Microsoft will allow more repair shops after activist protests

Microsoft agreed to let an outside group evaluate the environmental impact of its repair operations for its Surface devices and Xbox consoles. — Bloomberg

Microsoft Corp has agreed to let more repair shops fix its devices, caving to complaints from advocates and shareholders about the tight grip technology companies have over consumer repairs.

The software giant signed a commitment to allow repairs and share parts schematics for its Surface computers to those not on its list of authorised providers, according to documents viewed by Bloomberg News. Additionally, Microsoft agreed to let an outside group evaluate the environmental impact of its repair operations for its Surface devices and Xbox consoles. The company agreed to start these changes in 2022.