Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. If you recently upgraded to a newer version of Windows and it isn’t working for you, try going back. This will keep your personal files, but it'll remove apps and drivers installed since upgrading, as well as any changes you made to settings. On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key + L. We recommend using Cloud download. Make sure your Surface is connected to the internet. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.

For more info about BitLocker keys, see Find my BitLocker recovery key. You may need your BitLocker Key to reinstall Windows with a recovery drive. Windows won't start, and you have a recovery drive to reinstall Windowsįor more info about using a recovery drive to reinstall Windows, see Creating and using a Surface USB recovery drive.

Next to Go back, select Go back. If you don't see this section, too much time has elapsed since you upgraded, and you can no longer go back. Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Here’s how to go back to your previous version of Windows on your Surface: This will keep your personal files, but it'll remove apps and drivers installed since upgrading, as well as any changes you made to settings. In most cases, you'll have 10 days to go back. If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and it isn’t working for you, try going back. You want to reinstall your previous operating system: Go back to your previous version of Windows Hold the Shift key down while you select Power > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.Īfter your Surface restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key + L. You can also get to the reset option by restarting your Surface from the sign-in screen. Make sure your Surface is connected to the internet.

This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed. Note: If you're planning to donate, recycle, or sell your Surface, or send it in for replacement, use this option and choose to fully clean the drive.

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