Windows will not boot, it constantly loops to New Install

Anonymous
2025-01-07T17:20:07+00:00

After getting the issue of windows not loading after logon via updates I decided to do a clean recovery install. All was fine until the most recent update reboot.

Now, on boot, it wants to do a Windows install. The only thiing I can access is the bios. All function keys attempts will not get me to the windows recovery/repair options. In finally giving up, I ran with the new install of which it asked me for the product key and I don't have it. I went with I don't have a product key and at point of install, the drive is locked via bitlocker. Through that it will not install on a protected drive.

Every option I've tried will not get me to the recovery function of windows. I need advice on that otherwise I have a brick/paper weight.

Additionally, I've changed the boot order to USB first and with a bootable USB drive in the port, it will not boot from that Bootable USB.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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DaveM121 926K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-01-07T18:38:42+00:00

A Surface device is very different form a normal Windows device, you need to create the specific USB media for your Surface model, on the link below all information is provided for creating the USB for a Surface device and also on how to boot a Surface device form a USB

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/boo....

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-07T20:02:33+00:00

    Dave, Thank you for jumping in and advising on my issue.

    I read the link and will apply the process for future use. The is no longer a needed at present because in following the process of power and volume down booted the system to the OS. I was able to login and ran tasks which included checking for updates. I rebooted and was brought to the finishing set-up. Once that completed there were but a few minor personal setting tweaks. I have since rebooted a few times and all is normal.

    For my edification, does this make sense to you? Are there reasons you know of for the way the resolution worked out?

    I have done a tech refresh and keep the Surface Pro 3 for specific uses. Applying a 3 2 1 data policy, I'm never worried about the data, just the process of system time to recovery.

    Again, I appreciate and I'm grateful for your help in bringing the issue to resolution!

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-07T18:16:19+00:00

    "1" has been tried multiple times with no success.

    "2" the bootable drive was created via the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft download site. The boot order was changed in the Bios to USB first and on boot, it is bypassed. The device is a Surface Pro 3,

    To me, this has the feel of a net new bare device.

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  3. DaveM121 926K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-01-07T17:55:12+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1

    Can you access the recovery Environment using these steps?

    Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

    Do this twice

    On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

    2

    If you cannot access the recovery environment, then you indicate you have a bootable Windows USB, was that created with the official Media Creation Tool?

    If oyu cannot get the USB to boot up, the method to boot from a USB varies form PC to PC, what is the make (Dell, Lenovo, Asus... etc.) of your PC?

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