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

With electronic devices becoming more compact and with closer designs, users are often faced with problems posed by brands when fixing a fault. A discontent that has motivated the official bodies to bet on the right to repair and that little by little companies are accepting it, something that now happens with Microsoft.

The Redmond-based company is committed to right to repairIn compliance with, there is no other option, 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 make it easier for customers to repair their devices by third parties.

Facilitate repairs to third parties

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

In this sense, a third party can repair a device was something until now difficult due to the lack of specific tools, parts and repair manuals. From the agreement reached, Microsoft commits 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, as has been the case so far, repairs must be carried out by authorized shops and technical services.

Microsoft is like this, the first American 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, bet on this solution.

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

We have already seen how countries like France, pioneer in Europe, when he bet on facilitate repairs by creating a repairability index, so that from January 2021, manufacturers must inform the consumer about the possibility of repairing a product, something similar to what then it was made in spain when advertising a labeling with notes for electronic devices based on how easy they are to repair.

Via | Grist

Image | AdobeStock (Paolese)

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

was originally published in

Engadget Windows

by
Jose Antonio Carmona

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