Surface Laptop 7 is “astonishingly” easy to repair, says iFixit

Microsoft’s newly released Surface Copilot+ PCs just earned a high repairability rating from the hardware experts at iFixit. After tearing down the new Qualcomm-powered Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, it’s clear there’s been a huge improvement since the original Surface Laptop received a 0/10 repairability rating and iFixit described the device as a “glue-filled monstrosity.” “

“The Surface line of devices has undergone such a stunning and rapid change from unrepairable to very repairable that we can’t help but be amazed that they didn’t score a perfect 10/10,” iFixit’s analysis reads. Both devices received a repairability rating of 8/10, although the Surface Pro 11 is still slightly more difficult to repair due to its 2-in-1 form factor.

Experts described the Surface Laptop 7 as “a surprisingly easy-to-repair device, almost the opposite of the original Surface Laptop.” They praised QR codes on components leading to official service manuals, as well as “Wayfinders” icons on various components indicating the type and number of screws used to screw in components. “What is particularly noteworthy is the way most components are accessible without the need to remove additional layers,” the report also emphasized.

Many of the repairability improvements iFixit noticed on Surface Laptop 7 also apply to Surface Pro 11. If removing the screen still requires extra care, QR codes and Wayfinder tags now make it easier to remove other components. Even the battery can be easily removed thanks to Microsoft completely replacing glue with screws.

Microsoft’s Surface devices have always been quite expensive despite lacking high-end specs, but the latest generation of consumer devices is completely different. Both Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 start at $999.99, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series chips offer exclusive Copilot+ AI-accelerated experiences and excellent battery life. Stay tuned for Paul’s upcoming review of the 15-inch Surface Laptop 7.