Surface Go uefi version is 1.0.34 and No Bootable Device error

After some 6 weeks and 4 separate attempts I am pleased to report that today I have been successful with MS Support. This was achieved through the Surface Go support chat service. They didn't even ask me for the photo of the UEFI screen. They acknowledged in black and white that the firmware update was their error and so they are replacing devices free of charge, outside of my warranty.

I feel sympathetic for anyone else that is still struggling so I will share what I can in case this will help you.

Firstly I made sure I was on the MS Surface Go support - you can check this by looking at the URL. This is the page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface-go  scroll down the page and click on Contact Us. I put in my issue as "Surface Go bricked after 1.0.34 update". I also did something different this time to the other tickerts - I selected "Hardware issue" on the drop down rather than "Technical support".

As others have reported here, it does seem they a have process in place now:

1. They acknowledge the firmware caused devices to break
2. They offer a free replacement and ask if you want to proceed with that
3. They escalate the issue to the Hardware Team - and I think this may be the key point - Hardware not Tech Support
4. Ask for your address etc
5. Process it
6. Tell you you will receive a confirmation email with the return label within 24 hours to send back your machine with.
7. Once they receive the broken device they will ship you a replacement.

The agent was very helpful, and apologetic and he said he had seen my previous unanswered emails and support tickets. So it seems that they either have finally got a solution is place and or they respond to you being persistent.

Here is the screenshot of the chat that I hope will help and encourage everyone else who is still trying to get a replacement.

You da man, thx!

This worked! Called 1-800-Microsoft, Select 1, 2, then serial number, then 3.

This will get you to an agent.

This agent transferred me to the Surface team.

Surface team agent got the serial number and firmware version from me. Explained that although it was out of warranty, this is a known issue on their end and they will escalate it to their device replacement department. 72 hour turnaround time. He took down my shipping address to send the replacement to.

Fingers crossed. My daughter won't be happy that she lost everything stored on this device but hopefully it's a good lesson for her to back up her data in the future.

Statistically, it's impossible for everyone with an eMMC Go to have the same "hardware" failure right after a firmware update.

I can't fathom why Microsoft won't let you roll-back firmware, there's no physical reason you can't.

I think the problem lies with Microsoft having to admit someone screwed up. Once they go that route they'll have to find a way to fix it on their dime.

If they stop putting out 1.0.34.0 they would have to give a reason. i.e. we screwed up.

At this rate they're dragging their feet, perhaps figuring out which is cheaper a recall or lawsuit.

Will they refund anyone who's already paid for repair?

Personally, I think getting the word out is the way to go. Nobody likes negative press.

Just chatted with MS support, they suggested using the "Feedback Hub" app to submit a problem.

So I posted the following:

May 2022 UEFI firmware 1.0.34.0 causes a "no bootable device" error on eMMC Surface Go 1 computers.

Firmware 1.0.34.0 has forgotten how to boot from eMMC Surface Go 1 4GB 64GB eMMC computers. This is happening to many if not all baseline Surface Go 1's as seen in the Microsoft tech support forums.

Good idea with Paul Thurrott didn’t think of that. I’ll try to talk to Scott Hanselman he might be able to give us a name or two to talk to.

Below is the email I sent to Mr. Thurrott.

Hello Mr. Thurrott Seems Microsoft has been pushing out a Windows firmware update for the Surface Go series of tablets. This firmware version 1.0.34.0 was released end of May 2022 and is causing many Surface Go 4G 64GB eMMC machines to no longer boot from the internal eMMC with a "No bootable device" error.According to this thread, Microsoft appears to know there is an issue but has done nothing to fix it aside from sending in your device for a replacement for $250.Surface Go uefi version is 1.0.34 and No Bootable Device error - Microsoft CommunityA Reddit thread(9) URGENT NOTICE: Surface Go 1 UEFI firmware 1.0.34.0 update is bugged. "No Bootable Device" : Surface (reddit.com)And a single articleSurface Go, pay attention to firmware 1.0.34: more than someone is in serious trouble - Real Mi CentralNot sure what it takes to get the wheels greased at Microsoft, but they are "bricking" lots of Surface Go 1 baselines.Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.Bill from Canada