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Surface won't turn on
No matter what you do, you can't get your Surface to turn on.
Solution-
1. Force Restart: Press and hold power button for 30 seconds. Screen may flash but do not release power button until 30 seconds is complete. Then press the power button again to turn the Surface back on.
2. Two-button Shutdown: Press and hold the power button on your Surface for 30 seconds and then release it. Press and hold the volume-up button and the power button at the same time for at least 15 seconds and then release both. Wait 10 seconds and then turn your Surface back on
Windows Is not Responding
Windows is not starting up on your Surface Pro 3.
Solution-
1. Force Restart: Press and hold power button for 30 seconds. Screen may flash but do not release power button until 30 seconds is complete. Then press the power button again to turn the Surface back on.
2. Two-button Shutdown: Press and hold the power button on your Surface for 30 seconds and then release it. Press and hold the volume-up button and the power button at the same time for at least 15 seconds and then release both. Wait 10 seconds and then turn your Surface back on
3. Install Surface and Windows Updates: Go to Start , and select Settings > Update & security > Windows Update. Select Check for updates. If updates are available, select Details. Select the updates you want to install, and select Install. Surface may need to be restarted.
4. Scan Surface with Windows Defender: In the search box, enter defender, and in the search results, select Windows Defender. On the Home tab, choose a scan option, and select Scan now.
Battery won't charge
Your Surface is plugged in but isn't charging
Your charger is not plugged in to your Surface
Check your charging port to make sure your charger is being plugged in correctly
Your battery is not detected
Solution-
Boot the system with the power adapter connected, by holding down the power button until the unit powers itself off. Then disconnect the power adapter from the unit. Press and hold the Power button and wait for a depleted system battery icon full screen. Reconnect the power adapter to the unit. Then press and hold the volume up and power button for 15 seconds. Finally, press and hold the volume up and power button until the keyboard lights up.
Your Surface only runs when plugged into the charger
This may mean that it is time to replace your battery. To replace the battery, follow this link to our battery replacement guide.
Wifi Connection Issues
Trouble connecting to the internet from your Surface Pro 3?
Run Troubleshooters
Click on your start menu, located on the lower left side of your screen. Click on the search box located in the menu. Search “Network Troubleshooter”, in the results you should see “Identify and repair network problems” click and follow the steps. It will try and fix any network issues that may be present.
Outdated Drivers
Try to install the latest updates on your surface to fix the issue. If you cannot connect to your home network try to connect to a public Wi-Fi connection. If you are unable to connect to a public connection. Connect to the internet using an ethernet connection. As a last resort, you might be able to use your phone’s internet connection by enabling the mobile hotspot option.
Date and Time Setting
Sometimes the issue can be the date and time setting. To fix this click on the icon located in the bottom right hand side of your screen’s toolbar. The icon contains the time and date. Click on the red highlighted text that says “Date and Time Settings” you can enable the set time automatically option or you could manually set it yourself.
Restart Wi-Fi on Surface
Click on your start menu icon located on the bottom left side of your toolbar. A menu will open up, you will then see a search bar located near the bottom left side of your screen. Type in there “Wi-Fi Settings” click on the “Change the Wi-Fi Setting” option. There you can toggle on/off the Wi-Fi. Choose the Wi-Fi connection you would like to connect to. If this still does not work try disconnecting completely from your Wi-Fi, by clicking on your connection and then clicking “disconnect” and connect back onto it. It will make you input your password again so make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before attempting this.
Manually Install the Driver
After attempting everything above, your Wi-Fi still does not connect then try manually installing your Wi-Fi drivers, follow this Microsoft guide to install wireless drivers.
Surface Pro Driver Installation
Bluetooth Connection Issues
Trouble connecting bluetooth device with your Surface Pro 3?
Run automated troubleshooter
You can also search for the ”Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter” program in the search box under the start menu. Follow the instructions that the program gives.
Check Compatability of your Bluetooth Device
Learn how to make your device discoverable by any other device, by reading their manual or website. Click on your start menu located on the bottom left corner of the your screen and click on settings, devices, bluetooth. When your Surface Pro 3 finds your bluetooth device click on pair.
Latest Drivers on Windows
Make sure you have the latest drivers on windows, by running the windows live updater. You can easily find this by typing in the search box “Check for Updates.” Then click on the “check for updates” button, this will start making sure your computer is up to date. Any updates it may still need to download will start downloading them automatically.
