The January software updates have been released for select Microsoft Surface tablets.

For the Surface 2, the second-generation tablet of the Surface with Windows RT, an update is available that resolves an issue with the Bitlocker recovery key prompt when restarting the tablet.

"When you use a Surface 2 device, you are prompted to enter your BitLocker recovery key after you turn on or restart the device or you resume the device from the sleep state," noted Microsoft on the "Symptoms" of the issue. "These messages may be random or they may occur every time that you try to restore the device to operation."

The update has only been applied for the Surface 2 since it did not affect Surface Pro 2 tablets.

For the original Surface Pro tablet, two major updates have been set. The first update is an improvement on the Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device version 1.0.279.0.

"These updates improve the experience of using a second generation Surface Cover on your first generation Surface Pro running Windows 8.0, including touchpad performance and overall product stability," Microsoft acknowledged.

The second update for the Surface Pro is for the Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device version 1.0.280.0, which provides the same acknowledgment as the Surface Type Cover 2 update.

Software updates for the Surface with Windows RT or Surface Pro 2 have not been released for January.

To manually install the updates, the Surface tablet owner can swipe the screen from the right edge of the display and select "Settings." Next, click "Change PC Settings" followed by "Update and recovery." The user should then select "Check now." If an update is available, select "View details" and click "Install" for the final step. The software update may require the tablet to restart.

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