![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(172.8, 1%, 26%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EBA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Create a model-specific Surface Pro X USB recovery drive and reinstall Windows; since the forced restart and Boot Configuration options already failed, this is Microsoft’s next recovery step for this exact startup error.[^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/startup/surface-turns-on-and-shows-couldn-t-find-a-bootable-operating-system "Surface turns on and shows "Couldn't find a bootable operating system" | Microsoft Support")
Create the Surface recovery drive
You need:
- Another working Windows PC
- Your Surface Pro X serial number
- A USB drive with enough capacity for the downloaded image; Microsoft states that 32 GB is sufficient for any Surface recovery image
- Any necessary USB-C adapter or hub for the Surface Pro X
Warning: Creating the recovery drive erases the USB. Recovering the Surface deletes its personal files, settings, and installed applications.
- On the working PC, open Microsoft’s Surface recovery instructions and sign in.
- Enter the Surface Pro X serial number and download the recovery image offered for that exact device. If several images appear, select the newest one.
- Connect the USB drive.
- Open Start, search for Recovery Drive, and select Create a recovery drive.
- Clear Back up system files to the recovery drive, then select Next.
- Select the USB drive, followed by Next > Create.
- When creation finishes, open the downloaded recovery-image ZIP file.
- Copy all files from the ZIP to the USB and select Replace the files in the destination.
- Safely eject the USB drive.
Microsoft documents the full image download and USB preparation procedure here.^2^
Boot and recover the Surface Pro X
- Shut down the Surface and connect its power supply.
- Insert the recovery USB.
- Press and hold Volume Down.
- While holding it, press and release Power.
- Release Volume Down when the Microsoft or Surface logo appears.
- Select the language and keyboard layout.
- Select Recover from a drive, or Troubleshoot > Recover from a drive.
- If asked for a recovery key, select Skip this drive at the bottom.
- If keeping the Surface, select Just remove my files. Use Fully clean the drive only when disposing of or transferring it.
- Select Recover and allow the process to finish.^2^
If it will not boot from the recovery USB
Because the existing Boot Configuration settings have already been tried, do not repeat them unless the newly created Surface recovery drive is not recognized. In that case:
- Re-enter Surface UEFI and verify USB Storage remains enabled and is ahead of internal storage while testing.
- Check the Secure Boot configuration. Microsoft notes that newer Surface recovery images require the updated 2023 Secure Boot certificate.
- Re-create the USB using a newly downloaded image for the exact Surface Pro X serial number, preferably on another USB 3.0 drive.^2^
If recovery still fails
If the model-specific USB starts but cannot complete recovery—or the Surface cannot boot from a correctly prepared recovery drive—request Surface service. Microsoft lists service-order, authorized in-person support, and applicable self-repair options for this startup condition.[^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/startup/surface-turns-on-and-shows-couldn-t-find-a-bootable-operating-system "Surface turns on and shows "Couldn't find a bootable operating system" | Microsoft Support")
A recovery image can repair damaged or missing Windows boot files, but it cannot resolve a failed internal storage device. Avoid generic Windows installation media and command-line boot repairs unless the device instead reaches a blue BCD Recovery screen; that is a different documented startup condition.
References