The Surface Pro 11 now comes without a charger in the box in some countries

Microsoft apparently no longer includes a charger in the box with the Surface Pro 11. In certain European markets, the Surface Pro 11 will be sold without a power supply in the standard package, as Windows Central spotted. This action follows the European Union’s initiative to reduce electronic waste by making power supplies optional for mobile phones and tablets.

At full price, Microsoft’s charger is pretty expensive

The Surface Pro 11 used to come with a power supply in every market. Recent changes have seen the device being sold without this accessory in some European countries. Customers who require a power supply can purchase it separately for €90 or £80, with special offers currently making it available for nearly half the price. The power supply that comes with it is a 65W one, which is suitable for both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. For example, right now, the power supply is half price at £40.00 or ~€48.00.

This measure is part of the EU’s 2022 Radio Equipment Directive, which aims to minimize e-waste by allowing consumers to reuse existing chargers. While the directive currently applies to mobile phones and tablets, it does not extend to laptops, which is why the Surface Laptop 7 has not yet been offered without an integrated power supply.

The new Surface Pro 11 package is lighter and compact and includes the tablet and quick start guide alone. It must be noted here that the EU directive does not require manufacturers to charge extra for the power supply but merely instructs that it be made available as an optional accessory and then become compulsory. However, Microsoft has taken the option to sell the power supply separately for an additional amount.

This change reflects a broader industry trend, as other companies, including Google and Apple, have also removed power supplies from the packaging of their tablets in EU countries to conform to environmental standards.