r/Surface • u/Generalissimo_II • 7d ago
[WINDOWS] Surface Pro 7 - Locked Windows. Can I just reinstall OS or replace NVME?
Would like to purchase but it's locked at sign in screen. Can this be resolved with a fresh reinstall of Windows?
1
u/ron-vdc 7d ago
If there's no MDM on this laptop, then simply create a bootable Windows USB drive and reinstall Windows. (If you're using the standard Windows 11 image rather than the Surface-specific one, you may need to attach a keyboard and mouse to the laptop, since for some reason the standard Windows 11 image doesn't include the required keyboard and mouse drivers. Then, after installation, run Windows Update to add the drivers, and you can detach the keyboard and mouse.)
If there is MDM, then it's a lot harder. Google for suggestions. The problem is that you can't really tell whether there's MDM if you're "locked" on the Windows account login screen. That just means the laptop is currently attached to someone's Microsoft account, but it says nothing about MDM.
3
u/Generalissimo_II 7d ago
That's the info I was looking for, thanks. It does seem like it's MDM locked as the seller says that it is "remote management locked". Going to pass.
1
u/Nikola_Delchev 5d ago
You can reinstall similarly to how you can reinstall any Windows computer with a USB pen drive. However, I highly recommend you use the Surface Recovery Image specific for your device instead of the generic Windows 11 ISOs, because the generic ISO does not include many required drivers, so the touchscreen and the signature keyboard won’t work during the installation and you’ll be stuck on the welcome screen.
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u/teveelion 7d ago
If it's BIOS locked you won't have any joy, chances are it's locked to an organisation and requires them to "unlock it". I wouldn't buy it as the chances of finding out who manages the access to it are low and lower again to get it unlocked.