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Surface IT Pro Blog
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Microsoft Protection Plans now deliver more coverage

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rawilson
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Apr 01, 2026

Modern organizations rely on their Surface devices every day, across offices, job sites, classrooms, and hybrid work environments. Microsoft Protection Plans help reduce unexpected repair-related costs in accordance with the plan terms.

While every Microsoft Surface device comes with a minimum of 1-year Microsoft's Limited Hardware Warranty1, you can protect your investment further with a Microsoft Protection Plan. Microsoft has recently updated its Protection Plans to provide broader coverage and reduce uncertainties in claim boundaries for customers. These enhancements are designed to better reflect how devices are used over time and to reduce uncertainty around repairs and long‑term ownership.

2026 Protection Plan Enhancements

Unlimited Mechanical Breakdown Coverage

Microsoft Protection Plans now include unlimited mechanical breakdown coveragefor the full duration of the plan. Previously, mechanical breakdowns and accidental damage claims were combined under a two‑claim limit. With this change, hardware failures caused by defects in materials or workmanship are no longer subject to a fixed claim count limit. Devices may be repaired or replaced as needed for mechanical issues throughout the coverage term.3

Accidental Damage Claims Are Now Separate

The existing two‑claim limit now applies only to Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH)4, such as drops, spills, or cracked screens.

By separating accidental damage from mechanical breakdown coverage, customers can more clearly understand how claims are applied and avoid using accidental damage claims for issues related to normal hardware failure.

New Battery Degradation Coverage

Microsoft Protection Plans5 now include battery degradation coverage.

Customers can file one dedicated battery claim6 if a device’s battery capacity drops below 70% of its original capacity during the plan term. This marks the first time Protection Plans address battery wear over time, not just battery failures caused by manufacturing defects.

Battery eligibility can be validated using tools such as the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit. Battery degradation claims are separate from accidental damage claims, so ADH limits remain unaffected.

Together, these updates help organizations extend device life, reduce unexpected repair costs, and plan more confidently for device ownership.

Customers can add a Microsoft Protection Plan when purchasing a new device, or within the eligible post-purchase window.7 To purchase, contact your authorized partner or reseller, or engage the Microsoft Store virtual assistant.

[Consumer customers can purchase through the Surface app or your Microsoft account.]

These updates apply only to Microsoft Complete and Extended Hardware Service plans purchased on or after the applicable effective date (April 01, 2026) and are not retroactively modified. Coverage, whether for new or existing customers, is determined solely by the relevant Terms & Conditions for the specific plan purchased.

To learn more about Microsoft Protection Plans, visit Microsoft Surface Warranty & Protection Plans.

To see Warranty and Protection Plan Terms & Conditions, visit Support.microsoft.com.

Disclaimers
  1. Without prejudice to any legal (statutory) rights to which you may be entitled under your local law, Microsoft Limited Hardware Warranty covers your device for one year from the date of original purchase from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. Restrictions apply. Please refer to Microsoft Limited Hardware Warranty & Agreement.

  2. Additional extended coverage for mechanical breakdown and accidental damage from handling is available through the purchase of Microsoft protection plans. If the plan provides additional Mechanical Breakdown coverage, that coverage begins upon expiration of the manufacturer’s original warranty and continues for the remainder of the term shown on the Holder’s Proof of Purchase. Accidental damage from handling begins immediately upon purchase. Restrictions apply, for all Protection Plans, please reference the Terms and Conditions for the limit of liability and the applicable exclusions of the Protection Plan.

  3. Subject to plan terms, conditions, and limit of liability.

  4. Accidental damage from handling is included in the following plans: Commercial: Complete for Business, Complete for Business Plus, Accidental Damage Protection (EU), Accidental Damage Protection Plus (EU), and Consumer: Microsoft Complete. Extended Hardware Service (EHS) plans provide coverage for mechanical breakdown only and do not include Accidental Damage from Handling or battery degradation coverage.

  5. Battery degradation is included in the following plans: Commercial: Complete for Business, Complete for Business Plus, Accidental Damage Protection (EU), Accidental Damage Protection Plus (EU), and Consumer: Microsoft Complete. Extended Hardware Service (EHS) plans provide coverage for mechanical breakdown only and do not include Accidental Damage from Handling or battery degradation coverage.

  6. Customers with eligible plans are limited to one (1) battery degradation/replacement claim as set out in plan Terms and Conditions.

  7. Availability and timing vary by market and plan type.

Updated Mar 31, 2026
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