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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallMicrosoft does make its own computers: they are sold under the Surface brand. The real question is why Microsoft does not make every PC that runs Windows. The answer is that Surface gives Microsoft a first-party hardware line, while Windows reaches far more buyers through computers made by independent manufacturers.
What computers does Microsoft make?
Microsoft sells Windows laptops and 2-in-1 PCs under the Surface name. Its current lineup includes the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, as well as newer premium and specialized devices. Microsoft announced new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models on June 16, 2026, including configurations using Snapdragon X2 processors. The announcement described dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), Windows integration and a Microsoft-designed Surface Repair Tool; those are product details, not independent performance findings. See Microsoft’s announcement.
“Make” can mean different things. Microsoft designs, brands and sells Surface computers, but that does not mean every component is made or every unit assembled in Microsoft-owned factories. A Microsoft filing refers to Surface products that it manufactures or contracts to manufacture, a distinction common in electronics production. Microsoft’s filing supports describing Surface as first-party Microsoft hardware without claiming Microsoft performs all physical manufacturing itself.
Why doesn’t Microsoft make every Windows PC?
Because Microsoft’s strategic advantage is Windows running on computers from many manufacturers, not Microsoft capturing the entire PC market with one product family. Microsoft’s annual report groups Windows OEM licensing with Surface devices in its Windows and Devices business. It says Windows OEM revenue is affected by the number of licenses OEMs buy for Windows preinstalled on their devices. A successful PC from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus or another manufacturer can therefore expand Windows’ reach without Microsoft having to design, finance, distribute and support that computer itself. See Microsoft’s annual report.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
This separates two business models: selling a company’s own computer lineup, and supplying an operating system and services used across a hardware ecosystem. Microsoft benefits when Windows is available on many useful PCs; it does not need to sell every machine under its own brand to benefit from Windows adoption. Its broader software, cloud and subscription businesses also make Windows a platform for more than computer sales.
OEMs bring range and reach
Independent manufacturers provide different prices, designs and capabilities: inexpensive education computers, gaming laptops, mobile workstations, desktops, small PCs, convertibles and business systems. They also contribute their own manufacturing capacity, retail and procurement relationships, and regional expertise. Microsoft describes Windows as competing through choice, flexibility, compatibility with broad ranges of hardware and software, and value. That proposition depends on Windows being available across many kinds of computers, rather than only on Microsoft-designed devices.
The other side of that breadth is variation. Windows must work across many hardware configurations, and the experience can differ by manufacturer and model. Microsoft’s model trades the consistency of a tightly controlled lineup for ecosystem reach and choice.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Making everything would mean taking on more risk
If Microsoft tried to replace most PC manufacturers, it would need to shoulder more of the work and risk: product design across many categories, inventory, worldwide logistics, sales channels, warranty support and hardware service. It could also alienate the OEMs that sell Windows, narrow the choice of devices, and leave price-sensitive or specialized categories underserved. These are strategic risks, not a stated Microsoft prediction that partners would leave Windows.
Microsoft’s annual report identifies factors such as supply constraints, device volumes, product mix, pricing, inventory and OEM-channel dynamics as influences on Windows OEM and Devices results. That disclosure illustrates how complex the market is even without Microsoft trying to control every device category.
Why does Microsoft make Surface at all?
To show what Windows can do
Surface lets Microsoft shape a device around its own choices for Windows, industrial design, touch and pen input, cameras, security hardware, firmware, battery management, AI hardware and servicing. It gives the company a tangible way to present its software on hardware it controls, rather than leaving every example of a Windows experience to partners.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That makes Surface a useful reference point for newer Windows capabilities, including Copilot+ PCs, ARM-based systems, NPU-enabled features and detachable designs. Microsoft’s May 2025 Surface announcement positioned the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch as Copilot+ PCs with dedicated NPUs for local AI experiences. Surface can demonstrate a direction; it does not establish that every Windows PC will offer the same hardware or compatibility.
To build hardware expertise and compete in premium PCs
Running a hardware line gives Microsoft direct experience with components, drivers, firmware, supply constraints, repair processes, customer expectations and retail realities. It also lets the company participate in premium Windows hardware rather than leaving that whole segment to other makers. This is strategic analysis of Surface’s role, not a claim that Microsoft has disclosed a separate Surface profit figure; the cited annual report combines Surface and Windows OEM information rather than establishing Surface-only revenue or profitability.
Surface is not simply an advertisement for Windows. It is a real product business and a way to develop hardware knowledge, test designs and maintain a Microsoft-branded option in the PC market.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Does Surface compete with Microsoft’s PC partners?
Yes. Microsoft says computer, tablet and hardware manufacturers can be competitors as well as current or potential Windows OEM partners and customers. Surface and OEMs are therefore in a deliberate tension: Microsoft depends on partners to sell Windows, while its own Surface devices compete for buyers. Surface may set a premium benchmark and spur partners to improve their products, but it can also make those partners wary of competing with their software supplier.
Microsoft accepts some channel conflict in exchange for having first-party hardware and a direct role in shaping the Windows experience. The available evidence does not establish that Surface never threatens OEMs, nor that partners would necessarily abandon Windows if Microsoft expanded it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why not offer a Microsoft PC for every budget and use?
Surface is not intended to be a complete catalog of every Windows computer. Budget systems, gaming desktops, upgradeable towers, workstations, all-in-ones and industrial or region-specific machines call for different designs and distribution. OEMs are already positioned to serve many of those niches. It is reasonable to infer that competing across all of them would bring price, inventory and support pressures, but Microsoft has not stated that low margins alone explain its product choices.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Microsoft has broadened Surface into lower price points before. In the United States, its May 2025 announcement gave launch prices of $799 for the Surface Pro 12-inch and $899 for the Surface Laptop 13-inch. Those were launch prices at that time, not a statement of current pricing. Surface still does not cover every budget or workload, and prices vary by configuration, market and date.
Surface or another Windows PC: which should you choose?
| Choose | Best fit | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Laptop | A conventional Microsoft-designed Windows laptop with a consistent first-party design. | Compare the specific configuration’s price, ports, performance and display with alternatives. |
| Surface Pro | A detachable 2-in-1 if tablet use, pen input or a flexible form factor matters. | Include the keyboard, pen and any other needed accessories in the total cost; they may be separate. |
| Another Windows PC | A wider choice of prices, gaming and workstation configurations, ports, upgrade options or specialist designs. | Features vary by model; verify the exact hardware, warranty and service options. |
| Mac | A buyer who prefers Apple’s integrated hardware-and-operating-system approach. | Check that required Windows applications, peripherals and workflows are supported. |
Surface may suit you if…
- You want a first-party Microsoft design and support channel.
- You value a portable laptop or detachable tablet-laptop design.
- You want to consider Microsoft’s current Copilot+ PC hardware and Windows features.
- You are buying for a business and the specific model meets your security, management and connectivity needs.
Look beyond Surface if…
- You need a low-cost PC, discrete graphics for gaming, or an upgradeable desktop.
- Your work calls for a workstation, unusual ports or a specialized configuration.
- You depend on legacy software, drivers or peripherals that may not work on every Windows processor platform.
Some Surface configurations use Snapdragon processors and Windows on ARM. Application, driver, peripheral, virtualization and game compatibility can differ from Intel-based PCs. Check the exact programs and accessories you rely on against the particular model before choosing it; compatibility should not be assumed to be identical across platforms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
