iFixit Praises Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 11 and Pro 7 Repairability

AI PC has emerged as a buzzword in this year’s PC market, and as one of the most proactive manufacturers in advancing AI PC technology, Microsoft has launched various AI-related projects this year. At last month’s Build Developer Conference, Microsoft unveiled new models of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors, designed as long-lasting Windows 11 AI PCs.

According to TomsHardware, following the market release of the Surface Laptop 11 and Surface Pro 7, iFixit commenced disassembly analyses of these products to evaluate their repairability, showcasing the entire process. Microsoft’s innovative design received acclaim from iFixit, with the Surface Laptop 11 and Surface Pro 7 achieving a high repairability score of 8 out of 10.

Upon opening these devices, several labels and QR codes marked with a wrench icon are visible. Microsoft refers to these as “Wayfinder marks,” which detail the number and type of screws used to secure components, allowing for easy and precise identification of the necessary tools. Moreover, the QR codes link directly to Microsoft’s official service guide download page, guiding users through the operations. Microsoft has already published service manuals for the Surface Laptop 11 and Surface Pro 7, enabling users to perform relatively simple tasks such as battery and SSD removal.

iFixit notes that the battery in the Surface Pro 7 can be removed without disassembling any components other than the bottom foot pads and back cover—a marked improvement from previous models, which required the removal of multiple components to replace the battery. The SSD is also easily replaceable, although the memory is soldered to the motherboard, making it difficult for users to replace. The Surface Pro 11 is similarly straightforward to handle; while it is somewhat more cumbersome than a laptop, it is easier to manage than other tablets.