Unlock the Secrets of Your Surface Go 3: How to Access BIOS Like a Pro

What to know

This guide will walk you through the steps on how to access BIOS on your Surface Go 3, empowering you to customize settings, troubleshoot issues, and unlock the full potential of your device.
You might want to prioritize booting from a USB drive for installing a new operating system or recovering your device.
This section lets you configure the boot order, enabling you to choose which device your Surface Go 3 should boot from first.

The Surface Go 3, with its sleek design and powerful performance, is a fantastic device for productivity and entertainment. But what if you need to delve deeper into its inner workings? That’s where accessing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) comes in handy. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to access BIOS on your Surface Go 3, empowering you to customize settings, troubleshoot issues, and unlock the full potential of your device.

Why Access BIOS on Your Surface Go 3?

The BIOS is the fundamental software that controls your Surface Go 3’s hardware components. It’s the first program your device runs when you power it on, and its settings influence how your device boots, interacts with peripherals, and even manages its power consumption.
Here are some key reasons why you might need to access the BIOS on your Surface Go 3:

Change Boot Order: You might want to prioritize booting from a USB drive for installing a new operating system or recovering your device.
Enable or Disable Boot Options: You can adjust settings like Secure Boot, which helps protect your system from malicious software.
Configure Hardware Settings: This includes managing your device’s SATA mode, adjusting the fan speed, or enabling specific hardware features.
Troubleshoot Hardware Issues: If you’re facing problems with your keyboard, touchpad, or other hardware components, accessing the BIOS can help identify and resolve them.

The Different Methods to Access BIOS

There are two primary ways to access the BIOS on your Surface Go 3:
1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut:
This method is generally the quickest and most straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Power off your Surface Go 3 completely.
Press and hold the volume-up button.
While holding the volume-up button, press and release the power button.
Release the volume-up button.

Your Surface Go 3 should now boot into the BIOS menu.
2. Using the UEFI Firmware Settings:
This method is slightly more involved and may be necessary if the keyboard shortcut doesn‘t work:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Click on “Advanced startup” under “Recovery options.”
Select “Restart now.”
Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
Click on “Restart.”

This will take you to the BIOS menu.

Once you’re in the BIOS menu, you’ll see a screen with various options and settings. The exact layout may differ slightly depending on the specific firmware version on your device. Here are some common sections you’ll find:

Main: This section usually provides information about your system’s hardware, including the processor, memory, and storage devices.
Boot: This section lets you configure the boot order, enabling you to choose which device your Surface Go 3 should boot from first.
Security: This section contains settings related to system security, including Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
Advanced: This section offers more advanced settings, such as power management options, SATA mode, and fan control.
Exit: This section allows you to save your changes and exit the BIOS menu.

Making Changes and Saving Your Settings

To navigate the BIOS menu, use the arrow keys on your keyboard. To select an option, press the Enter key. Use the F keys (F1, F2, etc.) to access additional menus or settings.
Once you’ve made the desired changes, it’s crucial to save them before exiting the BIOS. The method for saving changes varies depending on the firmware version. Look for options like “Save & Exit” or “Exit & Save Changes.” Pressing the F10 key often triggers the saving process.

Restarting Your Surface Go 3

After saving your changes, your Surface Go 3 will restart and apply the new BIOS settings. Be patient, as the restart process may take a few minutes.

Understanding BIOS Settings

While navigating the BIOS, you’ll encounter various settings. Here’s a breakdown of some common ones:

Boot Order: This determines the order in which your Surface Go 3 checks for bootable devices. If you want to boot from a USB drive, make sure it’s set as the first boot device.
Secure Boot: This feature helps protect your device from malicious software by verifying the authenticity of the operating system and other boot components.
UEFI: This stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface and is a modern interface for managing system firmware.
SATA Mode: This setting determines how your Surface Go 3 interacts with your storage drives. You might need to adjust this if you’re experiencing compatibility issues.

Resetting BIOS to Default Settings

If you’ve made changes to your BIOS settings and are experiencing problems, you can reset them to their default values. Look for an option like “Load Defaults” or “Factory Reset” in the BIOS menu. This will restore all settings to their original configuration.

What to Do If You Can’t Access BIOS

If you’re unable to access the BIOS using the methods described above, it might be due to a hardware issue or a problem with the firmware. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check your keyboard: Ensure that the volume-up and power buttons are working correctly.
Try a different power source: Connect your Surface Go 3 to a different power outlet or adapter.
Update your firmware: Check for firmware updates on Microsoft’s website.
Contact Microsoft support: If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Microsoft support for assistance.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Power of BIOS

Understanding how to access and navigate the BIOS on your Surface Go 3 empowers you to fine-tune your device’s performance, troubleshoot issues, and unlock hidden functionalities. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, mastering the BIOS can significantly enhance your experience with this versatile device.