Overheating
If you have the Surface Pro 3 Core i7 version, you may have issues with overheating. The i7 version delivers great power into a small package, thus the device is prone to overheating. This problem has been associated with the running of Windows Installer Module and Windows Installer Module Worker. Shutting those two systems down is believed to cool your Surface Pro, but if not you will probably need to downgrade to i5 processor version.
Screen Problems
Your screen freezes at random times, your screen will not rotate, the touchscreen is not responding to touch, or your screen is broken.
Random Freezing
This can occur when switching apps, on the Start screen, or even when doing nothing. There is no common cause so pay attention when freezing occurs to see what the problem could be. Try holding down the Power button and the Volume up button for 15 seconds. Wait a couple of seconds and then press the Power button again and it will restart.
Screen Rotation
Follow this link to fix your screen rotation problems.
Touchscreen Problems
Follow this link to fix touchscreen problems.
Glitch- Cursor Disappears
Folding the Type Cover keyboard back is known for causing the cursor to disappear, and it refuses to return when the keyboard is flipped back around. Others have found that the cursor just disappears at random when they’re using the mouse.
Cracked Screen
Follow this link to fix your broken screen or digitizer.
Problems with SSD card
Look to our replacement guides to learn how to replace your SSD card.
Broken headphone jack
Make sure your headphone jack is clear and your head phones are being plugged in completely and properly. If this is not the case, follow this link to replace your headphone jack.
crwdns2915084:0crwdne2915084:0
Cal Poly, Team 12-18, Maness Fall 2015 crwdns2935289:0Cal Poly, Team 12-18, Maness Fall 2015crwdne2935289:0
CPSU-MANESS-F15S12G18
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Surface pro won't start problem FIXED.
1. Charge the battery.
2. Press the on button very hard for 2 seconds and release it. Button have dirt inside.
3. If Surface start, adjust the power option plan to prevent off for sleep, power button and lid.
4. Put one drop of WD40 penetrating oil from the top of button to internally clean it.
5. Press the button 20-25 times to move the oil inside the switch.
6. Shoot down and start the PC normally. If not work, repeat step 2 (only) two or 3 times.
Wilson Roman - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
this probably isn’t recommended but I tried everything to get my surface pro 3 to turn on. nothing worked. I was so frustrated that I flexed the case forward and backward. heard the case grind a little. My surface immediately turned on. I am installing all updates now. I also turned off all sleep functions, hopefully I don’t have to deal with this again. This will never be my primary PC again though….
Michael Peterson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I have tried everything as well and never had any luck to get it to turn back on. I tried Michael’s suggestion of flexing the whole tablet forward and backward two or 3 times and it fired right up!!!
Aaron Baumgartner -
Wow, this just worked for me as well. I didn’t have to flex it harder than I thought it could take. Mine hasn’t been able to turn on for a couple of weeks. Tried everything I could find online. MS Store was no help (offered to sell me another surface). Thanks for posting.
Mark Hopkins -
Yes! I've tried everything and nothing worked, then saw these comments, flexed my surface back and forth a couple times and hit the power button and wham! Back to life!
Mike Redlegguy -
I just tried this, and it also worked for me. What the heck?!
Aaron King -
holy $@$* it worked for me as well!
Mohamad -
Yeah….I can’t believe this actually worked. Mind blown.
Brooke Greathouse -
Wow! I can’t believe it but flexing it actually did work. My Surface Pro 3 was dead for months. I tried everything I could find to get it going again. I came close to just junking it but for some reason I didn’t and now I’m glad. I did a system reset on it just so I could start fresh on it again and now it works great again (at least so far)! Thanks a lot for the tip!
Dennis -
lol .. very true :) worked on my surface 3 too
Satmilan Dei -
What do u mean case??
