Share via

How to clear data off Surface Laptop stuck in UEFI loop?

Anonymous
2021-02-08T21:58:18+00:00

The title says it all. I have placed an order for a replacement surface laptop, but the steps say that I have to wipe the data off of my surface. I am unable to do this though, because of the UEFI loop.

Surface | Surface Laptop | 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. To protect privacy, user profiles for migrated questions are anonymized.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2021-02-08T22:20:56+00:00

    Hi KevinNguyen_322,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Community and posting your inquiry.   

    If the Reset this PC option still won't work because of the loop, please proceed with the exchange process. The Team from the Exchange Center will wipe out the data on the device before performing an inspection. 

    We also suggest the USB recovery image. This process will wipe everything out on your device and install a fresh operating system. Please make sure that you have back up your files and data either in an External Hard drive or use your OneDrive app. You’ll need a USB (USB stick) with at least 16GB/32 GB and format it clean (make sure that you have chosen FAT32 as the file system while formatting the USB). You'll need a PC running Windows 10 or Surface Device to download the system files/recovery image on the Microsoft Website.   

    Note: USB/Flash drives are the only required device for you to perform the follow steps below successfully.

    • Download the System Files or Recovery Image:

    1. Go to the Download a recovery image for your Surface.
    2. If you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, you will be prompt to choose the device from the list of devices on your Microsoft Account. If you’re not signed in, choose a product on the drop-down menu and provide the Serial Number of the device. 
    3. Once the download is finished, go to the file, right-click and choose Extract all then choose the USB/Flash drive.

    • Perform the USB recovery:

    1. Shutdown the device by pressing/holding the power button for 10 seconds until it’s off. 
    2. Insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port. 
    3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
    4. Choose your language options and keyboard layout. 
    5. Select Troubleshoot. 
    6. Select Recover from a Drive. Choose Remove Everything and Fully Clean the Drive. Recovering this PC. If prompted for BitLocker Key, tap Skip this Drive. 
    7. Select “Recovery”.
    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments