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How to fix "error: please insert the external storage media and press ok" after failed update

Basil H 0 Reputation points
2025-10-04T22:17:30.9333333+00:00

Hello! I recently tried to update my surface for the first time in a long time, it was I believe still at the 2h21 edition and I wanted to update it to 2h22. I have a surface go 1. I had some issues getting it to update regardless and went through the update assistant from the microsoft website. I also had a 128gb flash drive on hand. I cleared some disk space and used the assistant to update it, and it used the flash drive I had available as temporary storage for the 20gb of files my surface could not fit. During the update, it got to the restart section, and stayed at 0% for 16 hours. On advice I eventually restarted the surface myself (without removing the flash drive) and have now encountered the message "error: please insert the external storage media and press ok". Pressing ok does nothing unfortunately. I have a new 32 gb flash drive, should I reinstall windows on that using a different computer so I can get my surface working again? Luckily all files have been recently backed up. Thanks! Just not sure what to do

Surface | Surface Go | Display and screen
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  1. S.Sengupta 27,571 Reputation points MVP
    2025-10-06T01:13:40.95+00:00

    Using the 32GB flash drive to create a Windows installation media on another computer is your best bet.

    Use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool on another PC.

    Create bootable Windows installation media on the 32GB drive.

    Boot your Surface from it and do a clean install.

    Surface:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface-recovery-image

    Other PCs:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows10?msockid=3c6856c40cd16eb8209143170d636fca

    Please note after 14 October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support or security fixes. This means your PC will be more vulnerable to security threats and malware. Consider Upgrading to Windows 11.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

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  2. Rez 10,615 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-06T13:18:00.42+00:00

    Hi Basil,

    That error means your Surface Go is still trying to use the update files from the flash drive. Since the update failed, you’ll need to fix Windows manually or reinstall if needed.

    Download the correct ISO for your device from the Surface Recovery Image Download - Microsoft Support . You'll need your serial number.

    On another PC, download the recovery image for Surface Go from the link above. Format a 16GB or 32GB flash drive to FAT32. Use the Create a recovery drive tool (search in the Start menu) and uncheck “Back up system files.” Copy the recovery image files to the flash drive.

    Plug the USB into your Surface Go. Hold Volume Up, then press and release Power to get to the UEFI menu. Set the USB drive as the top boot priority, then exit and restart. Select “Recover from a drive” and then “Just remove my files.”

    Where did you get the ISO you used before? What exact model of Surface Go do you have?

    Let me know if you run into any issues.

    Cheers

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