Meli 16 -
Wow, I’m glad you posted this. As others have said, this worked and I have no idea how or why. I actually sold this Surface Pro 3 on eBay and they used it for 3 days and it never turned on again. He tried all the techniques online and the Microsoft store declared it dead. He returned it to me, I tried everything and I read this, I flexed it somewhat hard by pressing on it with my thumbs and trying to bend it a little bit. Then it turned on!!!
quallsjon -
I've been pulling my hair out for the last 4 hours trying to get mine to boot, flex little grind and boom all good, cheers mate
Stuart Davies -
Make sure to limit your max processor state to around 60-70% otherwise this will keep happening
Mohamad -
Flexing worked! I’ve had my Surface Pro 3 out of commission for a year cause it wouldn’t turn on. Thank you! Now I can travel.
farzad.hemmati -
I tried flexing my surface back and forth countless times but it doesn't seem to be coming back to life, please what do you recommend I do?
Ngbede Adamu -
OMG Thank you so so much!!! I tried this method after trying evey thing else and my surface Pro turned on!!!!!!
Cindy Mejia -
THANK YOU!!! nothing else worked, resigned myself to the fact that it’s f%#*ed, thought, why not - flexed it and it works!
Leigh Coxall -
This worked for me as well, just leaving a note for everyone not believing. Working in IT for 10 years, never thought slightly bending a tablet would ever fix it. I heard a snapping sound, like something was begin forced back into it’s interface. Could it be the RAM snapping into place?
I don’t know what it is, but it is fixed for now.
Shaj Kong -
Thank you Michael, the flexing worked for me too. My surface was running fine on my desk one minute, then was off. I also tried all the key combos power button fixes and nothing… Fortunately I found this thread after about an hour of frustration. I laid the Surface on the bed and flexed it, still got nothing. So I tried what other posters had mentioned with a few soft hits on the back and flexed a bit more then it fired right up. I did not hear anything popping back into place but it did work for me.
Carlton
Carlton Muns -
Lol. Who knew, the frustration factor would reign victorious! Thank you for this gem of a solution. Worked for me, as well.
kyle -
Wow. I really had no hope that this would fix the issue but bending it back and forth did the trick.
Chrys Ippus -
After almost 2 years of this laptop not working and trying EVERYTHING… Ive just come across this comment and it &&^&^$^ worked!!! Thank you so much!!!
Anwen Phillips -
I cannot &&^&^$^ believe this worked. When I read this this sounded like the stupidest advice I’d ever heard, but 3 other people said it worked so I tried it, and to my absolute astonishment the tablet actually booted.
Leo Stern -
Waited 40 minutes for my surface to start up - first time anything like this has happened- gave her a little flex back and forth. Turned her on and she was back to life. I'm very confused, a little worried but happy
Georgia -
HOLY $#/π!
I can't believe this actually worked. ? Just spent half an hour trying to get this Pro 3 to boot after putting it to sleep last night. Nothing worked, then I read this comment, lol! ?
Martin Baker -
You legend! This actually worked. Thank You!
Cody Rawrz -
This worked for me too! a bump on the edge of the table and it's back to life
David Guenther -
My SP3 died on April 15, 2020. Today, over four years later, I tried this and it worked. It friggin’ worked. This is now a PEER TESTED METHOD. There must be some sort of connections inside that … y’know what? Who even knows at this point. Whatever, doesn’t matter. This method made it work. So I’m gonna count my blessings and say thank you.
Ken Weaver -
I just spent the last 40 minutes testing why this worked for so many people. I finally figured it out!
The device gets hot, at some point while being used, and the fan gets stuck. If the fan cannot rotate, the device shuts it down and will not let you turn it back on until the fan can turn when you press the power button. It just makes the fan turn maybe one single rotation as a self test.
If the fanblades are still stuck, and it does not turn when you press the power button, it will not come on.
Flexing the body unsticks the fan blades.
That it passes the bootup test and allows the device to come on each time.
One guy mentioned that he hast to keep doing it every once in a while and suggested finding a way to limit the processor so that it is throttled at 60%.
Sounds like his fan blades gets stuck every now and then. I don’t know if it’s bad bearings or heat causes swelling of something inside the case that cinches the fan blades, but your flex method helps the fanblades become unstuck, thus the “noise” inside.
Ken Weaver -
@kenweaver hey, thanks for your intensive research. Can you say which flex "direction" works best? As in "top right and bottom left to the back" for example
Tommy Wienert -
I have tried flexing it and it still does not turn on. Anything else to do?
Thanks
HEC - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Flex it more. I learned it is because the fan cannot spin, it gets stuck. That is why some people in these comments report a slight noise when they flex it successfully.
