Microsoft changes its repair policy: commits to providing parts and documentation to facilitate the right to repair

With electronic devices increasingly compact and with tighter designs, users often run into the problems that brands pose when fixing a defectA discontent that has motivated official organizations to bet on the right to repair and that little by little companies are accepting it, something that is now happening with Microsoft.

The Redmond-based company is committed to the right to repair, abiding by, it has no choice, the regulation that is being imposed in some territories to protect the consumer.In this way, it is one of the first companies to commit to making it easier for customers to repair their devices by third parties.

Facilitate third party repairs

The origin of this position is none other than the agreement reached by Microsoft and the non-profit investor defense organization As You Sow. The latter filed a resolution with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission requesting that they take into account the benefits they offer both for consumers and the environment count with devices that can be repaired more easily.

In this sense, for a third party to repair a device was something difficult until now due to the lack of specific tools, parts and repair manuals.Based on the agreement reached, Microsoft agrees to provide both parts, tools, and the necessary information to proceed with the repair.

It is about reducing electronic waste and reducing the impact it has on the environment by not making it necessary that, as has been the case up to now, repairs have to be Made by authorized shops and technical services.

Microsoft is thus, the first US manufacturer to decide to change its repair policies after pressure from investors. Along the way, it is to be expected that other large companies, and the best example may be Apple with its very closed repair policy, will bet on this solution.

It remains to be seen how this change in position is reflected in Microsoft and in the rest of the companies that decide to adopt it. It is about encourage repairs, but that these continue to be of quality, guaranteeing the safety of repairmen, users and devices.A balance that will not always be easy to achieve.

We have already seen how countries like France, a pioneer in Europe, when it opted to facilitate repairs by creating a repairability index, so that as of January 2021, manufacturers must inform consumers about the possibility of repairing a product, something similar to what was later done in Spain by announcing a label with notes for electronic devices depending on how easy they are to repair.

Via | Grist Image | AdobeStock (Paolese)