This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Resetting BIOS passwords on hardware you do not own is illegal in many jurisdictions. The methods involving hardware interaction carry a risk of damaging the device. Proceed at your own risk.
If the above methods don't work:
For a Surface Pro 4, there is no official software-based way to reset a forgotten UEFI (BIOS) password; Microsoft officially states that they cannot retrieve or reset it for you Microsoft Learn
However, depending on your goal, you have a few options ranging from simple bypasses to advanced hardware fixes. 1. Try Common "Master" Passwords
Before attempting difficult resets, some users have reported success with these common defaults using an external USB keyboard 2. Reset Windows (If you just need to log in)
If your goal is simply to regain access to Windows and you aren't blocked by the UEFI from booting, you can factory reset the OS. This remove the UEFI password but will wipe your user password. Connect a keyboard and go to the login screen. key and select Power > Restart Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything 3. Hardware Reset (Advanced Only)
To truly remove a UEFI password lock that is preventing you from changing boot settings or Secure Boot, you must physically interact with the motherboard. This is risky and requires technical skill.
If the hardware short seems too risky or fails, the professional solution is to reprogram the BIOS chip directly.
Tools Required:
The Procedure:
Risk Note: Flashing the wrong BIOS file can "brick" the device permanently. If you overwrite the Windows Product Key in the BIOS, you may lose the digital license for Windows.
How to Handle a Locked Surface Pro 4 BIOS: Methods and Realities
Forgetting your Surface Pro 4 UEFI (BIOS) password can feel like hitting a brick wall. Unlike standard Windows login passwords, which are relatively easy to reset, Microsoft's UEFI security is designed to be rigorous. Microsoft Support officially states that they cannot retrieve or reset these passwords for you. If you are stuck, 1. Distinguishing BIOS from Windows Passwords First, ensure you are actually locked out of the BIOS.
Windows Password: This is the screen you see after the Surface boots up. You can reset this by holding the Shift key and selecting Power > Restart from the login screen, then choosing Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
BIOS/UEFI Password: This appears immediately after turning the device on, often with a black screen and a padlock icon. This password prevents changes to hardware settings like boot order. 2. The Enterprise "Backdoor" (If Applicable) surface pro 4 bios password reset high quality
If your Surface Pro 4 was originally a corporate or school device, it may be managed via the Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM).
Contact IT: Admins can often push a "reset package" to the device to clear UEFI settings.
Certificate Reset: Some technical users have found success by entering incorrect details until the prompt closes, then using the Surface Configuration Tool to run a reset package with the device’s serial number. 3. Clearing TPM (Low Success Rate)
In some specific firmware versions, clearing the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can reset security flags. Power off your Surface.
Hold the Volume Up button and press Power to enter UEFI settings.
If you can reach any menu, navigate to Security > Clear TPM.
Warning: This will not work if the BIOS itself is password-protected from the start, but it can resolve some secondary security lockouts. 4. Advanced: Manual CMOS and BIOS Reflashing
For home users without enterprise tools, the only "high-quality" fix is hardware-based. This requires technical expertise and opening the device, which may damage the screen. Bios password locked out surface pro 8 - JustAnswer
Resetting a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 BIOS (UEFI) password is a complex task because Microsoft designed these devices without a default "backdoor" password or a simple jumper reset. Standard methods like removing the CMOS battery generally do not work on Surface devices, as the password is stored in non-volatile memory.
Depending on your technical comfort level, there are three primary ways to address a locked BIOS: 1. The "Soft" Reset (Factory Reset)
If your goal is simply to regain access to Windows and you aren't strictly required to change BIOS settings, you can perform a factory reset.
This will not remove the BIOS password itself but will allow you to bypass a forgotten Windows login. Connect a physical keyboard. At the Windows sign-in screen, hold the While holding Shift, select Once the blue "Choose an option" menu appears, select Troubleshoot Reset this PC Choose "Remove everything" for a completely clean start. 2. The Hardware Method (Chip Reflashing) To actually
the BIOS password, you must interact directly with the hardware. This is considered the only "high-quality" permanent fix for a lost UEFI password, but it requires advanced soldering skills. How Do I Remove a BIOS or UEFI Password?
