5 ways to fix a Microsoft Surface that won’t turn on

⚡ Fast fix

• Check the charger. Asurion recommends disconnecting accessories and charging your Surface Pro® for at least 15 minutes.
• Try waking the screen. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B with a connected keyboard.
• Force a restart. On Surface Pro 5 and newer models, hold the power button for about 20 seconds.
• Still won't turn on? uBreakiFix by Asurion is an authorized service provider for Microsoft Surface devices. Stop by your nearest store location for a diagnostic and fast fix.

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Your Microsoft Surface® Pro is supposed to go wherever work, school, or life takes you. But when you press the power button and get absolutely nothing, it's hard to get much done.

At Asurion, we've helped troubleshoot plenty of tablets and laptops that refuse to start. Sometimes the fix is as simple as charging the battery or waking a frozen display. Here's what we'd try to get your Surface Pro running again—and when the problem may need a repair.

Common causes for Surface power issues

A Surface Pro that won't turn on isn't necessarily broken. Some common causes include:

• A drained battery or faulty charging cable.
• A frozen screen or temporary software glitch.
• Physical damage to the charging port or display.
• Internal hardware failure.
• Windows startup problems.

Pay attention to whether the Surface shows any signs of life. A charging light, startup sound, or Surface logo can help narrow down what's happening.

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How to fix a Surface Pro that won't turn on

Start with the simple power and display checks before moving into recovery options. Most of these steps won't affect your files or settings.

1. Check the battery and charging cable

Connect your Surface to a working outlet using a compatible charger and let it charge for at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on.

While you're waiting, check the charging cable and port for visible damage. If you're using a Surface Connect charger, look at the indicator light on the connector. A light that stays off or flashes unexpectedly may point to a charging problem.

If you have another compatible charger, try it to rule out a faulty power adapter. You can also learn more about Surface battery replacement if the battery isn't holding a charge.

2. Check whether the display is frozen

Your Surface might actually be running even though the screen is black.

First, disconnect USB drives, external monitors, docks, and other accessories. If you're using a detachable keyboard, disconnect and reconnect it.

With a keyboard attached, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to refresh the graphics display. The screen may flicker or you may hear a beep.

If the Surface responds but its built-in screen stays black, try an external monitor if your model supports one. A recent drop or visible screen damage may also point to a problem that needs professional Surface repair.

3. Force restart your Surface Pro

A force restart can clear a temporary software freeze without deleting your files.

For Surface Pro 5 and newer models, including Surface Pro X:

1. Press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds.
2. Keep holding even if the Surface logo briefly appears.
3. Release the button when the logo screen appears again and the device restarts.

Give Windows time to load before trying anything else.

4. Try a two-button restart on older Surface models

The two-button method is intended for older devices, including Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, and Surface Pro 4. Asurion recommends not using it as the standard restart method for newer Surface Pro models.

1. Press and hold the power and Volume Up buttons together for at least 15 seconds.
2. Release both buttons, even if the Surface logo appeared during the process.
3. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Press and release the power button to turn the Surface on.

This won't erase your data. If the device starts normally, there's no need to reset Windows.

5. Use Windows Recovery if your Surface starts but Windows won't load

If the Surface logo appears but Windows never finishes starting, the problem may be with the operating system rather than the battery or power button.

Windows Recovery Environment can help with startup problems. If your Surface reaches the recovery screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and follow the prompts.

If Windows Recovery doesn't open automatically, repeated failed startup attempts may trigger it. Avoid interrupting the device if it's actively installing updates.

You can also use Safe Mode from Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.

Safe Mode is useful when Windows starts but crashes or freezes. It won't help a Surface that shows no signs of power at all.

When your Surface Pro needs repair

If the Surface remains completely unresponsive after charging, checking the cable, and trying the correct restart method, the problem may involve the battery, charging port, or internal hardware.

We'd also recommend an inspection if the Surface was dropped, exposed to liquid, or shows signs of overheating or battery swelling. Don't keep charging a device with a swollen battery or visible electrical damage.

If you need a hand along the way, we're here for you—just bring it to your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store.

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FAQ

Why won't my Surface Pro turn on even when plugged in?

A drained battery, faulty charger, damaged charging port, or internal hardware problem could be responsible. Try charging for at least 15 minutes with a compatible charger, then perform the restart method for your model.

How do I force restart a Surface Pro?

On Surface Pro 5 and newer models, press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds until the Surface restarts. Older models may require holding the power and Volume Up buttons together.

Will force restarting my Surface Pro delete my files?

No. A force restart simply reboots the device. It doesn't erase personal files, apps, or settings.

What if my Surface Pro shows the logo but won't start Windows?

Try Startup Repair from Windows Recovery Environment. If Windows still won't load, further recovery or professional troubleshooting may be needed.