Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) SSD Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day
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Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) SSD Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

14

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or upgrade the SSD in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8‑inch).

Before starting this repair, read through Microsoft's guide on best practices for SSD removal.

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    • Before starting this repair, allow your laptop's battery to drain below 25%. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

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    • Close your laptop and lay it down so the rubber feet are facing up.

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    • Gently slide one arm of your angled tweezers into the recess near the upper right edge of one of the feet.

    • You can also use the point of a spudger. However, you're more likely to damage the foot, if you're reusing it.

    • Use your tweezers to pry up and remove the foot.

    • The feet may eject very quickly—be careful not to lose them.

    • Repeat the process to remove the remaining feet.

    • To install a foot, align the pegs on the bottom with their cutouts in the frame and press the foot into place.

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    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    • While the Surface Laptop 7 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the four 4.5 mm‑long screws (with washers) securing the lower case.

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    • Insert the tip of an opening pick under the top edge of the lower case, about an inch (2.5 cm) to the left or right of the Microsoft logo.

    • Don't insert the pick near the outer edges or you'll damage the antenna bar.

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    • Twist the pick to lift the lower case enough that you can grip it with your hand.

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    • Lift the lower case and remove it.

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    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 2.3 mm‑long screws securing the battery connector cover.

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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the battery connector cover.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger under the top edge of the battery press connector and pry up to disconnect it.

    • To reconnect a press connector, align it over the socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side. It may take a few tries to align the connector—don't try to force it into place.

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    • Heat an iOpener and lay it on the SSD for one minute to heat the tape on its left edge.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to lightly heat the tape.

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    • Carefully insert the point of a spudger under the SSD tape and lift until you can grip the tape with your fingers.

    • Be careful not to tear the tape, since you'll reuse it during reassembly.

    • Use your fingers to gently peel the tape from the SSD.

    • You don't need to fully remove the tape, it just needs to be off the SSD.

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    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.

    • With the screw removed, the SSD may pop up at a slight angle.

    • During reassembly, gently hold the SSD down while installing its screw.

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    • Grip the SSD by its edges near the screw notch and pull it straight out of its socket.

    • During reassembly, make sure the tape is completely out of the way and insert the SSD at a slight downward angle into its socket.

    • The SSD is notched so you can only insert it in the correct orientation.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Once your laptop is reassembled, follow Microsoft's post SSD replacement guide.

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

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

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

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