Apparently the system does not want to damage itself so it refuses to turn on until it can spin at bootup. Even if it’s just a little flick to make it rotate.
Flexing it unsticks the fan.
Ken Weaver -
Amazing! My Pro 3 used to start up after couple of hits at the back top part. After a while it would not start again. Then I repeat the process to start it up again. But this time it wound not start up no matter how I hit it. :-) I saw this comment about the flexing and tried it. It didn’t work at first. I did more flexing and hit the back again. Press the power button and it turned on!!!! Just keep trying if it does not work. :-)
paul.li.008 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Amazing! Glad I saw this post. But now I’m curious: why does this work?
Bruce Ostbo - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The super thin fan sticks sometimes.
The unit will not power on unless its boot sequence sees that the fan can turn a little.
Flexing it unsticks the fan, allowing it to pass a key boot sequence requirement. I threw myself into figuring it out for the better part of an hour to figure it out.
Ken Weaver -
this is how I got a Microsoft surface to come on after trying all the fixes on the net from what I think it is in sleep mode windows 8 have a problem with coming out of sleep mode first thing you want to do is get something that runs on usb power I used a dvd player plug it and try to turn the dvd player on it will not come on this is a way to drain all power out of the system try it a few times now plug a usb power source into the usb male to male usb then plug the power source in of the surface press power button then it should come on message @iphone5000g@gmail.com to let me no if it work for you
wizznalt - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
So many comments on flexing/hitting, and my unit is well out of warranty. I said what the heck and gave it go and what do you know. You guys are on to something. I wish I knew what exactly is going on inside.
ganbare6 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I wanted to know as well, so I ran tests and checked code.
The device’s fan sticks sometimes.
When the fan sticks, the unit powers off out of self preservation.
The unit will not power on unless its boot sequence sees the fan can turn a little.
Flexing the frame unsticks the fan, allowing it to pass a key boot sequence requirement.
Ken Weaver -
What do ypu mean by “ flexing" ? I have tried the 2 button restart and it doesn't work. Am getting frustrated!!!
Gerri Laws - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
This method is really for when you are out of options and no longer under warranty. Be sure you have the same no power symptoms with no keyboard lighting up. It doesn’t require that much force. I actually feel more comfortable hitting the back while holding the LCD side with my other hand. Follow this up by long-press on power button to shut down and short-press to turn on. Won’t need to use volume-power combos. Someone ought to make a video the next time it happens.
ganbare6 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Crazy, worked for me as well even though if felt like a crazy person doing it !
fisqo - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I looked at the comments and decided to flex the surface pro 3. Didn’t have to flex it too hard and it started right up.
bradleybengel - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I almost lost hope and it worked for me as well. flex a little bit wow
Femi Olajimbiti - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Just another random person here saying that flexing worked when all the key combos didn’t. I guess this is an extremely temporary kind of fix, maybe useful to get files off the device in an emergency.
For what it’s worth, I have a USB power monitor that I connect between solar panels & battery packs. When I connected it to the Surface USB port when it wouldn’t power up properly, I could see that the device powers up for a couple of seconds and powers down again immediately, with or without the charger connected.
And, with my Surface now booting, the battery report shows 100% charged, 252 cycles… So it doesn’t feel like a battery problem at all. It feels more like an XBOX RROD problem, maybe some fault with a PCB or connector after a few years of use.
Neil C - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I was freaking out because I thought I had an important file on my Surface (it was actually backup to Dropbox). Looking all over online on every way to force restart and failing I was about to tear my Surface apart to get to the HDD. Then I saw this thread on flexing the Surface. I really thought the whole thread was just a bunch of people jumping on a group troll….but it worked! It took 3 tries with me adding more pressure each time but it worked.
Gabriel Hoeffken - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Flexing/pushing into the screen several times worked to get my Surface Pro 3 to load windows. Before trying this suggestion, the screen remained stuck on a black background with only “Surface" written in white. I'm surprised this worked. Thank you.
D R - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Flexing worked for us as well. Tried hitting all the button combos and still couldn't get it to power up. Gave it a little bend horizontally and vertically and boom powered up. Thank you!!
laesy777 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
OMG, it worked! I had to twist it a bunch of times because I'm a weinie. I am so happy! Thanks everyone for the advice!
Vicky Curl - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Thanks for the giggle.
Margaret Rengstorf -
I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SH*T WORKED!!! Popped right on!
