Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 recovery images are here to help your broken PC
Microsoft has made recovery images available for its new Surface PCs.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft just launched itsSurface Pro 11andSurface Laptop 7. The devices are among the first wave of Copilot+ PCs that run onSnapdragon X EliteorSnapdragon X Plusprocessors. If you grabbed yourself one of the new flagship PCs during launch week and have run into serious issues, there is a new solution available. Microsoft released recovery images for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, giving users another way to reset their PCs.
There are multiple ways toreset a Windows 11 PC, including options that do not require a recovery image. Generally speaking, those options should be tried first before using a recovery image to reset your PC. But there are cases in which resetting your PC to factory conditions is not the solution to an issue. A recovery image can provide a way to reset your PC in those instances.
To get a recovery image for your Surface device, you’ll need to sign intoMicrosoft’s website. Once signed in, you can select the product you need a recovery image for and then enter the serial number of your device. Note that due to Microsoft’s naming scheme for the new Surface devices, which are officially called the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Pro 7th Edition, the PCs appear in the dropdown menu in an order you may not expect.
If you can’t find the serial number of your Surface device, the page has a tool that shows the location of the number depending on the PC you select.
Downloading a recovery image requires you to have a USB drive that’s been formatted to FAT32. Microsoft has a guide on how to use that drive toreset your Surface to factory settings.
Microsoft Surface Pro Essentials Bundle |from $1,189.18 at Microsoft
Microsoft’s new flagship 2-in-1 is here, ushering in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro has an OLED panel and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X processors. The Essentials Bundle saves you money on Microsoft 365 and gets you a 20% discount on a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13-inch) |from $999.99 at Microsoft
As the latest flagship laptop from Microsoft, the Surface Laptop 7 has a sleek design and is powered by a Snapdragon X processor. It promises long battery life and AI features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.
While you can purchase the Surface Laptop 7 through several retailers, only Microsoft offers the 64GB version of the laptop. That model of the laptop costs $2,399.99.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (15-inch) |From $999.99 at Microsoft
The larger sibling of the Surface Laptop 7 lineup has a 15-inch screen. It also runs on a Snapdragon X processor, meaning it can power AI features and general productivity.
The only way to get the 64GB version of the Surface Laptop 15is to buy the PC through the Microsoft Store. Just note that the 64GB version costs $2,499.99.
Using a recovery image is for when your Surface won’t start or if you want to reset the PC and recovery information has been removed from the device. The process requires a recovery drive and a bit of technical knowledge. Microsoft’s guide is thorough. Take a look through that guide and see if you’re comfortable following it before starting the reset process on your PC.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
