The new Surface laptops are now among the most repairable in the world

iFixit awarded them 8/10 in repairability.

Reading time icon 3 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more

microsoft surface repair

In a new teardown review, people at iFixit examined Microsoft’s latest products: the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. These gadgets are special as they use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, so they are the first to be reviewed by iFixit.

What is interesting about this situation is that it appears that Microsoft has changed the usual story on repairability. Do you recall when opening a laptop was like defusing a bomb? Those times could be ending, at least for these devices.

The design philosophy of Microsoft for the Surface laptops seems to have changed, making their devices more open for repairs. No longer must we go through a maze of glue and special screws; the Surface Laptop 7 greets you with easily accessible screws and magnetic holders that lead you inside its insides like a friend-showing path in the dark. It’s a new, refreshing way that helps the tech-oriented DIYers and gives more life to our relied-upon devices.

You may wonder about the Surface Pro 11. It’s a combination of good and not-so-good. The SSD is simple to access, like turning over a lid. But the battery resembles a puzzle without all the parts needed to reach it.

You should look for something to heat the adhesive, keeping the display in place. It’s not as enjoyable as a Saturday afternoon activity, but it’s far from similar to impossible tasks set by earlier models.

The repair scores of iFixit, which can be compared to the Oscars for those who love technology, were good. Both devices got a score of 8 out of 10.

This shows Microsoft’s strong dedication to creating devices that excel in performance and design and have sustainability and repair ability as key factors. The Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 are like shining lights amid many throwaway tech items, demonstrating that it is feasible to mix advancement with usefulness.

But we should remember that the path to repairability was not a quick race but a long run. Microsoft’s previous Surface devices were famous for being as inaccessible as Fort Knox.

It is good news that there has been such a big change from devices that were once known to be very difficult to repair to models that are now setting an example for everyone else. This action will make Microsoft more appreciated by its users and inspire other field companies to take similar steps.

In the current scenario, where electronic waste is becoming a big worry, Microsoft’s move to increase repair-friendliness in Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 is praiseworthy and important. This shows a path towards sustainability, indicating that the tech business can balance advancing technology and protecting our environment.

More about the topics: microsoft, Surface Laptop

User forum

0 messages