How to Enter UEFI Surface Pro: Tips and Tricks for Success

The UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the foundational software that boots your Surface Pro. Accessing the UEFI settings allows you to configure essential hardware settings, diagnose boot issues, and even perform advanced tasks like installing a new operating system. But navigating to the UEFI on a Surface Pro can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to enter UEFI on your Surface Pro, demystifying the process and equipping you with the knowledge to confidently manage your device’s firmware settings.

Why Enter UEFI?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why you might need to access the UEFI on your Surface Pro. Here are some common reasons:

• Troubleshooting boot issues: If your Surface Pro isn’t booting properly, accessing the UEFI can help you identify and resolve the problem.
• Changing boot order: You might need to change the boot order if you want to boot from a USB drive or an external hard drive.
• Enabling or disabling hardware components: The UEFI allows you to enable or disable specific hardware components, such as the Secure Boot feature or the TPM (Trusted Platform Module).
• Updating firmware: You can update the UEFI firmware to improve performance, add new features, or fix security vulnerabilities.
• Installing a new operating system: To install a new operating system, you’ll need to boot from a USB drive and access the UEFI to configure the boot order.

Method 1: Accessing UEFI Using the Power Button

This is the most common and straightforward method to enter the UEFI on your Surface Pro:
1. Shut down your Surface Pro: Completely shut down your Surface Pro by selecting the “Shut down” option from the Start menu.
2. Press and hold the power button: While holding the power button, press the **volume up** button once.
3. Release the buttons: Release both buttons when you see the Surface logo.
4. Enter UEFI: You should now be in the UEFI settings.

Method 2: Accessing UEFI Using the Command Prompt

If the power button method doesn‘t work for you, you can access the UEFI using the Command Prompt:
1. Open the Command Prompt: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu and run it as administrator.
2. Enter the command: Type the following command and press Enter: `shutdown /r /fw`
3. Confirm the restart: You will see a confirmation message asking if you want to restart the device. Click “OK” to continue.
4. Enter UEFI: Your Surface Pro will restart and boot into the UEFI settings.

Navigating the UEFI Settings

Once you’ve successfully entered the UEFI, you’ll be greeted with a menu-driven interface. The exact options available may vary depending on the Surface Pro model and the UEFI version.

• Boot: This section allows you to change the boot order, select a boot device, and configure other boot-related settings.
• Security: This section contains settings related to security features, such as Secure Boot and TPM.
• Advanced: This section provides access to more advanced settings, including network configuration, system information, and hardware settings.
• Exit: This option allows you to exit the UEFI and restart your Surface Pro.

Understanding UEFI Settings

The UEFI settings can be quite technical, but here are some key settings you should be familiar with:

• Secure Boot: This feature helps protect your Surface Pro from malware by ensuring that only trusted operating systems can be loaded.
• TPM: The Trusted Platform Module is a hardware security module that can store encryption keys and other sensitive data.
• Boot Order: This setting determines the order in which your Surface Pro will attempt to boot from different devices.
• Fast Startup: This feature allows your Surface Pro to boot faster by saving the system state to the hard drive.
• UEFI Firmware Update: This section allows you to update the UEFI firmware to the latest version.

Exiting the UEFI

Once you’ve made the necessary changes in the UEFI settings, you can exit the UEFI and restart your Surface Pro.

• Select the “Exit” option: Look for the “Exit” option in the UEFI menu.
• Choose “Save & Exit”: This option will save your changes and restart your Surface Pro.
• Choose “Exit without Saving”: This option will discard any changes you’ve made and restart your Surface Pro.

Final Thoughts: Mastering UEFI on Your Surface Pro

Understanding how to access and navigate the UEFI settings on your Surface Pro empowers you to troubleshoot issues, customize your device, and enhance its security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently enter the UEFI and make the necessary changes to optimize your Surface Pro’s performance and security.

Information You Need to Know

Q: What happens if I make changes in the UEFI that I don’t understand?
A: It’s always recommended to proceed with caution when making changes in the UEFI. If you’re unsure about a particular setting, it’s best to leave it as it is. Incorrect settings can lead to boot problems or other issues.
Q: Can I reset the UEFI to its default settings?
A: Yes, most UEFI interfaces have an option to reset the settings to their factory defaults. This can be helpful if you’ve made changes that you want to undo.
Q: What if I can’t access the UEFI using the methods described above?
A: If you’re still unable to access the UEFI, you can try contacting Microsoft support or seeking help from a qualified technician.
Q: Is it necessary to enter the UEFI regularly?
A: It’s not necessary to enter the UEFI regularly unless you need to make changes to the settings or troubleshoot a problem. However, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the UEFI interface and the available settings.