The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a powerful and versatile device that has been a favorite among professionals and individuals alike. However, like any other electronic device, it can sometimes be unresponsive or fail to wake up from sleep mode. If you’re experiencing this issue with your Surface Pro 4, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Surface Pro 4 won’t wake up and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Understanding the Sleep Mode
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how the sleep mode works on your Surface Pro 4. The sleep mode is a power-saving feature that allows your device to conserve battery life when not in use. When your Surface Pro 4 is in sleep mode, it will automatically turn off the screen and disable some of its functions to reduce power consumption. However, it will still be able to wake up quickly when you need to use it again.
Why Won’t My Surface Pro 4 Wake Up?
There are several reasons why your Surface Pro 4 may not be waking up from sleep mode. Some of the most common causes include:
- Low battery: If your Surface Pro 4’s battery is completely drained, it may not be able to wake up from sleep mode. Try charging your device for at least 30 minutes to see if it will turn on.
- Power button issues: The power button on your Surface Pro 4 may be faulty or stuck, preventing your device from waking up. Try pressing the power button for an extended period or using the volume buttons to wake up your device.
- Screen issues: If your Surface Pro 4’s screen is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to wake up from sleep mode. Try connecting an external monitor to your device to see if the issue is with the screen.
- Driver issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers may be causing your Surface Pro 4 to fail to wake up from sleep mode. Try updating your drivers to the latest version or rolling back to a previous version that worked correctly.
- BIOS settings: The BIOS settings on your Surface Pro 4 may be configured to prevent your device from waking up from sleep mode. Try resetting the BIOS settings to their default values or changing the sleep mode settings to see if it resolves the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps
Now that we’ve explored the possible causes of the issue, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps. Follow these steps carefully to try and wake up your Surface Pro 4:
Basic Troubleshooting
First, try the following basic troubleshooting steps:
Press the power button on your Surface Pro 4 for an extended period (at least 30 seconds) to see if it will turn on. If your device has a removable battery, try removing it and then putting it back in. This will reset the power connection and may help your device wake up. If your Surface Pro 4 has a keyboard attached, try removing it and then reattaching it. This will reset the keyboard connection and may help your device wake up.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
Try pressing the volume buttons on your Surface Pro 4 to wake it up. If your device has a Windows button, try pressing it to see if it will turn on. If your Surface Pro 4 is connected to a power source, try disconnecting it and then reconnecting it. This will reset the power connection and may help your device wake up. Try booting your Surface Pro 4 in safe mode. To do this, press the power button and the volume-down button at the same time, and then release the power button while still holding the volume-down button.
Resetting the Surface Pro 4
If none of the above troubleshooting steps work, you may need to reset your Surface Pro 4. There are two types of resets you can perform: a soft reset and a hard reset. A soft reset will restart your device without deleting any of your files or settings, while a hard reset will restore your device to its factory settings and delete all of your files and settings.
To perform a soft reset, press the power button and the volume-down button at the same time, and then release the power button while still holding the volume-down button. To perform a hard reset, press the power button and the volume-down button at the same time, and then release the power button while still holding the volume-down button. Then, immediately press and hold the power button and the volume-up button at the same time, and release the power button while still holding the volume-up button.
Preventing Future Issues
To prevent your Surface Pro 4 from failing to wake up from sleep mode in the future, follow these tips:
Regularly Update Your Device
Make sure to regularly update your Surface Pro 4 with the latest software and driver updates. This will help ensure that your device has the latest security patches and features, and will also help prevent issues with your device’s sleep mode.
Use the Correct Power Settings
Make sure to use the correct power settings on your Surface Pro 4. You can do this by going to the Power & sleep settings in the Settings app and adjusting the settings to your liking. For example, you can set your device to turn off the screen after a certain period of inactivity, or set it to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity.
Avoid Overcharging Your Device
Avoid overcharging your Surface Pro 4, as this can cause damage to the battery and prevent your device from waking up from sleep mode. Try to keep your device’s battery level between 20% and 80% charged, and avoid leaving it plugged in for extended periods of time.
Clean Your Device Regularly
Make sure to clean your Surface Pro 4 regularly to prevent dust and dirt from building up and causing issues with your device’s sleep mode. Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to wipe down your device’s screen and exterior.
By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you should be able to wake up your Surface Pro 4 and prevent future issues with its sleep mode. Remember to always handle your device with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. If you’re still experiencing issues with your Surface Pro 4, you may want to consider contacting Microsoft support or visiting a authorized repair center for further assistance.
In conclusion, waking up a Surface Pro 4 that won’t turn on can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By understanding the sleep mode, identifying the possible causes of the issue, and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your device up and running again. Remember to always take preventive measures to avoid future issues with your device’s sleep mode, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep your Surface Pro 4 running smoothly and efficiently, and enjoy all the benefits that it has to offer.
What are the common issues that prevent a Surface Pro 4 from waking up?
The Surface Pro 4 is a powerful and versatile device, but like any other computer, it can sometimes fail to wake up from sleep mode. There are several common issues that can prevent a Surface Pro 4 from waking up, including a drained battery, a faulty power button, or a software glitch. In some cases, the device may be in a state of deep sleep or hibernation, which can make it difficult to wake up. Additionally, issues with the device’s drivers or firmware can also prevent it from waking up properly.
