Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement

Written By: Carsten Frauenheim

Comments: 4

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

15 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the upper case of a Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15").

Removing the SSD functions as a battery disconnect and should be performed before all major repairs.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Turn on your laptop and allow the battery to discharge below 25% before starting your repairs, as a charged lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.
Power down your laptop and unplug any cables.
Close the laptop.

Step 2

Flip the laptop over and place it on your work surface, feet facing up.

Step 3

The feet on the bottom of the laptop are meant to be removed with the pointed end of a spudger.
Each foot has a hidden indent that will simplify removal.
To make sure the spudger is in the indent, insert it at the nearest long edge, pushing parallel to the short edges of the laptop, as shown.
Note that the two feet near the rear (screen) edge are different than the two front feet.

Step 4

Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two rear feet, at its rear edge.
Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
The two rear feet are secured with some light adhesive.
Repeat to remove the second rear foot.

Step 5

Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two front feet, at its front edge.
Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
The two front feet are secured with plastic clips as well as light adhesive.
Repeat to remove the second front foot.

Step 6

During reassembly:
Note that the front and rear feet are different.
Note that the front feet are directional and only clip in one way.

Step 7

In place of reusing old, worn out feet on your device, 8 mm rubber furniture pads can be a good substitute.
Peel a pad away from its backing, align it over a foot cavity, and press to secure.

Step 8

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws in the foot cavities securing the upper case to the device.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your laptop.
During reassembly, don't over-tighten these screws—they strip easily.

Step 9

Flip the device over.
Open the display as far as it will go.

Step 10

The upper case is secured in place by magnets.
Grip the top edge of upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.
Don't try to completely remove the upper case just yet, as it's still connected to the rest of the laptop.
Lift the front edge of the upper case up and away from the laptop, taking care to not strain the keyboard and touchpad ribbon cable underneath.
During reassembly, lower the upper case onto the lower case until the magnets snap into place and it lays flat.
Check that the upper case sits flush around the entire perimeter. Any gaps between the upper and lower case near the display could cause damage to the display as it closes.

Step 11

The keyboard and touchpad ribbon cable is secured in place by a magnet connector.
On some models, this connector is surrounded by black tape.
Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath one edge of the ribbon cable connector, and pry up to release it.
Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard.

Step 12

Remove the upper case.
Set the upper case onto a clean surface, keyboard-side down.
Ensure the ribbon cable lays flat, and isn't twisted or stressed.

Excellent instructions. Just replaced my upper case. Also thanks for the tip for replacement rubber feet.

Paul Dearlove -

What do I do if I accidentally disconnected the ribbon on the keyboard side. I can’t figure out how to reconnect it

Kenneth T Ward II -

Wow - that was easy! Thanks!

John McKee -

Step 13

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 2.7 mm screw securing the SSD.
Removing the SSD also functions as a battery disconnect and should be performed before all major repairs.

Step 14

With the SSD screw removed, the SSD will pop up at a shallow angle.
Grip the end of the SSD and pull it away from its board connector to remove it.
During reassembly, insert the SSD at a shallow angle into its board connector, and secure it back into its horizontal position with the SSD screw.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or search our Answers community for help.

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 10/03/20

130781 Reputation

One comment

whats the max size ssd i can replace my 256gb with here please - as a 1tb at the very least would be perfect - as i do a lot of photoshop work here ..

with major major thanks in advance, j

James Shaw -