Two Ways to Factory Reset Microsoft Surface

Factory reset can solve many problems on Microsoft Surface. No matter you are

using Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, or the original Surface RT, there are

many situations where you may want to reset your Surface to factory settings. For

example:

• Windows 8/8.1/RT system running on your Surface failed or crash, a reset can repair this problem.
• You want to reset your surface to factory defaults for someone else to use.
• When forgot password for signing in to your surface, you can regain access to your surface after factory reset.

There are 2 ways to factory reset surface according to whether you can sign in to Windows or not.

1.      How to factory reset surface within Windows?

2.      How to factory reset surface when can’t sign in to Windows?

Way 1: Factory Reset Microsoft Surface within Windows

Step 1: Within Windows 8, swipe in from the right side of the screen. Tap Settings.

Step 2: Tap Change PC settings.

Step 3: Tap General. Swipe down and find Remove everything and reinstall Windows. Tap Get started.

Then just follow its guide to finish the following a few reset steps.

Step 4: Tap Next.

Step 5: Select Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive.

Step 6: Tap Reset.

In the reset process you can see your Surface restart automatically and surface logo displays. It will take several minutes to finish reset.

Way 2: Factory reset Surface from the Windows sign-in screen.

Note: If you forgot password for signing to surface, see the post – Microsoft Surface Forgot Windows 8 Password, How to Sign in? Factory reset is indeed an option, which can help get a clean Windows system without password. But it is not the only and best solution. 

Step 1: Power on your surface and get to the Windows sign-in screen.

Step 2: Tap the Power icon in the lower right corner of the sign-in screen.

Step 3: Press and hold the Shift key and tap Restart. (Do not release the Shift key until your surface restarts successfully.)

Step 4: The surface displays the Choose an Option screen. Tap Troubleshoot.

Step 5: Tap Reset your PC.

Step 6: Surface restarts and surface logo appears. Then it displays Reset your PC screen. Tap Next.

Step 7: Select Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive.

Then the following process is same as the process of factory reset within Windows.

Note: Factory reset will wipe all your personal files and settings on your surface. So you are strongly recommended to back up your important data regularly.

Tips: If you are using Surface RT and forgot the password for signing in, factory reset should be the only one solution.