Surface Pro 4 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. BIOS/UEFI Password Reset Report Resetting a forgotten UEFI (BIOS) password on a Surface Pro 4 This article is for informational and educational purposes
is a complex process because Microsoft does not provide a software-based "master" reset code or a simple jumper on the motherboard. 🛠️ Recovery Methods 1. Official Support Path
Microsoft officially states that it cannot retrieve or reset a UEFI password.
Recommendation: Contact your IT department if the device was managed by an organization.
Replacement: If the password is lost and access to UEFI settings is required, the only official solution is often a full device or motherboard replacement. 2. Software Workarounds (Advanced)
Some advanced users have reported success using configuration tools for managed devices.
SEMM Method: If the device was part of a Microsoft Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM) setup, running a "reset package" with the device's serial number may clear the password.
External Boot: While it does not reset the password itself, you can sometimes bypass the internal SSD by holding Volume Down while powering on with a bootable USB drive. 3. Hardware Modification (High Risk)
For devices acquired second-hand with locked BIOS settings, hardware reflashing is the most effective "high-quality" fix, though it requires professional soldering skills.
Reflashing: The process involves carefully removing the screen (high risk of breakage), desoldering the BIOS chip (model 1724), and using a hardware programmer to write a "clean" BIOS image.
No Pair Lock: This works because the BIOS chip on these models is not uniquely paired to the motherboard. ⚠️ Important Distinctions
UEFI Password vs. Windows Password: A UEFI password blocks hardware settings and sometimes booting. A Windows password can be easily bypassed by performing a "Hard Reset" (Hold Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC).
CMOS Battery: Unlike traditional desktops, simply pulling the battery on a Surface Pro 4
often does not clear the UEFI password due to non-volatile storage.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you only need to use the tablet and don't need to change hardware settings, a Windows Factory Reset is the best path. If you must unlock the BIOS itself, professional hardware reflashing is the only confirmed way to remove the lock. If you'd like to explore one of these paths further: Hardware tools needed for a BIOS chip reflash? Step-by-step for a Windows factory reset? How to check if your device is SEMM managed? How Do I Remove a BIOS or UEFI Password? If the above methods don't work: For a
Resetting a Surface Pro 4 BIOS (UEFI) password is significantly more difficult than a standard Windows password reset because Microsoft does not provide a default password or a software-based reset tool Super User Official Solution: Microsoft Support Microsoft officially states that there is no way to reset the UEFI password
if it is forgotten. If you are under warranty, you may be able to request an exchange, though this typically involves a fee for out-of-warranty devices. Support Portal : You can check your options on the Microsoft Device Service and Repair Microsoft Learn Advanced Technical Method: Hardware Reflash
If you cannot use the official route, the only high-quality technical method involves physically reflashing the BIOS chip. This is an advanced procedure that usually requires a professional technician. Disassemble the Device
: The Surface Pro 4 must be opened, which is difficult due to the glued-on screen. Access the BIOS Chip
: Locate the chip on the motherboard, often near a protective shield. Desolder the Chip
: Because of its proximity to other components, a clip often won't fit, so the chip must be desoldered.
: Use an external programmer to clear the "clean" region of the BIOS binary, removing the password lock. : Reattach the chip and reassemble the device. Common Misconceptions to Avoid How Do I Remove a BIOS or UEFI Password?
Resetting a BIOS/UEFI password on a Surface Pro 4 is significantly more difficult than on standard laptops. Microsoft does not provide a software-based "reset" for this password; if lost, the device is considered permanently locked from firmware changes by official standards. Core Findings
No Default/Software Reset: There is no universal "master" password or software utility provided by Microsoft to bypass the UEFI lock.
Hardware Reflash Required: High-quality successful resets typically require physically desoldering the BIOS chip, reflashing its binary content using a specialized programmer, and resoldering it.
Security Restrictions: Unlike older PCs, removing the internal battery or shorting jumpers does not clear the UEFI password, as it is stored in non-volatile memory. Methods for Password Management How Do I Remove a BIOS or UEFI Password?
Microsoft maintains a secret hardware debug port on the Surface Pro 4 motherboard (JST 4-pin connector near the SSD). This port speaks JTAG/SWD.
If you have access to a Surface Debug Probe (MS Part #X885495-001), you can attach it to this port and send the command:
fpt -erasebiospassword
fpt -clrbiospassword
These tools are not sold to consumers. They are available to Microsoft Certified Refurbishers. Unless you work for a large IT department, ignore this method.