Why Does My Surface Go Say No Bootable Device? The Ultimate Guide to Resolution

If your Surface Go device has been leaving you perplexed with the dreaded “No Bootable Device” error, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue can arise for various reasons, and it’s crucial to identify the culprit to restore your Surface Go to full functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the possible causes and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve this issue effectively.

Common Causes of “No Bootable Device” Error

1. Corrupted or Missing UEFI Firmware: The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware is responsible for initializing your Surface Go hardware and loading the operating system. If this firmware becomes corrupted or missing, the device will fail to boot.

2. Damaged Hard Drive or SSD: The hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) stores the operating system and user data. If the drive becomes damaged or fails, the Surface Go will not be able to find a bootable operating system.

3. Incorrect Boot Order: The boot order in the UEFI firmware determines which device the Surface Go should attempt to boot from first. If the boot order is incorrect, the device may not be able to find a bootable device.

4. Hardware Failure: In rare cases, a hardware failure, such as a faulty motherboard or processor, can prevent the Surface Go from booting.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check UEFI Firmware

• Restart your Surface Go and press the Volume Down button repeatedly until you see the UEFI firmware screen.
• Navigate to the “Security” tab and select “Secure Boot Control.”
• Make sure that “Secure Boot” is enabled and that the “Custom Key” field is empty.

2. Reseat the Hard Drive or SSD

• Power off your Surface Go and unplug the power adapter.
• Flip the device over and locate the small screw that holds the back cover in place.
• Unscrew the screw and carefully lift the back cover off.
• Locate the hard drive or SSD and gently disconnect it from the motherboard.
• Wait a few seconds and then reconnect the drive.

3. Reset the Boot Order

• Restart your Surface Go and press the Volume Down button repeatedly until you see the UEFI firmware screen.
• Navigate to the “Boot” tab and select “Boot Order.”
• Make sure that the hard drive or SSD is set as the first boot device.

4. Run System Diagnostics

• Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds to force a shutdown.
• Press the Power button again to restart the device.
• As soon as the Surface logo appears, press and hold the Volume Down button until the UEFI firmware screen appears.
• Navigate to the “Diagnostics” tab and select “Run Diagnostics.”

5. Contact Microsoft Support

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide remote support or arrange for a repair or replacement.

Final Note: Resolving the “No Bootable Device” Dilemma

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go device. Remember, the specific cause of the issue may vary, so it’s crucial to try different solutions until you find one that works. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from Microsoft Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why does my Surface Go say “No Bootable Device” after an update?
A: An update may have corrupted or reset the UEFI firmware settings. Try checking and resetting the firmware as described in the troubleshooting steps.

Q2: Can I recover data from my Surface Go if the hard drive is damaged?
A: Yes, it may be possible to recover data using data recovery software. However, it’s important to act quickly as further use of the device could overwrite the lost data.

Q3: How do I prevent the “No Bootable Device” error from happening again?
A: Regularly update your UEFI firmware and operating system, handle your device with care to avoid hardware damage, and create regular backups of your important data.