Clean Install of Windows 11 from USB

Question

I recently purchased a used Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor. I want to install Windows 11 (purchased a retail version). Can this be done?

Answer 1

Hello Ruthania Hudson,

We are happy to hear that the problem you had with [How to reset and clean install OS] has been resolved. We’re glad we were able to help you!

Regarding for some application is not running on Windows 11. Need to contact the software developer to check if they have an updated version for the installer or any patch file available for Surface Pro X SQ2. Also make sure youinstall all the update on your Surface device.

To help other customers searching for help on related issues, please feel free to mark the response you found most helpful by clicking “Yes” on the bottom of that post. This will ensure the helpful responses are most visible when searching (and you can vote more than once if the solution was spread over multiple posts)

Thanks again for choosing Microsoft!

Sincerely,
Christopher

Answer 2

Hi Ruthania Hudson,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Based on the description you posted, it seems that you have an issue with Surface pro X SQ2 wherein You want to upgrade the Operating system to Windows 11 Home using image that that is purchase. The Surface Pro X SQ2 is compatible with Windows 11, and it should receive the update through Windows Update settings for the free upgrade.

Regarding the clean installation of Windows 11 Purchase or retail version. It will not work since the Surface device has its own image specifically on the device to make all drivers working when you use Windows 11.

All you must do is to install all the updates on the Surface device on Windows 10 and then it will show up under Windows update that you can get free upgrade install Windows 11. Just click install then follow the prompt and after you are done upgrade the device to Windows 11.

Just in case you don't have an option to install Windows 11 under update. We can download the recovery image for Windows 11 online.

REQUIREMENTS:

USB flash drive (DO NOT use external hard drive). Minimum storage capacity needed at least 16 GB or 32GB.

NOTE: Creating a recovery drive will erase all existing files that are stored on the SSD drive. Make sure to transfer any important data on your USB flash drive to another storage device before you proceed.

INSTRUCTIONS AND VIDEO: https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4023512/surface-creating-and-using-a-usb-recovery-drive 

 Download USB Recovery Image - http://aka.ms/sri 

 Here's the link on how to use the recovery image. 

 Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface (microsoft.com)

When you're ready, here's how to reset your Surface:

1. Make sure your Surface is turned off and plugged in, and then insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port.
2. Press and hold the volume-down button while you press and release the power button.
3. When the Microsoft or Surface logo appears, release the volume-down button.
4. When prompted, select the language and keyboard layout you want.
5. Select Troubleshoot, and then select Recover from a drive. If prompted for a recovery key, select Skip this drive at the bottom of the screen.
6. Be sure to select the Troubleshoot option on this screen. Don’t select the Use a device option. If you select the Use a device option, your Surface will reboot from the USB recovery drive again and the reset process will start over.
7. Choose either just remove my files or fully clean the drive.
8. The option to clean the drive is more secure but takes much longer. For example, if you’re recycling your Surface, you should clean the drive. If you’re keeping your Surface, you just need to remove your files.
9. Select Recover.
10. Surface restarts and displays the Surface logo while the reset process continues. This can take several minutes.

I hope I answer all your concern for today. Please tell me how it goes.

Kind regards,

Christopher.

Answer 3

Hi,

It worked great! I now have Windows 11 on my Surface Pro X. I have another question that might not be applicable here. Some of my old applications do not run or have a message that the architecture is not supported. Is there a way around this, or should I contact the software developer?

Thanks!