Top 5 Solutions for ‘How to Fix Surface Go No Bootable Device’ Error

Facing the dreaded “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go can be frustrating. It means your device can’t find a valid operating system to load, leaving you unable to access your files or use your Surface. This guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to fix the “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go, from simple solutions to more advanced techniques.

Understanding the “No Bootable Device” Error

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why this error occurs. The “No Bootable Device” error typically arises when your Surface Go’s BIOS cannot locate a valid operating system to boot from. This could be due to various reasons, including:

• Damaged or corrupted hard drive: A faulty hard drive can prevent your Surface Go from accessing the operating system.
• Corrupted boot files: Essential boot files that instruct your computer on how to start can become corrupted, leading to the error.
• Incorrect boot order: The BIOS might be set to boot from a device other than your hard drive, such as a USB drive or CD-ROM, resulting in the error.
• Loose or disconnected hard drive: A loose connection to the hard drive can interrupt the boot process.
• Malware or virus infection: Malware can corrupt system files, leading to the “No Bootable Device” error.
• Hardware failure: A malfunctioning component, like the motherboard or RAM, could cause the error.

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing the “No Bootable Device” Error

Now, let’s tackle the troubleshooting steps to resolve the “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go.

1. Check the Power Supply and Connections

Start with the basics:

• Ensure your Surface Go is properly connected to a power source. A low battery can sometimes cause boot issues.
• Check the power adapter. Make sure it’s plugged in securely and working correctly.
• Inspect the charging port on your Surface Go. Ensure it’s free of debris or damage.

2. Restart Your Surface Go

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches:

• Press and hold the power button until the screen turns off.
• Release the power button and wait for a few seconds.
• Press the power button again to turn your Surface Go back on.

3. Check the Boot Order in BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls the boot order of your device. If your Surface Go is set to boot from a USB drive or CD-ROM instead of the internal hard drive, you’ll encounter the “No Bootable Device” error. Here’s how to check and adjust the boot order:
1. Turn on your Surface Go and press the F12 key repeatedly during the initial boot process. This will bring up the Boot Menu.
2. Select “BIOS Setup” or “Boot Options” from the menu.
3. Navigate to the “Boot Order” or “Boot Priority” settings.
4. Ensure that your hard drive (usually labeled as “Hard Disk” or “HDD”) is listed as the first boot device.
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

4. Run a System Scan

A system scan can help identify and repair corrupted files that may be causing the “No Bootable Device” error.

• Boot your Surface Go from a bootable USB drive or DVD with a Windows installation media.
• Select “Repair your computer” from the installation menu.
• Choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options.”
• Select “Command Prompt” to access a command-line interface.
• Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
• `chkdsk /f /r` (This command checks the hard drive for errors and attempts to repair them.)
• `sfc /scannow` (This command scans system files for corruption and attempts to repair them.)

5. Reset Your Surface Go

If the above steps don‘t resolve the issue, you can reset your Surface Go to its factory settings. This will erase all data from your device, so make sure you have a backup of your important files:
1. Boot your Surface Go from a bootable USB drive or DVD with a Windows installation media.
2. Select “Repair your computer” from the installation menu.
3. Choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC.”
4. Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.

6. Reinstall the Operating System

If resetting your Surface Go doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to reinstall the operating system. This is a more advanced solution, but it can resolve persistent boot problems.
1. Boot your Surface Go from a bootable USB drive or DVD with a Windows installation media.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows on your Surface Go.
3. During the installation process, you will need to format your hard drive. This will erase all data, so be sure to have a backup.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Solutions

If you’ve exhausted the above troubleshooting steps, you might need to explore these more advanced options:

• Check for hardware issues: If you suspect a hardware failure, you can try running a memory test or checking the hard drive’s health. You can also try connecting your Surface Go to an external monitor to see if the display is the problem.
• Contact Microsoft Support: If you’re still unable to fix the “No Bootable Device” error, it’s best to contact Microsoft Support for assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and provide potential solutions.
• Consider professional repair: If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself or suspect a hardware failure, consider taking your Surface Go to a professional repair shop.

Moving Forward: Preventing Future Issues

Here are some tips to prevent the “No Bootable Device” error in the future:

• Keep your Surface Go updated: Regularly update your Windows operating system and device drivers to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Run regular system scans: Schedule regular system scans to detect and repair any corrupted files.
• Protect your Surface Go from malware: Install a reliable antivirus program and keep it updated to prevent malware infections.
• Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

Final Thoughts: A Renewed Surface Go

Resolving the “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go can be a challenging task, but with patience and the right steps, you can bring your device back to life. Remember to start with the basic troubleshooting steps and work your way up to more advanced solutions if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can regain access to your files and enjoy your Surface Go once again.

Questions You May Have

1. What if I don’t have a bootable USB drive or DVD?

If you don’t have a bootable USB drive or DVD, you can create one using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. This tool will allow you to download the latest version of Windows and create a bootable USB drive or DVD.

2. Will I lose my data if I reset my Surface Go?

Yes, resetting your Surface Go to factory settings will erase all data from your device. Make sure you have a backup of your important files before performing a reset.

3. Is it possible to recover data from a device with a “No Bootable Device” error?

In some cases, you might be able to recover data from a hard drive that’s causing the “No Bootable Device” error. You’ll need to use data recovery software and a compatible external drive.

4. What if the problem is hardware related?

If you suspect a hardware failure, you’ll likely need to contact a professional repair shop. They can diagnose the issue and provide a repair quote.