How to Restart a Surface Pro

The Start menu is the quickest method, but Ctrl+Alt+Del and the power button work, too

By
Matthew S. Smith
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Matthew S. Smith
Writer
  • Beloit College
Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others.
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Updated on October 30, 2023
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
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Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Open the Start menu, then press Power > Restart.
  • If your Surface Pro seems unresponsive, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then tap Power and select Restart.
  • You can also use the physical buttons on your Surface Pro, though the method differs by model.

This article explains how to restart your Microsoft Surface Pro using standard methods available to all Windows devices and unique ways that only work with a Surface Pro.

Restart a Microsoft Surface Pro Through the Start Menu

Going through the Start menu is the most straightforward restart method, as long as your Surface is responsive.

  1. Tap Start in the lower left hand corner of the desktop. The Start menu will appear and display several new options just above the Windows icon.

  2. Select the power button, or the word Power if you see it. A new menu will appear with several options.

    The Windows Start Menu open with the Power selection visible.

  3. Tap Restart. Your Surface Pro will restart after closing all open applications.

Restart a Microsoft Surface Pro With a Keyboard Shortcut

If you have a keyboard attached, you can restart your Surface Pro using a keyboard shortcut.

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously on your keyboard.

  2. The entire desktop will be replaced by a screen that lists several options. Tap the Power button in the lower right-hand corner.

    The Windows Ctrl + Alt + Delete screen.

  3. Tap Restart in the menu that appears.

Lifewire's Ctrl+Alt+Delete guide will teach you the other options this keyboard shortcut provides.

Use the Power Button to Restart a Microsoft Surface Pro

Another way to reboot a Surface Pro is with the physical power button. The steps are little different between the various models.

If you have the Surface Pro 5 or newer, press and hold the Power button for at least 20 seconds, then release the button when you see the Windows startup screen.

Restarting a Surface Pro 4 or Older

This method works with the Surface Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, and original Surface Pro.

  1. Press and hold the Power button until the screen is off.

  2. Release it, then press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds.

    Continue holding these buttons for the entire 15 seconds even if the screen flashes, turns off, or changes color.

  3. Release the buttons, then wait at least 10 seconds.

    A Microsoft Surface Pro shown from the rear with Power and Volume Up buttons visible.

  4. Press the Power button to turn your Surface Pro back on.

More Surface Pro Troubleshooting

The methods here will help you restart a Surface Pro, but if your device isn't working properly, it may not start after it turns off. Here's some help on fixing a Surface Pro that won't turn on.

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