive, plug in a USB drive or external hard drive and copy your important folders to it manually. Open File Explorer, find your Documents and Pictures folders, right-click them, and choose Copy. Then navigate to your USB drive or external drive and paste them there. This takes longer than OneDrive but gives you a physical copy you can access from any computer.

Troubleshooting a reset that gets stuck

If your tablet is stuck on a progress screen or the reset has not moved in more than two hours, try a forced restart. Hold the Power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, wait 30 seconds, then press Power again to turn it back on. If the reset was interrupted, Windows will usually offer to resume it or start over.

If the reset fails repeatedly or your tablet will not restart after the reset completes, the device may have a hardware problem. At this point, contact Microsoft Support through the Surface support website or visit a Microsoft Store if one is near you. Bring your proof of purchase if the tablet is still under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Microsoft account or email?

No. Your Microsoft account itself is stored on Microsoft's servers, not on your tablet. After the reset, you sign back in with the same email and password, and your OneDrive files and email will be there. Your account is not affected by resetting the device.

Can I stop a reset once it has started?

Not safely. If you force the tablet off during a reset, Windows may not start properly afterward. If you change your mind before the reset begins, close the Settings app and do not tap the final confirmation button. Once the restart happens, let the process finish.

Do I need to uninstall programs before I reset?

No. A factory reset removes all programs automatically. You do not need to uninstall anything first — the reset will wipe them all.

How long does a factory reset take?

Usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your tablet model and internet speed. Older Surface models and slower internet connections may take longer. Keep the tablet plugged in and do not interrupt the process.

What if I want to keep some files but remove others?

Choose Keep my files during the reset process instead of Remove everything. This removes all apps and settings but leaves your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders intact. You will still need to reinstall your programs.