How to remove error msg "Pls insert external storage

Question

I am regretting ever updating to Win 11! So very frustrating. Attempted to update to Win 11 and get error msg with black screen staying "PLEASE INSERT THE EXTERNAL STORAGE MEDIA AND PRESS OK"

I've researched this and have tried to reboot 3x powering on and off and continue to receive same exact screen with msg. I am not able to get rid of it so basically I cannot use my laptop. I do have the USB inserted.

I'm a little tech savvy but don't want to dive deep into stuff that might make it worse.

Pls.help asap. I really miss the retail microsoft stores which were extremely helpful for times like these.

Tx!

Answer 1

Hi,
I am Sumit here to assist you with this question.

The computer is throwing the message because you have USB inserted. You need to remove that and let the computer start from the internal hard drive. Also, for upgrading you do not need a USB drive. The process is internet based rather than USB.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Thank you for your quick reply. However I've already tried rebooting without the USB as well and message still appears.

Any other suggestion?

Answer 3

Thank you.

Is there anything else connected like a printer?

In BIOS/UEFI please make sure the PC is booting from the internal drive. You may send us a photo to understand and suggest better.

Answer 4

Thank you.

Is there anything else connected like a printer?

In BIOS/UEFI please make sure the PC is booting from the internal drive. You may send us a photo to understand and suggest better.

no printers are plugged in. It is a surface pro 6. I powered up just now and I get the same error. I am not able to go beyond this error page. How do I get out of this page???

Answer 5

Thank you, I have moved it over to the Surface forum for a better answer.