According to Grist and As You Sow, Microsoft agreed to have an independent third party study the possible impact of making its devices more easy to repair and make any necessary changes to those findings by 2022. As You Sow had filed a shareholder resolution asking Microsoft for an independent third-party study to determine the possible impact on consumers' ability to repair their devices. As You Sow has now withdrawn its resolution to Microsoft conducting the study. This will make parts and documentation easier available for repair shops that are not official Microsoft service providers.
Although Microsoft's commitment is lauded by As You Sow as an encouraging step in the right direction, it's worth remembering that it's only a step. According to a statement sent to The Verge from a Microsoft spokesperson, it said it will conduct a study and then use that information to guide product design and expand its repair options. It is encouraging that Microsoft is willing to do this, which is more than any other tech giants. It is difficult to know how much of an impact this will make without more details.
Microsoft won't release actual study, according to reports
It is not clear if the public will be able to access these details. Grist reports that Microsoft will post a summary of its study by May 2022. However, it won't publish the actual study due to concerns about trade secrets. It should be clear to see if Microsoft will keep its word. Either it will make it easier to repair your Surface Pro or Xbox at a third-party shop, or not.
Grist also quotes iFixits US Policy Directory, which mentions Microsoft's lobbying efforts. According to the US Public Interest Research Group, or US PIRG, Microsoft has been lobbying against right–to-repair legislations in Washington and Colorado. It would be difficult to give Microsoft credit for the positive work it does in right to repair if this kind of behavior continues.
iFixit describes Microsoft's agreement as a landmark, huge move
This agreement is welcomed by right to repair advocates, despite the limitations. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, called it a landmark tweet and said it was not just talk. He cited the Surface Laptops' improvements in repairability over time. The Verge also heard from PRIGs right-to-repair campaign manager. He said that it was the real deal. It is evidence that Microsoft has changed its mind about repair. Microsoft may be ahead of the curve if it makes significant changes to reduce its product's impact on ewaste and emissions. President Joe Biden, and the FTC, have worked to crack down on illegal companies making it more difficult for consumers to repair their devices.
