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Surface - Reinstalling Windows Recovery Image from Microsoft

1. Reinstalling Windows from Microsoft's Recovery Image

If your Surface device is having issues and you need to reinstall Windows, you can download a recovery image directly from Microsoft.

Steps:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Surface Recovery Image Download.
  2. Enter your Surface device's serial number and download the recovery image.
  3. Create a bootable USB drive using the downloaded image.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.

2. OSDCloud: Use a Pre-Created USB Image

For a faster reinstallation, you can use a pre-configured USB image created using OSDCloud.

Steps:

  1. Obtain the OSDCloud image that’s been pre-created for Surface devices.
  2. Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with the image.
  3. Plug in the USB to your Surface and boot from the USB to start the installation.
  4. Follow the instructions for reinstallation.

3. OSDCloud: Create Your Own Recovery Image

If you'd prefer to create your own recovery image using OSDCloud, follow these steps:

Steps:

  1. Install OSDCloud by following the official guide here.
  2. Use the tool to build a custom recovery image specific to your device.
  3. Create a bootable USB with your custom image.
  4. Boot from the USB and follow the installation process.

4. Resetting Your PC: Methods to Access Recovery

If your Surface device is functional but needs a reset, there are different methods to access the recovery environment and reset the PC.

Methods to Access Recovery:

  • During Boot:

    • Turn off your Surface.
    • Press and hold the Volume Up button and then press the Power button.
    • Continue holding the Volume Up button until the Surface logo appears.
    • From the recovery menu, choose Reset this PC.

  • Using Installation Media:

    • Insert a bootable USB drive created with the Windows image.
    • Restart the Surface and boot from the USB to access recovery options.

5. Resetting Your PC from Within Windows

If your Surface is still bootable and you want to reset Windows from within the operating system:

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
  3. Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

6. Go Back to Windows 10 (Downgrade)

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and wish to roll back to Windows 10:

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Go back to Windows 10, click Get started.
  3. Follow the prompts to return to your previous version of Windows.

Note: You can only roll back to Windows 10 if it’s been less than 10 days since the upgrade. After that, you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10 using an installation media.

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