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How to Hard Reset — Microsoft Surface

Hard ResetWindows Mobile

How to Hard Reset — Microsoft Surface

⏱ ~5 min📋 4 steps

The Microsoft Surface is a 2012 Microsoft Windows RT device powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 with 2GB and 32GB | 64GB internal storage. It features a 10.6", TFT, 1366.0x768.0 display and is available in Dark Titanium.

The Surface is equipped with a Li-Ion battery, non-removable (31.5 Wh), a 2 MP, 720p main camera, a 2 MP, 720p@30fps front camera. The device uses a No configuration. It weighs 680.4 g.

Hard Reset on the Microsoft Surface works differently than it does on Android, since this platform uses its own menus and terminology. Follow the steps below, written specifically for this device rather than adapted from Android instructions.

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On this device this is just a forced restart/power-cycle — it does not erase data by itself. See Factory Reset for the data-erasing option.

1

Windows Mobile devices generally don't have a hardware button combination that wipes data the way Android's Recovery Mode does

2

The closest equivalent is the in-menu Factory Reset described in the Factory Reset guide below

3

If the device is completely frozen and won't respond to the Factory Reset menu, remove the battery for 30 seconds (if removable) to force a restart, then try again

4

Exact steps vary by exact model and firmware version — check the printed manual or the manufacturer's support site if these don't match your device

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