Microsoft is finally jumping on the right-to-repair bandwagon with its Surface offerings. The availability of replacement parts is exclusive to the Microsoft Store, but it opens the door for technical users to repair their devices. The range of available parts covers various Surface models, including the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Pro 9 (Intel and SQ3 models with 5G).
Additionally, parts are available for the Surface Laptop 3, Surface Laptop 4, Surface Laptop 5, Surface Laptop Go 2, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Studio 2 Plus desktops.
While some devices, like the Surface Pro 9, offer numerous replaceable parts such as the kickstand, display, battery, ports, back cover, speaker and networking modules, and camera, others, like the Surface Pro 7, have only a repairable kickstand.
There is a price to pay
However, it’s important to note that these replacement parts come at a cost. For example, a replacement battery for the Surface Pro 9 costs $237.99 for the Intel model and $249.99 for the Arm version. The price for a new screen for the Surface Pro 9 can go up to $362.99.
The cost of a new keyboard for the Surface Laptop 5 starts at $87.99 for a 13.5-inch device with platinum-colored Alcantara fabric but increases to $137.99 for other materials, colors, and sizes.
Microsoft has partnered with iFixit to offer repair tools, which can be accessed through the iFixit store. It has created a dedicated self-repair page that provides links to repair guides, diagnostic toolkits, and other necessary tools and parts.
The parts may be there, but Surfaces are technically challenging to repair
This move by Microsoft is a welcome development. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that it was partially reliant on external pressure from shareholders and environmental nonprofits. Microsoft did conduct a study on waste and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its repair processes.
The availability of these replacement parts is primarily intended for “out-of-warranty” repairs. In addition, it remains unclear whether repairing them during the warranty period would void it.
Other tech companies like Apple, Google, Samsung, and Valve already stepped up their replacement parts game. Microsoft’s foray into the realm of replacement parts indicates a growing trend toward supporting self-repair and enhancing accessibility for users.
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