Sam - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Stopped working about 2 months ago, tried everything and nothing worked. I flexed it and banged on the back a few times and it worked.
John Gervasio - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I thought flexing it back and forth was a joke until I saw so many people saying it worked. Last resort as I thought my Pro 3 had a good life… And it worked for me too! Didn't even have to twist it very hard, so little risk of breaking. Thank you!!!!
PP10 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Oh my god, YESSSS!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Kristin - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I can’t believe it (flexing) worked! I was at a loss about getting it going again, as the 2 button press wasn’t working.
It appears that it was due to a Windows update. I wish I knew how this worked, but it did so thank you so much!
travmk21 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I have no clue why that worked but it did. I $@$* you not, I thought all of these people are crazy. I slightly flexed in opposite directions and $@$* a brick as I hit power and it started. Good flexing y’all; however, I suggest immediate backup and buying a new computer.
Matthew Nolan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The flex trick worked for me as well. Now we need somebody from Microsoft to tell us how this happens.
amirhpo - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
What the !&&*… flexing solved the issue…
Hemlig Heter - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Install windows - message for Surface 3
The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation, cannot proceed. to install windows, click “OK” to restart the computer, and then restart the installation. it keeps doing this I can’t get past this when you switch it on. any ideas?
Sarah - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
To answer everyone’s question about why Flexing works: My best guess would be that the flexing forces back a poorly-designed connector to re-establish a proper connection. The connectors inside the surface or tiny, and even the tiniest of movements can make them out of alignment, or in this case, return to its correct alignment. Due to the nature of its otherwise complete lack of response, I feel that the connection that is being made is the one involved in transferring power from the battery to the motherboard of the Surface Pro 3.
kyle - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I too flexed it and pressed the battery button really hard and same thing thanks!
Michelle Mercy - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
my surface pro 3 keyboard has stopped working but I can still run the computer on touch screen. and using an external wireless keyboard. I have tried attaching a new surface pro 3 keyboard cover but this does not work.
William Robertson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Man, I am so glad I came across this thread/forum….I have worked with tech for the past 30 years and well, you live and you learn…usually hiting something won’t make it work…but it worked for me. I almost had lost hope on it. Thanks for whomever was the first person who posted this fix. God Bless You.
Paul-Dec. 2020
Paulo Meira - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The fact it worked was driving me NUTS, so I went down the rabbit hole to learn why.
The device’s fan sticks sometimes.
When the fan sticks, the unit powers off out of self preservation.
The unit will not power on unless its boot sequence sees the fan can turn a little.
Flexing the frame unsticks the fan, allowing it to pass a key boot sequence requirement.
Ken Weaver -
Michael your a genius!! Thank you so much I was getting so mad tried what you did once forward once back fired right up!! Thank you so much
Kathryn Lockrem - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
After 2 years of this laptop not working and trying EVERYTHING!… Thought I would give it another try before resorting to taking it to a professional to be fixed and I just came across your comment… And flexing it worked, hardly had to use any pressure!!! Thank you so much!
Anwen Phillips - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I am SOOOO happy this worked. I mean, the Surface Pro 3 I have was just dead-ola. So, I took it to a computer fix-it guy. He had it for 1 1/2 weeks. In the meantime, I saw this thread. So, I called him. He still hadn’t worked on it, and I told him I would just pick it up.
When I got there, I told him that I was going to try flexing it a bit. He did it in front of me, and it came on! He charged me $85.00 because he said he had spent quite a bit of time researching it himself. Hahahaha!!!
Anyway, glad it worked and thank you so much!!!!
Margaret Rengstorf - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Here I am as shocked as you all are after spending an hour on Microsoft chat and them telling me it was probably the charger and there was nothing else I could do. I found this thread and I got it right back on!!! Incredible and truly a miracle to get my data onto a flash drive!! There was not a single thing wrong with my computer I’m wondering if I should still go buy a new one..
Adrianna Nicholson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The device’s fan sticks sometimes.
When the fan sticks, the unit powers off out of self preservation.
The unit will not power on unless its boot sequence sees the fan can turn a little.
Flexing the frame unsticks the fan, allowing it to pass a key boot sequence requirement.
Ken Weaver -
Could not believe it but IT WORKED! I was just about to throw it from the window of my apartment… :)
Thanks Michael!
