What To Know
- The Surface Book is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of tasks, from work to play.
- It is recommended to create a recovery USB drive for your Surface Book in case of emergencies.
- Yes, you can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive from your Surface Book.
The Surface Book is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of tasks, from work to play. However, there may be times when you need to boot your Surface Book from a USB drive. This can be useful for troubleshooting, installing a new operating system, or recovering data.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to boot Surface Book from USB. We will also cover some troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you will need the following:
- A USB drive with the desired operating system or recovery image
- A USB keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the USB Drive:
- Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or Media Creation Tool.
- Ensure that the USB drive is formatted as FAT32 or NTFS.
2. Enter UEFI Settings:
- Shut down your Surface Book.
- Hold down the Volume Down button and press the Power button.
- Release the Volume Down button when the Surface logo appears.
3. Configure Boot Order:
- In the UEFI settings, navigate to the “Boot” tab.
- Set the “Boot Order” to “USB Drive.”
4. Boot from USB:
- Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your Surface Book.
- Press the “Exit” button and select “Restart Now.”
5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- Your Surface Book will now boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system or perform the desired recovery operation.
Troubleshooting
- Surface Book not booting from USB:
- Ensure that the USB drive is bootable and formatted correctly.
- Try using a different USB drive or USB port.
- USB keyboard and mouse not working:
- Connect the USB keyboard and mouse before entering UEFI settings.
- Try using a different USB keyboard and mouse.
- UEFI settings not accessible:
- Try holding down the Volume Down button for a longer period of time.
- Contact Microsoft support if you are still unable to access UEFI settings.
Additional Tips
- Create a Recovery USB Drive:
- It is recommended to create a recovery USB drive for your Surface Book in case of emergencies.
- This will allow you to boot from the recovery USB drive and restore your Surface Book to its factory settings.
- Disable Secure Boot:
- In some cases, you may need to disable Secure Boot in UEFI settings to boot from USB.
- However, this is not recommended for security reasons.
- Use a USB Hub:
- If you do not have enough USB ports on your Surface Book, you can use a USB hub to connect multiple devices.
Wrapping Up: Embracing the Flexibility of USB Booting
Mastering the art of booting Surface Book from USB empowers you with versatility and control over your device. Whether you need to troubleshoot, install a new operating system, or recover data, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to success. Remember to follow the steps carefully and apply the troubleshooting tips if necessary. With a little patience and technical prowess, you can unleash the full potential of your Surface Book and conquer any challenges that come your way.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I boot Surface Book from a macOS USB drive?
A: No, Surface Book does not support booting from macOS USB drives.
Q: What is the maximum size USB drive I can use to boot Surface Book?
A: The maximum size USB drive you can use to boot Surface Book is 16GB.
Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive using my Surface Book?
A: Yes, you can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive from your Surface Book.
