Anonymous,

The idea that we should be able to fix the things we own isn't new. Repairing our devices instead of buying new doesn't just save us money -- it produces less waste, which keeps trash out of landfills and cuts down on climate pollution.

But many companies, including Microsoft, have put up obstacles that make it unnecessarily difficult to fix the things we own.1,2 This has to end.

That's why we're calling on Microsoft to support our right to repair the devices we own. With Earth Day around the corner, will you join us in calling for less waste, Anonymous?

Tell Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: Provide access to the spare parts, tools, service diagrams and repair software we need to fix our devices today.

Spearheaded by advocates at U.S. PIRG and our national network, a wave of support for policies that protect our right to repair is steadily building across the country -- and it's having an impact on tech companies, including Microsoft.

Historically a leader in opposing right to repair legislation, Microsoft is now showing signs that it's ready to make fuller commitments to support consumer repair.3,4

Last April, according to a Washington state representative, lobbyists representing Microsoft helped to kill a right to repair bill in Washington.5 But six months later, Microsoft introduced its most repairable Surface Laptop ever.6 The writing was on the wall -- customers want to repair the devices they own.

Microsoft has also made a historic pledge to become carbon negative by 2030.7 Because the vast majority of the climate impact of electronics comes from manufacturing, making products last longer is the single best way to cut climate impacts from our personal electronics.8,9,10

A more repairable laptop is a good start from Microsoft. But, it's not enough to guarantee our ability to repair our gadgets. Especially because, if Microsoft takes the next step in supporting device repair, it could help promote an industry-wide shift.

Tell Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: Expand consumer and third-party technician access to the components we need to fix the things we own.

Microsoft is one of the largest tech companies in the world, and while devices aren't its primary focus, a decision from Microsoft to ensure repairability sets the tone for other competing manufacturers.11

That's why we're calling on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to make even greater strides toward supporting consumer repair by expanding consumer access to the parts, tools, service diagrams and repair software that we need to fix our devices, and provide the same access to third-party repair technicians.

When we repair more, we waste less, and build a healthier future. This Earth Day, we're working hard to move the country toward zero waste -- and securing the right to repair Microsoft's products is a great place to start.

Anonymous, will you join us in calling on Microsoft to support our ability to fix the things we own?

Thank you,

Faye Park
President

1. "Microsoft Surface Laptop Teardown," iFixit, June 15, 2017.
2. Jacob Kastrenakes, "Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony warned by FTC about potentially illegal product warranties," The Verge, May 1, 2018.
3. Catie Keck, "Microsoft Will Still Make It Hard for You to Repair Its New Repairable Surface Laptop," Gizmodo, October 2, 2019.
4. Jason Koebler, "The Video Game Industry Is Lobbying Against Your Right to Repair Consoles," Vice, February 27, 2017.
5. Catie Keck, "Microsoft Will Still Make It Hard for You to Repair Its New Repairable Surface Laptop," Gizmodo, October 2, 2019.
6. Jordan Novet, "Microsoft is taking big strides to make Surface devices easier to repair," CNBC News, January 11, 2020.
7. Brad Smith, "Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030," Microsoft, January 16, 2020.
8. Mark Wilson, "Smartphones Are Killing The Planet Faster Than Anyone Expected," Fast Company, March 17, 2018.
9. Vianney Vaute, "Recycling Is Not The Answer To The E-Waste Crisis," Forbes, October 29, 2018.
10. "Eco Profiles," Microsoft, last accessed February 13, 2020.
11. Jordan Novet, "Microsoft is taking big strides to make Surface devices easier to repair," CNBC News, January 11, 2020.