How To Fix Microsoft Surface Go Won’t Turn On Issue

The Microsoft Surface Go is a 2 in 1 device that delivers the performance of a laptop and the portability of a tablet. It was first released in 2018 and runs on Windows 10. Its 10 inch screen can be detached from the keyboard cover, allowing for a more compact system. Although this is a solid performing device there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Surface Go will not turn on issue.

Steps in fixing the Surface Go that will not turn on

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below you should consider doing a force restart. You can do this by pressing and holding down the power button until your Surface restarts and you see the Windows logo screen (about 20 seconds), then release the power button. 

There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a battery that has run out of power to a hardware issue. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix the problem.

Charge the Surface Go

To eliminate the possibility of the problem being caused by a drained battery you will need to charge the device. It will take a few hours for the device to be fully charged. The device will only charge with USB 2.0 or 3.0 compliant chargers. Chargers that provide 5 volts, 1.5 amps, or 7.5 watts can slowly charge your device and should be used only if there aren’t other options. Low voltage USB-A chargers with a USB-A to USB-C cable won’t work at all. 

In case the Surface Go does not charge then try the following steps

  • Unplug and disconnect all the cables. Clean everything with a soft cloth, and check for any damage. (Be sure to replace damaged cables.)
  • Plug the charger into another outlet, surge protector, or power strip. 
  • Try using a different charger.

If the charging LED does not light up then do the following steps.

  • With the device plugged into a power socket, disconnect the charging cable from the Surface and plug it back in again. If this works, your Surface and cable are fine.
  • With the cable plugged into the Surface, pull the power out from the power socket, then plug it back in. If the light turns on and your Surface begins charging, then the problem could be caused by a glitch.
  • Plug the cable into a power source and the Surface, then run the length of the cable through your hands. Try bending the cable slightly in different places, keep an eye on the charging light. If you see it flicker on as you move the cable, this means the cable has been damaged and needs to be replaced. If the light doesn’t flicker or light up at all, the reason for your Surface not turning on likely lies in the device itself and not the cable.

Once the device has charged perform a hard restart as shown below.

Do a hard restart

Once the device has successfully charged you should perform a hard restart.

  • Press and hold the Power button and Volume up key for about 15-20 seconds and then release the buttons. Bear in mind that you need to hold these buttons pressed for 15-20 seconds even if the screen lights up and the Surface logo appears.
  • Wait for about 10 seconds or so and then press the Power Button to start the device normally.

Check if the Surface Go won’t turn on issue still occurs.

Wake the device with keyboard shortcuts

  • Connect the device to a keyboard or use an integrated keyboard. Then press the Windows logo  key + Ctrl + Shift + B.
  • If you’re in tablet mode, quickly press the volume-up and volume-down buttons three times.

Check if the Surface Go will turn on.

Disconnect all USB devices

Sometimes the problem can be caused by a USB device connected to your computer. Disconnect any USB device and SD card/ microSD card connected to the device. It’s also best to disconnect the Surface Dock and the docking station.

Try to check if it will turn on.

Clean the connectors

There’s a possibility that the connectors are dirty which can lead to this problem.

  • Disconnect the Surface from the dock.
  • Use an eraser to clean the pins on the connector. Be gentle and try not to damage the connectors.
  • After doing that, use rubbing alcohol to clean the pins.
  • Make sure that they are completely dry before turning on your Surface.

Check if the Surface Go not turning on issue still occurs.

Bring the device to a repair center

If after performing the steps listed above the issue still occurs then you will need to bring the Surface Go to a service center as this could already be caused by a faulty hardware component.

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