Reset windows to first configuration

Question

My windows 10 is stuck on language downloading and also on rebooting. How can I reset it back to the first configuration where windows asks to set the language and other options for the first time?

Thanks

Answer 1

Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surfacerecoveryimage   (with a different Windows computer if yours is not working properly, use any Windows computer - it does NOT have to be a Surface) and download a recovery image for your Surface. You will need a 16GB or 32GB USB stick (also called a flash drive) formatted FAT32 (use a Windows computer).  You can't use an actual external USB hard drive for this and don't use anything larger than a 32 GB USB stick. Best to purchase and use a new, previously unused USB stick for this. Use FULL format and not quick format and give the volume a name like surfboot. Unzip/extract the recovery zip to the root of the formatted USB stick.

To reset your Surface from a USB recovery drive:

Step 1:        Make sure your Surface is turned off and plugged in (hold down the power button for 30 seconds).

Step 2:         Insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port on your Surface.

Step 3:        Press and hold the volume-down button while you press and release the power button on your Surface.

Step 4:         When the Surface logo appears, release the volume button.

Step 5:        When prompted, select the language and keyboard layout you want.

Step 6:         Select Troubleshoot > Reset your PC.

*If prompted for a recovery key, select Skip this drive at the bottom of the screen*.

Step 7:         Select the target operating system you wish to reset. This refers to the current operating system installed on your Surface.

Step 8:        Select Yes, repartition the drives, and on the next page, select Next.

Step 9:         Choose Just remove my files.

Step 10:        Select Reset.

Surface restarts and the Surface logo displays while the reset process continues (this can take a while).

If this fails, you need to purchase a newer device.

Answer 2

Hello,

unfortunately it does not accept my serial number in the link you provided. I inserted what it's written on the back of laptop under the microsoft logo, as it was shown, but gives me error. I've also looked it up in the laptop info but there's no trace of it. What should I do?

Answer 3

What is the exact error? If it is a json error, use In Private or Incognito mode in your browser.

Answer 4

I just saw the file size is almost 8gb and I'm afraid the download will take forever or won't complete at all with my 3G mobile hotspot.

Is there any way to speed up the download or get the file transferred to me? I've read there's also a mirror that works faster. How can I access it?

Thank you

Answer 5

There are no mirrors. If you are in the US, a Best Buy store may be able to help.