“Right to repair” means the ability of owners and independent technicians to fix products, with access to parts, tools, manuals, and software.

Why it’s in the news

Many devices have been designed with glued batteries, soldered memory, and restricted parts, which makes repairs expensive and shortens life. Governments in several regions, including the European Union, have adopted or proposed repair-friendly rules. Canadian federal and provincial authorities have also examined repair and consumer protection measures. Rules change, so check current requirements.

Why it matters for businesses

– Total cost: repairable devices can cost less over their lifetime

– Downtime: quicker repairs mean less lost productivity

– Memory prices: with RAM and storage costs elevated in 2026, devices with upgradeable memory and storage gain value

– Sustainability goals: repair and reuse reduce e-waste

– Supply chain: more repair options reduce dependence on a single supplier

What to look for when buying

– Replaceable batteries, RAM, and storage (many business laptops still offer this)

– Availability of spare parts and service manuals

– Length of the warranty and the parts support period

– Modular designs, such as swappable ports and screens

– Vendor repair programs, including on-site service for business customers

– Software update commitments

Cautions

– Unauthorized repairs can void warranties or create security risks, so use authorized or certified repair for business devices

– Self-repair needs skills and proper parts

– Don’t compromise security for repairability. Keep devices updated.

Include it in your lifecycle plan

Ask suppliers about parts availability and service options before standardizing on a model.

DBR Soft can steer you toward models with strong support and repair options. Contact us for more information.