What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this error and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Surface Go back up and running smoothly.
- A loose connection between the hard drive and the motherboard can prevent your Surface Go from detecting a bootable device.
- Encountering the “No Bootable Device” error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your Surface Go back up and running quickly.
If you’re encountering the dreaded “No Bootable Device” error on your Surface Go, you’re not alone. This common issue can leave you scratching your head, wondering what went wrong with your beloved device. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this error and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Surface Go back up and running smoothly.
Causes of “No Bootable Device” Error
- Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD): BCD is a small data file that contains information about the boot sequence of your Surface Go. If BCD becomes corrupted, your device may not be able to find a bootable operating system.
- Hard Drive Failure: A failing hard drive can prevent your Surface Go from accessing the operating system files.
- Secure Boot Disabled: Secure Boot is a security feature that prevents unauthorized operating systems from booting on your device. If Secure Boot is disabled, your Surface Go may not recognize a bootable device.
- BIOS Settings Incorrect: Incorrect BIOS settings can interfere with the boot process, leading to the “No Bootable Device” error.
- Loose Connections: A loose connection between the hard drive and the motherboard can prevent your Surface Go from detecting a bootable device.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Run System Diagnostics
Start by running the System Diagnostics tool to identify any hardware issues that may be causing the error. To do this:
1. Turn off your Surface Go.
2. Press and hold the volume down button while pressing the power button.
3. Release the power button when the Surface logo appears.
4. Continue holding the volume down button until the System Diagnostics screen appears.
2. Reset BIOS Settings
If the System Diagnostics don‘t reveal any hardware issues, try resetting your BIOS settings to their default values. To do this:
1. Turn off your Surface Go.
2. Press and hold the volume up and power buttons simultaneously for about 15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the UEFI firmware settings screen appears.
4. Navigate to the Exit tab using the volume buttons.
5. Select “Reset to Default Settings” and press Enter.
3. Reinstall Windows
If resetting the BIOS settings doesn‘t resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Windows. To do this:
1. Create a bootable USB drive using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
2. Insert the USB drive into your Surface Go.
3. Turn on your Surface Go and press F12 to access the boot menu.
4. Select the USB drive as the boot device.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.
4. Replace Hard Drive
If the “No Bootable Device” error persists after reinstalling Windows, you may need to replace your hard drive. To do this:
1. Turn off your Surface Go.
2. Remove the back cover using a Torx T5 screwdriver.
3. Disconnect the hard drive from the motherboard.
4. Insert a new hard drive into the slot.
5. Reassemble your Surface Go.
5. Contact Microsoft Support
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair.
Prevention Tips
To minimize the risk of encountering the “No Bootable Device” error in the future:
- Keep your BIOS and Windows up to date with the latest updates.
- Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
- Avoid installing third-party software that may interfere with the boot process.
- Handle your Surface Go with care to prevent physical damage that could affect the hard drive or motherboard.
Final Note: Getting Your Surface Go Back on Track
Encountering the “No Bootable Device” error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your Surface Go back up and running quickly. By understanding the causes of this error and following the recommended solutions, you can ensure that your device remains reliable and efficient.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Why does my Surface Go say “No Bootable Device” after a Windows update?
A: A Windows update may have corrupted the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) or reset the BIOS settings.
Q: Can I fix the “No Bootable Device” error without losing my data?
A: If the error is caused by corrupted BCD, you may be able to repair it using the System Diagnostics tool. However, if the error is due to a hard drive failure, you will likely lose your data.
Q: How do I check the health of my hard drive?
A: You can use the System Diagnostics tool or a third-party hard drive diagnostic utility to check the health of your hard drive.
