Microsoft Surface Go (1st Gen): Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Microsoft released the Surface Go (1st Gen) in 2018 as an ultra-portable Windows tablet with a 10-inch display. While it was praised for its lightweight design and affordability, users have reported several issues over the years. This article outlines the most common problems and provides solutions to fix them. If these fixes don’t work, we’ll also guide you on how to seek help from the Microsoft Community.

Surface Go Running Slow

Many users experience sluggish performance, especially with the base 4GB RAM model. Slow boot times, lagging apps, and unresponsive touch inputs are common complaints.

Solution:

• Disable Background Apps: Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turn off unnecessary apps.
• Increase Virtual Memory: Go to System > About > Advanced System Settings. Under the Performance section, select Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory. Set a custom size (recommended: 4096MB for both initial and maximum size).
• Switch to Windows 10 Pro (if using Windows 10 in S Mode): Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select "Go to the Store" to switch out of S Mode.
• Perform a Clean Boot: Open Task Manager > Startup and disable unnecessary programs.

Battery Draining Too Fast

The battery life of the Surface Go may degrade faster than expected, with some users experiencing rapid drain even in idle mode.

Solution:

• Lower Screen Brightness: Adjust brightness manually from the action center or Settings > System > Display.
• Check Power Settings: Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep and set lower sleep timeouts.
• Disable Unused Background Services: Open Task Manager > Startup and disable unnecessary apps.
• Update Drivers and Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install the latest updates.
• Use Battery Saver Mode: Enable it from the battery icon in the system tray.

Overheating Issues

Some users report that the Surface Go gets uncomfortably hot, especially during charging or heavy tasks.

Solution:

• Avoid Using While Charging: If possible, let it charge while in sleep mode.
• Check for Windows Updates and Firmware: Keep your device updated via Settings > Update & Security.
• Close Unused Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close high CPU/RAM usage programs.
• Use Surface Diagnostic Toolkit: Download from Microsoft’s website and run it to check for issues.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Surface Go users have reported weak Wi-Fi signals, frequent disconnections, and slow speeds.

Solution:

• Forget and Reconnect to Network: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, select your network, and click “Forget” before reconnecting.
• Update Network Drivers: Open Device Manager > Network adapters, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter, and select “Update driver”.
• Disable Power Saving Mode for Wi-Fi Adapter: Open Device Manager > Network adapters, double-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and under Power Management, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
• Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, then click “Network reset”.

Touchscreen Not Responding

The touchscreen may stop responding, making the device difficult to use.

Solution:

• Restart Your Device: Hold the Power button for 10 seconds and restart.
• Reinstall Touchscreen Drivers: Open Device Manager > Human Interface Devices, right-click “HID-compliant touch screen,” and select “Uninstall device”. Restart your Surface, and it will reinstall automatically.
• Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit: Microsoft offers a tool to detect and fix touchscreen issues.

Keyboard (Type Cover) Not Working

Some users find that the Type Cover or Bluetooth keyboards fail to connect or respond.

Solution:

• Detach and Reattach the Keyboard: Ensure it’s securely connected.
• Check for Firmware Updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Reinstall Keyboard Drivers: Open Device Manager > Keyboards, uninstall the Surface Type Cover driver, and restart.
• Perform a Two-Button Shutdown (for Surface Go LTE Models): Press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button for 15 seconds, then release.

Microsoft Pen Not Working

The Surface Pen may stop working or have connection issues.

Solution:

• Replace the Battery (If Using an Older Surface Pen): Use a AAAA battery.
• Re-Pair the Pen via Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, remove the pen, then reconnect it.
• Update Surface Firmware: Install updates via Windows Update.
• Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

Audio and Speaker Issues

Users may experience no sound or crackling audio from the speakers.

Solution:

• Check Sound Settings: Right-click the speaker icon, select Sounds > Playback, and ensure the correct output device is set.
• Update Audio Drivers: Open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the Realtek driver, and select “Update driver”.
• Run Audio Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Playing Audio.

How to Get Help from the Microsoft Community

If the above solutions don’t work, you can seek help from the Microsoft Community Forum:

Visit https://answers.microsoft.com
Search for your issue or create a new post.
Microsoft experts and other users often provide useful solutions.
For official support, visit Microsoft Support at https://support.microsoft.com.

Final Thoughts

The Surface Go (1st Gen) is a compact and useful device, but it does come with its fair share of issues. Thankfully, most problems have solutions, whether through software updates, driver fixes, or simple troubleshooting steps. If you experience persistent issues, reaching out to the Microsoft Community or contacting Microsoft Support can help you get additional assistance.

Have you faced any other issues with your Surface Go? Let us know in the comments below!