Surface book: April 2020 firmware updates bricked my device

Anonymous

This morning my surface book downloaded some firmware updates and asked for me to restart my device.

(Here's the details on the update: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4023488/surface-surface-book-update-history )

However, after the first restart, I find that the surface book is in a constant restart state. I cannot even force it to shut down or boot the UEFI menu.

This is exactly what it does:

Every 10 seconds or so, it will turn on, show me the "Surface" boot logo, and after 1 second immediately turns off. It does not even reach any Windows boot up sequence.

I found the following topic which advised doing a few steps but nothing works:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/all/surface-book-stuck-in-continuous-restarting-loop/91bc5782-aabf-4555-847a-05b92c88da6d

Could I please get some advice on what to do or how to fix this?

Thank you

Update: Seems the common factor between everyone who is having the issue is that the secure boot is disabled (I.e. there is a 'red strip' shown with an unlock icon being shown).

Update 2: I have been told my Microsoft that they believe the fault has nothing to do with them. The high number of people who are in this thread with the exact same issue clearly shows that the fault is NOT ours. We are now looking to take legal action as this forced firmware update caused damage to our devices, for which we require compensation from Microsoft (a fix or a replacement free of charge).

For taking legal action and making complaints follow this link:https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/legal/arbitration/EU-ODR.aspx

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

167 answers

Anonymous

2020-06-30T14:25:10+00:00

When I was trying to find a fix for my surface book, I came across this which is actually for the surface pro 4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6WyBOcf5Ew&list=WL

In the comment section, the guy describes how he fixed it:

* Cause

1. I booted my SP4(SurfacePro4) with low battery condition.

2. It booted, displayed 'Surface' logo and powered off immediately. (no loop)

3. I guessed it was just low battery problem. So I began to charge it.

4. Charging SP4 for a couple of hours, I booted it again.

5. It falled into 'Boot Loop'. It seems to be endless repeating of #2.

6. Nothing to do with SP4. Can't enter UEFI or OS reinstall.

* Solution

1. Discharge SP4 as possible as you can. Let SP4 boot loop alone. (in my case I've saw boot loop for 6 hours. painful)

2. It gets hot. Be careful for the heat radiation.

3. When it's fully discharged, it'll be powered off eventually.

4. Turn on SP4 again, and you can see a 'Big LOW BATTERY Icon' followed by 'Surface' logo. (and then powered off automatically)

5. Seeing ' Big LOW BATTERY Icon' is IMPORTANT. It makes a big chance to exit from the boot loop.

6. Try #4 repeatedly to discharge it as far as you can.

7. If it's entirely discharged, pressing the power button takes no effect.

8. OK. Now charge SP4 at least 15 minutes.

9. Push the power button. Voila~!

I'm trying this out not for my surface book, but not sure it will work as this seems to be more specific to the surface pro 4. But you should give this a go and see if it works for you.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2020-06-30T14:37:15+00:00

When I was trying to find a fix for my surface book, I came across this which is actually for the surface pro 4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6WyBOcf5Ew&list=WL

In the comment section, the guy describes how he fixed it:

* Cause

1. I booted my SP4(SurfacePro4) with low battery condition.

2. It booted, displayed 'Surface' logo and powered off immediately. (no loop)

3. I guessed it was just low battery problem. So I began to charge it.

4. Charging SP4 for a couple of hours, I booted it again.

5. It falled into 'Boot Loop'. It seems to be endless repeating of #2.

6. Nothing to do with SP4. Can't enter UEFI or OS reinstall.

* Solution

1. Discharge SP4 as possible as you can. Let SP4 boot loop alone. (in my case I've saw boot loop for 6 hours. painful)

2. It gets hot. Be careful for the heat radiation.

3. When it's fully discharged, it'll be powered off eventually.

4. Turn on SP4 again, and you can see a 'Big LOW BATTERY Icon' followed by 'Surface' logo. (and then powered off automatically)

5. Seeing ' Big LOW BATTERY Icon' is IMPORTANT. It makes a big chance to exit from the boot loop.

6. Try #4 repeatedly to discharge it as far as you can.

7. If it's entirely discharged, pressing the power button takes no effect.

8. OK. Now charge SP4 at least 15 minutes.

9. Push the power button. Voila~!

I'm trying this out not for my surface book, but not sure it will work as this seems to be more specific to the surface pro 4. But you should give this a go and see if it works for you.

I'll be trying this as well while I'm at work. (Surface Pro 6)

I'm curious if this is similar to removing the CMOS battery on a desktop PC thereby essentially resetting the BIOS/UEFI.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2020-06-30T15:05:43+00:00

Worth a shot, I'll report back if anything occurs.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2020-06-30T19:00:56+00:00

This does not appear to have worked for me. I let it discharge unil nothing happened upon pressing the power button. Then charged for 20 minutes and then pressed the power button. Still looping so im gonna try again.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2020-06-30T19:40:47+00:00

Same for me - not having much luck.

I never seem to see the low battery icon, which apparently is important
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments