Microsoft to recall millions of Surface Pro power cords over potential fire risk [Update]

Despite getting off to a very shaky start, Microsoft’s Surface Pro is now a firmly established product that can genuinely replace not only your iPad, but your laptop too. However, there’s potentially bad news for anyone who purchased one of the company’s slates before 15 July 2015 (in Europe) or March 2015 (in the US).

Microsoft has discovered that in certain situations the Surface Pro’s power cable could overheat, making it a potential fire hazard.

A Microsoft spokesman told us:

As a result of damage caused by AC power cords being wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period of time, a very small proportion of Surface Pro customers have reported issues with their AC power cord. We will be releasing details of how customers can obtain a free replacement cable shortly.

The problem relates to AC power supplies for the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 4, which launched last November, is reportedly not affected.

This is a worldwide voluntary recall, and owners will be able to get a free replacement by following the instructions which we will add below once Microsoft makes them public.

[Update] You can now request your replacement AC power cord from Microsoft. Follow the instructions here.