Two ways to reset your Surface: keep your files or erase everything

A Windows Surface tablet can be reset in two ways. A soft reset restarts the device without erasing anything — use this when the tablet is frozen or running slowly. A factory reset erases all your files, apps, and settings and returns the tablet to the state it left the factory — use this before selling the device, giving it away, or when software problems won't clear any other way.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep your data. If your Surface is just sluggish or stuck, a soft reset takes 30 seconds. If you need a clean slate, a factory reset takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on storage size and your internet speed.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (holding the power button for 10 seconds) fixes freezing and slowness without erasing anything.
  • A factory reset erases all files and settings; back up anything you want to keep before you start.
  • Factory reset through Settings is the standard route: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
  • If your Surface won't turn on or reach Settings, use the physical button combination: hold Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds, then choose Reset This Device from the menu.
  • After a factory reset, Windows will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account; you can create a new one or use an existing one.

Soft reset: restart without losing files

A soft reset is a forced restart. It clears temporary files from memory and stops frozen apps without touching your documents, photos, or installed programs.

Press and hold the physical power button on your Surface for 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The tablet will restart normally. This usually fixes lag, unresponsive apps, or a frozen screen.

If the power button doesn't work, plug in the charger and try again. If the screen is completely black and won't respond to the power button, the battery may be fully drained — leave it plugged in for 15 minutes, then try the power button again.

Factory reset through Settings (the standard method)

Use this method if your Surface is responding to touch and you can reach the Settings app. This route lets you choose whether to keep your files or erase everything, and it's faster than the button method.

Open Settings by swiping in from the right edge of the screen and tapping the gear icon, or press Windows Key + I. Go to System, then scroll down and tap Recovery. Under Reset this PC, tap get your free guide. Windows will ask whether you want to Keep my files or Remove everything. Choose one:

  • Keep my files: Removes all apps and settings but leaves your documents, photos, and downloads. Use this if you want a fresh Windows installation but don't want to lose your data.
  • Remove everything: Erases all files, apps, and settings. Use this before selling or giving away the device, or if you're troubleshooting a serious software problem.

After you choose, Windows will show you what will happen and ask you to confirm. Tap Reset. The process takes 20 to 45 minutes. Your Surface will restart several times — do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. When it finishes, you'll see the Windows setup screen asking you to sign in.

Factory reset using the power and volume buttons

Use this method if your Surface won't start normally, won't respond to touch, or won't reach Settings. This is a hard reset that erases everything.

Make sure the tablet is powered off. Hold down the Volume Down button and the power button at the same time for 10 seconds. Keep holding even after you see the Surface logo appear. After about 10 seconds, a menu will appear with options including Shut down, Restart, and Reset This Device. Tap Reset This Device.

Windows will warn you that all your files will be deleted. Tap Reset to confirm. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process. This takes 20 to 45 minutes. Do not turn off the device or remove the charger during this time. When it finishes, you'll see the Windows setup screen.

What happens after the reset is complete

After either a soft reset or factory reset, your Surface will either restart normally (soft reset) or show the Windows setup screen (factory reset). If you did a factory reset, you'll need to sign in with a Microsoft account to finish setup.

You can use an existing Microsoft account (the email address you already use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox) or create a new one. If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can create one during setup by entering an email address and password. After you sign in, Windows will read and install updates, which may take 10 to 30 minutes. Don't turn off the tablet during this time.

Once setup is complete, your Surface is ready to use. If you kept your files during the reset, they'll be in the same folders as before. If you erased everything, you'll have a blank tablet with only the default Windows apps installed.

Backing up your files before a factory reset

If you're doing a factory reset and want to keep your files, back them up first. The easiest way is to sign in with your Microsoft account during setup — Windows will automatically restore your OneDrive files, photos, and some settings from the cloud.

If you don't use OneDrive, connect an external USB drive or SD card to your Surface. Open File Explorer, find the folders you want to keep (usually Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop), and drag them to the external drive. This takes a few minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

You can also email important files to yourself or upload them to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service before you reset. Once the reset is done, you can read them back to your Surface.

Troubleshooting a reset that won't start or finish

If you tap Reset and nothing happens, make sure your Surface is plugged in and has at least 20 percent battery. A reset requires enough power to complete — if the battery dies during the process, the tablet may not restart properly.

If the reset starts but gets stuck on a loading screen for more than an hour, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart, then try the reset again. If it gets stuck again, try the button method (Volume Down + Power) instead of going through Settings.

If you see an error message during reset, write down the error code and search for it on the Microsoft support website. Some errors are temporary and clear if you restart and try again. If the error persists, your Surface may have a hardware problem that requires service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset erase my files?

No. A soft reset is just a restart — it clears temporary memory but leaves all your files, apps, and settings untouched. Use it when your Surface is frozen or slow.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

You can force the tablet to shut down by holding the power button for 10 seconds, but this may leave it in an unusable state. It's better to let the reset finish. If it's taking longer than 45 minutes, force a shutdown and try again.

What if I forget my Microsoft account password after the reset?

Go to the Windows sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password." Windows will send a recovery code to your backup email or phone number. Follow the link to reset your password, then sign in with the new one.

Do I need to reinstall Windows after a factory reset?

No. A factory reset restores the version of Windows that came with your Surface. You don't need to install anything — just sign in and Windows will read updates automatically.

How long does a factory reset take?

Usually 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how much storage your Surface has and your internet speed. Larger tablets and slower connections take longer. Don't turn off the device during this time.