Windows Wrap: 4 steps to save the Surface brand

Spring has arrived, at least for those north of the equator. That means I got to see the sun a couple of times in England, the NCAA tournament is taking over offices across America, and we at Windows Central can anxiously await news about the next wave of Surface devices.

Windows SettingI look back at the week’s biggest stories and comment on a trending topic. But this week I’m doing something a little different. Instead of looking back, I’m looking ahead to Microsoft’s upcoming Surface announcements.

For those curious, new Surface PCs are coming this spring. So wait a few more weeks if you’re thinking about buying a current-generation model.March 23, 2026

Our senior editor Zac Bowden shared that tidbit of information recently while giving people advice on when to buy a Surface PC. The upcoming announcement of new Surface hardware is one of several reasons why Now is a terrible time to buy a Surface..

With little to go on in terms of what’s actually on the way, I’ll focus on what ought be on the way and what Microsoft needs What to do to save the Surface brand.

To be clear, I don’t think the Surface brand needs to save in terms of revenue. But Microsoft needs to combat complacency, inconsistency, and boredom-inducing hardware.

Before we dig in, here’s a quick summary of the week’s biggest stories in the world of Windows 11.

Stop staggered Surface launches

Microsoft needs to unify the releases of its Surface devices, regardless of what types of chips those PCs run. If a Surface Pro 12 is announced, Microsoft will need to ship the Snapdragon X and Intel versions at the same time.

The Surface Pro 11 for business, which is powered by an Intel chip, launched more than six months after the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon-X aimed at consumers.

Snapdragon X2 and Intel Core Ultra 3 Processors will be options on some new Surface hardware in some form factor. A staggered launch leaves the second-place finisher at a disadvantage.

best Windows laptops run Snapdragon X processors, so you would be spoiled for choice.

But some people still need or prefer PCs with Intel chips. Microsoft knows this, of course, and that’s why Intel-powered Surface PCs are sold as “business” devices.

I appreciate Microsoft’s efforts to push ARM64-based computing. Windows 11 has improved a lot in that area in recent years and Microsoft putting Snapdragon X chips in its flagship devices sent a strong message.

I think the message has been received that OEMs have made great PCs with Snapdragon X and that Microsoft can continue to be part of that group.

But if Microsoft is going to make Intel and Snapdragon X versions of its Surface PCs, it should offer them side by side for everyone.

Microsoft needed to use anti-glare screens on Surface PC six years ago. Why do we have to keep asking for this?

in a post on reddit by user “WearHeadphonesPlease” user lists ways the next Surface Pro would be perfect. Top of your list is anti-reflective coating.

I agree, although I would go a step further and say that the Snapdragon X and Intel versions should share the same overall design and features. People shouldn’t have to choose between a processor and a screen.

Even the macbook neowhich starts at $599, has an anti-reflective coating on its screen. Shipping a flagship Surface without a similar coating would be a shame.

Look

The surface is trapped in a refinement loop. The new devices have thinner bezels, better chips, and look good, but they lack appeal.

A Surface event used to guarantee something exciting that you didn’t expect. He surface book would have your screen jumping or a Surface Laptop Study would change to a different mode.

When Surface Neo and Surface Duo came on stage, it was exciting. Those devices pushed what PCs could do, but they also got people talking.

With all the technology available today, Microsoft must stand out. Fold a screen into quarters, connect two Surface Pros to create a super PC, something. Just give us more than “we update things you’ve seen before.”

top rated mini pc and our favorite mobile controller Both are heavily discounted.

Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 and its huge 3K AMOLED display are also on sale this week.

Amazon’s big spring sale ends on March 31, 2026, so be sure to get your devices now to avoid wasting money or paying full price.