Rob - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Turn on my surface pro 3, window logo flashed then screen black out. There after cannot power up anymore despite trying to reset the device
Alex Goh - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
When you flex it firmly, it unsticks the fan blades that got stuck, which caused the unit to shut down out of self preservation.
Ken Weaver -
Cant believe flexing work after reading the unbelievable comments. Alive now thanks!!!
Alex Goh - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Cant believe flexing work after reading the unbelievable comments. Alive now thanks!!!
Alex Goh - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Just to add this flexing was a miracle cure . Surface back to life within seconds . Thanks
hotlotshot - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I’ve just brought my SP3 back to life using this flex and banging the back of the notebook after trying the Microsoft recommendations for 4 days without any success. Amazing and thank you everyone for providing the solution.
ian - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Oh my gosh. I absolutely don't believe this. I have been messing around with this stupid surface 3 pro for 2 weeks. Ordered a new charger and tried all the tricks I have read. I tried the flexing you mentioned but was a bit afraid to. Put my surface on the bed face down and pushed down on the back like giving it cpr. %#*@, if when I went to turn it on it came on. Don't know how or why and really don't care. It's working. Thank you, Thank you. I thought people on this thread were kidding, now I know they aren't. hahaha.
Jenni Fenderbosch - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
i also "fixed" the "Surface won't turn on" issue with the reanimation method of this video:
https://youtu.be/CyLhp3EXkZ0
Sadly it seems to have overheat issues now, had a lot of reboots while using Cura or other high load applications
Tommy Wienert - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
My SP3 was running a long program overnight and I woke up the find it dead. I had USB devices attached and they still show power from the SP3. When I push the power button for 30+ seconds. The power to the USB devices will go out, come on for 2 seconds and go out again while the screen remains dead. Found a UTube video suggesting tapping and pounging on the screen. I tried that and it made no difference. Then I found this comment from Michael and the SP3 came back to life. Thank you Michael. It is likely that this is caused by a bad contact inside the SP3 and the flexing fixes that contact issue. I am surprised that there are connections inside that are not soldered down.
SAmmy Mok - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I thought the exact same thing, that it must be a bad connection inside.
Turns out the fan was stuck, and when you press the on button, the system tests if the fan can turn before it allows the device to come on. It’s part of a boot sequence test, and if it can’t pass that, and the fan doesn’t turn at all, it will not turn on.
Tapping it worked for some people, flexing it worked for everybody. That is why some people reported hearing a grinding sound inside their unit - it was the sound of the stuck fan popping unstuck.
So long is that fan can flicker or turn during a bootup sequence, the Surface will come to life every time.
This is why some people reported that they had to do it more than once because the fan got stuck again for them.
Anyway, that was my TED Talk, I guess. Lol.
Ken Weaver -
Thanks a lot. I flexed the LCD side and it worked! Flexing and hitting the back didn't work for me.
nay aung - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Michael Peterson's May 30, 2018 suggestion of flexing solving not turn-turn-on also fix mine. I bent diagonally. Wonder why this works, though. I bought it 2014. Just when the warranty was over same problem, I bought it to the MS store. Trying to turn it on couple times to no avail, the staff gave me a new replacement. That was 5 yrs ago. A problem existed long time ago, wonder why MS not doing improvements yet to keep this premium line of product, Surface, good reliability since it is so good in other areas.
Shiu Kee Leung - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I have learned that the fan gets stuck inside the device. When you go to turn it back on, if the fan blades are still stuck, and it cannot turn even slightly, the device will not allow the unit to turn on as a self preservation method. So that it won’t get overheated. Flexing the device unsticks the fan.
That is why some people report hearing a grinding sound inside when they flex it.
If the fan can spin slightly, when you press the “on” button, it will pass the test required for bootup, and allow the device to turn on.
Thanks for reading my obnoxiously long TED talk, lol.
Ken Weaver -
Wow! Can't believe that worked, but it did. I was ready to bring it in for recycling.
Bryan Aldrich - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I’ve also tried everything I could find about turning my surface pro on, nothing worked. Then I read these comments and tried flexing the case backwards and forwards a few times… it turned on straight away!! Thanks Michael for the fix, and thanks to all those who commented to let others know that Michael’s fix worked! 👍🏻😊
Tashlee81 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0