To troubleshoot these issues, it’s essential to try a few basic steps first. Start by checking the device’s power cord and ensuring that it’s properly connected to both the device and the power source. Next, try pressing the power button for an extended period, usually around 30 seconds, to see if the device will wake up. If the device still doesn’t wake up, try charging it for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the battery has enough power to turn on. If none of these steps work, it may be necessary to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques or seek assistance from a professional.
How do I wake up my Surface Pro 4 from sleep mode?
Waking up a Surface Pro 4 from sleep mode is a relatively straightforward process. The first step is to press the power button, which is located on the top right side of the device. Press the button for a few seconds until the device starts to wake up. Alternatively, you can also wake up the device by pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse. If the device is connected to a docking station, you can also try waking it up by pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse connected to the docking station.
If the device doesn’t wake up immediately, try pressing the power button again for a longer period. It’s also essential to ensure that the device’s battery has enough power to turn on. If the battery is completely drained, you may need to charge it for at least 30 minutes before trying to wake it up again. Additionally, make sure that the device’s sleep settings are configured correctly, and that the device is not in a state of deep sleep or hibernation. You can check the device’s sleep settings by going to the Power Options in the Control Panel and adjusting the settings as needed.
What are the different sleep modes available on the Surface Pro 4?
The Surface Pro 4 has several sleep modes that can help conserve battery life and improve performance. The most common sleep modes include Sleep, Hibernation, and Fast Startup. Sleep mode puts the device into a low-power state, where it can quickly wake up and resume work. Hibernation mode, on the other hand, saves the device’s current state to the hard drive and shuts down the device, which can help conserve battery life. Fast Startup is a hybrid mode that combines elements of sleep and hibernation, allowing the device to quickly wake up and resume work while also conserving battery life.
Each sleep mode has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which mode to use depends on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you need to conserve battery life, Hibernation mode may be the best option. However, if you need to quickly wake up the device and resume work, Sleep mode or Fast Startup may be a better choice. You can configure the device’s sleep settings by going to the Power Options in the Control Panel and adjusting the settings as needed. It’s also essential to ensure that the device’s drivers and firmware are up to date, as outdated drivers and firmware can cause issues with the device’s sleep modes.
How do I troubleshoot issues with my Surface Pro 4 not waking up?
Troubleshooting issues with a Surface Pro 4 not waking up requires a systematic approach. The first step is to try basic troubleshooting techniques, such as pressing the power button for an extended period or charging the device for at least 30 minutes. If these steps don’t work, try resetting the device’s power settings by pressing the power button and the volume-down button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds. You can also try booting the device in safe mode or performing a system restore to a previous point when the device was working correctly.
If none of these steps work, it may be necessary to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques, such as updating the device’s drivers and firmware or performing a clean installation of the operating system. It’s also essential to ensure that the device’s hardware is functioning correctly, and that there are no issues with the power cord, battery, or other components. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a professional or contact Microsoft support for further guidance. Additionally, make sure to back up your data regularly to prevent loss in case you need to perform a clean installation or replace the device.
Can I wake up my Surface Pro 4 using an external keyboard or mouse?
Yes, you can wake up your Surface Pro 4 using an external keyboard or mouse. To do this, ensure that the device is configured to allow wake-up from an external device. You can check the device’s settings by going to the Device Manager, expanding the Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices section, and checking the properties of the external keyboard or mouse. Make sure that the “Allow this device to wake the computer” option is enabled.
If the device is configured correctly, you can wake it up by pressing a key on the external keyboard or moving the external mouse. Note that not all external keyboards and mice may be compatible with the Surface Pro 4, so you may need to try a different device if the first one doesn’t work. Additionally, ensure that the external device is properly connected to the Surface Pro 4, either through a USB port or Bluetooth. If you’re using a wireless keyboard or mouse, make sure that the batteries are not dead and that the device is properly paired with the Surface Pro 4.
How do I prevent my Surface Pro 4 from going to sleep or hibernation mode?
To prevent your Surface Pro 4 from going to sleep or hibernation mode, you can adjust the device’s power settings. Go to the Power Options in the Control Panel and click on the “Change plan settings” option next to your current power plan. Then, click on the “Change advanced power settings” option and scroll down to the “Sleep” section. Here, you can adjust the settings to prevent the device from going to sleep or hibernation mode. For example, you can set the device to never go to sleep when it’s plugged in, or you can set it to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity.
Additionally, you can also use the “Powercfg” command in the Command Prompt to prevent the device from going to sleep or hibernation mode. For example, you can use the “powercfg /x” command to prevent the device from going to sleep, or you can use the “powercfg /h” command to prevent the device from going to hibernation mode. Note that preventing the device from going to sleep or hibernation mode can reduce battery life and increase power consumption, so it’s essential to use these settings judiciously. It’s also recommended to close unnecessary applications and background processes to prevent them from consuming power and causing the device to go to sleep or hibernation mode.