Share via

Issue Installing Windows on Surface Pro 11: SSD and Internal Disk Not Detected in BIOS

Anonymous
2024-11-01T16:04:41+00:00

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to reinstall Windows on my Surface Pro 11. I’ve already gone through the disk cleanup process, but now, when I power it on, it boots directly to the BIOS. I prepared an external SSD formatted in FAT32 with the Windows image for the tablet. However, when I connect the SSD, the BIOS does not recognize it as a boot option. Additionally, the Surface’s internal disk is not showing up in the BIOS either.

Here are the steps I’ve taken so far:

  1. I fully cleaned the Surface disk using the Windows installation tool.
  2. I formatted an external SSD to FAT32 and placed the Windows image on it.
  3. I connected the external SSD to the Surface and accessed the BIOS, but it doesn’t appear as a boot option, and I can’t see the Surface’s internal disk.

Does anyone know how to make the BIOS recognize the external SSD or the internal disk? Could the issue be related to the drive format or a setting in the BIOS? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-02T07:46:39+00:00

    Hi Francisco,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    It sounds like your SSD and internal disk are not recognized in the BIOS when you install Windows on your Surface Pro 11.

    Based on your description, it looks like you are using Windows installation media, you should download the recovery image created for Surface and use the recovery drive for Surface to reset it to factory condition. Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface - Microsoft Support

    For Surface, especially Windows Arm-based PCs, you need to use a recovery image file specifically for Surface devices.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn. W - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments