Surface RT Reset Without a Keyboard: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you stuck with a Surface RT that’s malfunctioning, and you don’t have a keyboard to perform a reset? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process on how to reset your Surface RT without a keyboard. We’ll cover the reasons why you might need to reset your Surface RT, the preparations you need to make before the reset, and the actual process of resetting your device.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need To Reset My Surface RT?

Before we dive into the reset process, it’s essential to understand why you might need to reset your Surface RT in the first place. There are several reasons why you might need to perform a reset:

Corrupted Operating System: If your Surface RT’s operating system has become corrupted due to a virus, malware, or a faulty update, a reset might be the only way to restore your device to its original state.
Forgotten Password: If you’ve forgotten your login password and can’t access your device, a reset will allow you to start from scratch and set up a new password.
Performance Issues: If your Surface RT is slow, unresponsive, or experiencing frequent crashes, a reset can help improve its performance and get it running smoothly again.
Selling or Donating: If you’re planning to sell or donate your Surface RT, a reset will ensure that all your personal data is erased, and the device is restored to its factory settings.

Preparations Before The Reset

Before you start the reset process, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth transition:

Backup Your Data: Since a reset will erase all your files, apps, and settings, it’s crucial to back up your important data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB drive. Make sure to save your files, documents, and photos to a safe location.
Sign Out of Microsoft Account: If you’re signed in to your Microsoft account, sign out to avoid any issues during the reset process.
Charge Your Device: Ensure your Surface RT is fully charged or plugged into a power source to prevent any interruptions during the reset process.

Resetting Your Surface RT Without A Keyboard

Now that you’ve prepared your device, it’s time to start the reset process. Since you don’t have a keyboard, we’ll use the on-screen keyboard to navigate the process.

Method 1: Using The Windows Recovery Environment

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a built-in tool that allows you to reset your Surface RT. To access WinRE:

Press and hold the Volume Down button while powering on your Surface RT.
Release the Volume Down button when you see the Windows logo.
On the Windows Recovery Environment screen, click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Reset your PC.
Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything. If you choose to remove everything, make sure you’ve backed up your important data.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Method 2: Using The UEFI Firmware Settings

If you’re unable to access the Windows Recovery Environment, you can use the UEFI firmware settings to reset your Surface RT. To access the UEFI firmware settings:

Press and hold the Volume Down button while powering on your Surface RT.
Release the Volume Down button when you see the UEFI firmware settings screen.
Use the touch screen or stylus to navigate to the Advanced tab.
Click on Reset and confirm that you want to reset your device.
Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything. If you choose to remove everything, make sure you’ve backed up your important data.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Post-Reset Setup

Once the reset process is complete, your Surface RT will restart, and you’ll be presented with the initial setup screen. Follow these steps to set up your device:

Select Your Language: Choose your preferred language and click Next.
Accept the License Agreement: Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, and click Next.
Choose Your Wi-Fi Network: Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your password.
Sign In or Create a Microsoft Account: You can either sign in with an existing Microsoft account or create a new one.
Set Up Your Surface RT: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device, including setting up your login password, updating your operating system, and installing any necessary drivers.

Conclusion

Resetting your Surface RT without a keyboard might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s a relatively straightforward process. Remember to backup your data, sign out of your Microsoft account, and charge your device before starting the reset process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to reset your Surface RT and get it running smoothly again.

What Is The Purpose Of Resetting My Surface RT?

Resetting your Surface RT without a keyboard can be a useful troubleshooting technique to resolve issues such as slow performance, frozen screens, or malware infections. It can also be used to restore the device to its factory settings, which can be helpful if you’re planning to sell or give away the device. By resetting your Surface RT, you can start with a clean slate and reinstall your favorite apps and settings.

It’s essential to note that resetting your Surface RT will erase all your personal files, apps, and settings, so be sure to back up your important data before proceeding with the reset process. You can use the built-in Windows Backup feature or a third-party backup tool to save your files and settings. Additionally, if you’re selling or giving away your Surface RT, be sure to remove any personal information and accounts before resetting the device.

Will I Lose My Windows RT License After Resetting My Surface RT?

No, you won’t lose your Windows RT license after resetting your Surface RT. The license is tied to the device’s hardware, not the software installation. When you reset your Surface RT, the license will remain intact, and you can reinstall Windows RT without any issues. However, if you’re using a volume license or an enterprise license, you may need to reactivate the license after the reset process.

It’s essential to note that if you’re using a retail license, you may need to reenter the product key during the reinstallation process. Make sure you have the product key handy before proceeding with the reset. You can find the product key on the packaging or on the Microsoft website if you purchased the license online.

Can I Reset My Surface RT Without A Keyboard If I’m Locked Out Of My Account?

Yes, you can reset your Surface RT without a keyboard even if you’re locked out of your account. The reset process doesn’t require you to log in to your account, and you can access the recovery mode using the Windows RT startup options. To do this, press and hold the Power button on your Surface RT for 10 seconds to shut it down. Then, press and hold the Volume-down button while pressing the Power button to turn it back on.

Once you’re in the recovery mode, you can select the “Troubleshoot” option and then “Reset your PC.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. Note that this method will erase all your personal files, apps, and settings, so be sure to back up your important data before proceeding.

Will Resetting My Surface RT Affect My Microsoft Account?

Resetting your Surface RT without a keyboard won’t affect your Microsoft account. Your Microsoft account is separate from your device’s software installation, and you can continue to use your account to sign in to other devices or access online services. However, if you’re using a Microsoft account to sign in to your Surface RT, you may need to sign in again after the reset process.

Make sure you have your Microsoft account credentials handy before proceeding with the reset. You can use the same account to sign in to your Surface RT after the reset, and you’ll be able to access your synced settings and files.

Can I Reset My Surface RT Without A Keyboard If It’s Not Turning On?

If your Surface RT is not turning on, you won’t be able to reset it using the standard method. However, you can try to boot your device into recovery mode using the Windows RT startup options. To do this, press and hold the Power button on your Surface RT for 30 seconds to discharge the capacitor. Then, press and hold the Volume-down button while pressing the Power button to turn it back on.

If your device boots into recovery mode, you can select the “Troubleshoot” option and then “Reset your PC.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. Note that this method may not work if your device is severely damaged or if the fault is with the hardware.

Will Resetting My Surface RT Delete My Files On The SD Card?

When you reset your Surface RT without a keyboard, the reset process will only erase the data on the internal storage. Your files on the SD card will remain intact, and you can access them after the reset process is complete. However, if you’re using the SD card as a storage device for your Surface RT, you may lose some data, such as app settings or cached files.

To be safe, it’s a good idea to remove the SD card before resetting your Surface RT. This will ensure that your files on the SD card are not affected during the reset process.

Can I Reset My Surface RT Without A Keyboard From The Windows RT Start Screen?

No, you cannot reset your Surface RT without a keyboard from the Windows RT Start screen. The reset option is not available from the Start screen, and you’ll need to access the recovery mode to reset your device. To do this, press and hold the Power button on your Surface RT for 10 seconds to shut it down. Then, press and hold the Volume-down button while pressing the Power button to turn it back on.