How to Get Into the BIOS on a Microsoft Surface
If you want to change your boot order, enable or disable Secure Boot, troubleshoot startup problems, or configure hardware settings, you may need to access the BIOS on your Microsoft Surface device.
Unlike many traditional laptops, most Microsoft Surface devices use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of the older BIOS system. While many people still call it the BIOS, the settings screen you access on a Surface is actually the UEFI firmware settings.
The good news is that entering the BIOS or UEFI on a Surface device is simple once you know the correct method. Depending on whether your Surface is turned on, turned off, or unable to boot into Windows, there are different ways to access these settings.
In this guide, you will learn how to get into the BIOS on a Microsoft Surface device step by step.
How to Get Into BIOS on a Microsoft Surface?
The UEFI firmware settings control important hardware functions before Windows starts. Unlike Windows settings, these options work independently of your operating system. This means you can access them even if Windows is not working properly.
Inside the Surface UEFI menu, you can perform several tasks, including changing the startup configuration, managing Secure Boot, viewing device information, setting firmware passwords on supported models, and configuring hardware options available for your specific Surface model.
It is important to avoid changing settings unless you understand what they do. Incorrect firmware settings can prevent your Surface from starting normally. If you only need to view settings or change a specific option, make one change at a time.
Below are the safest methods for accessing the BIOS or UEFI on a Microsoft Surface.
Step 1: Identify Your Microsoft Surface Model
Before attempting to access the BIOS, identify which Microsoft Surface model you own. While most Surface devices use the same button combination, knowing your model helps confirm the correct procedure.
You can check your device name by opening Settings, selecting System, and then clicking About. The model name appears under Device specifications.
If Windows does not start, look for the model name printed on the back of the device or on its original packaging.
Most modern Surface devices, including the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Surface Laptop Go, Surface Book, and Surface Go, use the same process for entering UEFI.
Once you know your model, completely shut down the Surface before continuing.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Surface Completely
A complete shutdown is important because restarting the device normally may not allow the firmware shortcut to work.
Click the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Shut down. Wait until the screen becomes completely black and all lights turn off.
If Windows is frozen, press and hold the Power button for about ten seconds until the device powers off completely.
After shutting down, wait for about ten seconds before moving to the next step. This gives the hardware enough time to fully power down.
Step 3: Press the Correct Button Combination
This is the most common and reliable method for entering the Surface BIOS or UEFI.
Press and hold the Volume Up button located on the side of your Surface.
While holding the Volume Up button, briefly press and release the Power button.
Keep holding the Volume Up button until the Microsoft Surface logo appears.
After a few seconds, the UEFI settings screen should appear automatically.
If Windows starts normally instead, the button combination was probably released too early. Shut the Surface down again and repeat the process carefully.
This method works on most Microsoft Surface devices released in recent years.
Step 4: Navigate the UEFI Settings Carefully
After entering the firmware menu, you will see several categories depending on your Surface model.
You may find options such as Boot Configuration, Security, Devices, Date and Time, Advanced Device Configuration, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) settings.
Since the interface works differently from Windows, use either the touchscreen, keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, depending on your device model.
Read each setting carefully before making changes. If you are unsure about an option, leave it at its default value.
Changing firmware settings without understanding them can affect Windows startup or hardware functionality.
Step 5: Make the Required Changes
If your goal is to boot from a USB drive, install Windows, or troubleshoot startup issues, make the necessary changes while inside the UEFI menu.
For example, you may change the boot order so the Surface checks a USB installation drive before loading Windows.
Some users may also temporarily disable Secure Boot when installing another operating system or using certain recovery tools. Only do this if your software specifically requires it.
After making your changes, double-check each option before saving.
Taking your time helps prevent configuration mistakes.
Step 6: Save Your Settings and Restart
Once you have finished, locate the option to Save and Exit.
Confirm that you want to save your changes.
Your Surface will restart automatically using the updated firmware settings.
If you did not make any changes, you can simply exit without saving.
Windows should start normally after leaving the UEFI menu unless you intentionally changed the boot order or another startup option.
Step 7: Access BIOS Through Windows Settings
If your Surface starts normally, you can also access the firmware directly from Windows.
- Open Settings and select System.
- Click Recovery.
- Locate Advanced startup and select Restart now.
- After the computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot.
- Next, select Advanced options.
- Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart.
Your Surface will restart directly into the UEFI firmware screen without using any hardware buttons.
This method is especially useful if the physical buttons are difficult to press or if you want a more convenient way to access the firmware.
Step 8: Exit the BIOS Safely
When you are finished using the UEFI settings, exit properly to avoid unnecessary issues.
Select Exit, Save and Exit, or Discard Changes and Exit, depending on whether you modified any settings.
Allow the Surface to restart normally.
Avoid forcing the device to shut down while it is saving firmware changes.
Once Windows loads successfully, you have completed the process.
FAQs
Is BIOS the same as UEFI on Microsoft Surface?
No. Microsoft Surface devices use UEFI firmware instead of the traditional BIOS. Many users still refer to it as the BIOS because it performs similar startup functions.
What button opens the BIOS on a Surface?
Turn off your Surface completely. Press and hold the Volume Up button, then briefly press the Power button while continuing to hold Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears.
Why does my Surface boot into Windows instead of BIOS?
This usually happens because the Volume Up button was released too early or the device was not fully shut down before attempting the shortcut.
Can I access BIOS without the Volume Up button?
Yes. If Windows starts normally, open Settings, go to Recovery, choose Advanced startup, and then select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Is it safe to change BIOS settings?
Yes, if you know exactly what each setting does. If you are unsure, it is best to leave the default settings unchanged because incorrect changes can affect startup or hardware behavior.
Will entering BIOS erase my files?
No. Simply opening the UEFI firmware does not delete your files or reinstall Windows.
Can I reset BIOS settings on a Surface?
Yes. Most Surface devices provide an option to restore the default UEFI settings if needed.
Summary
Accessing the BIOS, or more accurately the UEFI firmware, on a Microsoft Surface is straightforward once you know the correct steps. The most common method is to completely shut down the device, hold the Volume Up button, press the Power button, and continue holding Volume Up until the UEFI screen appears. If Windows is working normally, you can also access the firmware through the Advanced startup options in Settings.
Whether you need to change the boot order, troubleshoot startup problems, configure Secure Boot, or prepare your Surface for a Windows installation, the UEFI menu provides the tools you need.
Always review each setting carefully before making changes, save only the changes you intend to keep, and exit the firmware properly to ensure your Surface continues to operate smoothly.