Surface boot error

This Surface boot pattern matches two documented Surface startup issues: being prompted for the BitLocker recovery key after updates, and then landing on the Surface UEFI boot error that says it can’t find a bootable operating system.

Try these steps in order:

1. In the Surface UEFI screen, select OK if shown.
2. Select Boot configuration from the left menu.
3. Verify that a valid boot device is selected. The default selected options should include:
   • Windows Boot Manager
   • Internal Storage
   • USB Storage
   • PXE Network
4. Force a restart:
   • Press and hold the power button until Surface restarts and the Windows logo appears.
   • This takes about 20 seconds.
5. If it still does not start, use a USB recovery drive to reset the Surface:
   • Insert the USB recovery drive into the Surface.
   • Press and hold the volume-down button.
   • While holding volume-down, press and release the power button.
   • When the Surface logo appears, release the volume-down button.

If the device instead returns to the Recovery screen for Boot Configuration Data, use Windows Recovery Environment:

1. Try booting twice. After two failed boot attempts, the device should enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. If prompted, enter the BitLocker recovery key.
4. Run these commands:
   • bootrec /scanos
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot

If Windows starts after recovery, install the latest Surface and Windows updates.

If none of these steps work, the documented next step is service: self-repair, send to Microsoft, or in-person support may be available.

References:

• Surface turns on and shows "Couldn't find a bootable operating system" | Microsoft Support
• Surface turns on but is stuck on the Recovery screen | Microsoft Support
• Prompted for BitLocker recovery key after installing updates to Surface UEFI or TPM firmware on Surface device