It's about to get a bit easier to repair Surface devices in the workplace.
What you need to know
- Microsoft is making more spare parts available for Surface devices starting on October 15, 2021.
- Commercial customers will be able to order a replacement kickstand, SSD door, and other parts.
- The availability of parts varies from device to device.
Microsoft will expand its offering of spare parts for Surface devices to make it easier for IT technicians to repair PCs. Starting on October 15, 2021, commercial customers will be able to order a wider range of spare parts from Microsoft, including a kickstand and an SSD door. Organizations will be able to order spare parts through authorized Surface device resellers.
"We have a longstanding commitment to maximize product life, minimize waste, use more renewable resources, and improve the modularity, reparability, and recyclability of our devices—including our packaging," says Microsoft in a Tech Community post. "We are also working with our industry partners to make available more repair options that ensure the quality of repairs, safeguard consumer's privacy and security, and help protect consumers from injury."
The specific components available vary between devices.
| Component | Description | Surface Laptop 4 | Surface Laptop 3 | Surface Pro 7+ | Surface Pro 7 | Surface Pro X SQ2 | Surface Pro X SQ1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSD Door | Provides access to removable solid state drive (rSSD) | ☑ | ☑ | ☑ | |||
| Kickstand | Hinged stand for 2-1 devices | ☑ | ☑ | ☑ | ☑ | ||
| AB-Cover | Display assembly | ☑ | ☑ | ||||
| C-Cover | Keyboard, Trackpad, and Frame assembly | ☑ | ☑ |
Microsoft's Surface devices have a history of being difficult to repair. The Surface Pro 7 earned a 1/10 repairability score from iFixit. That's slightly better than the original Surface Laptop, which earned a 0. In its verdict, iFixit said, "The Surface Laptop is not a laptop. It's a glue-filled monstrosity. There is nothing about it that is upgradable or long-lasting, and it literally can't be opened without destroying it."
Microsoft appears to have listened to complaints regarding Surface repairability. The Surface Laptop 3 earned a 5/10 score from iFixit. While that's relatively low, it's significantly better than previous Surface Laptops. The expansion of spare part availability should also make devices easier to fix.
Microsoft notes that previously released spare parts, including SSDs for the Surface Pro 7+, are only available in the United States. The company also recommends that skilled IT technicians perform any repairs.
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