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Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement

Introduction

This guide shows how to replace the SSD in the Dell XPS 13. If your old SSD still works, be sure to create a full backup or clone the drive before you begin. You can use this guide either to upgrade to a higher-capacity drive, or to replace a faulty drive. If you install a blank SSD, you’ll need to reinstall Windows (or the OS of your choice) when you’re done with the repair.

What you need

  1. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the eight 4 mm T5 Torx screws from the bottom cover.

    Edit

  2. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Use a plastic opening tool to pry open the 'XPS' flap in the middle.

    Edit

  3. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single Phillips screw hidden beneath the flap.

    Edit

  5. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use opening picks or a plastic pry tool to pry open the case clips, beginning from the back edge.

    Edit

  6. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the bottom cover.

    Edit

  7. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 6, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the battery cable connector towards the battery to disconnect it from its socket.

    • If the connector is stubborn, push a little at one side, then the other, to "walk" it out of its socket.

    • If you have trouble walking the connector out of the socket, use the point of a spudger to gently push on the connector indent to slide the connector out.

    • Do not pull up.

    • Open the display and press the power button for five seconds to drain any remaining charge from the system.

    Edit

  8. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement, SSD: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the black, 4 mm Phillips screw securing the SSD.

    Edit

  9. Dell XPS 13 SSD Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Slide the SSD out of its socket.

    • Try not to lift the SSD any more than necessary.

    • During reassembly, make sure the slot in the SSD lines up with the slot in its socket. Do not touch the gold-colored contacts with your fingers.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

27 other people completed this guide.

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The Raptor

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13 Comments

I’m kinda new on pc upgrading. So once I install a new m.2 I’ll need to install a new window 10 right

burin.int - Reply

Yes, you have to install windows again. or you can clone your existing ssd onto the new one using some adapters easily found online

Anirban Mukherjee -

You will have to reinstall unless you are buying a samsung m.2 which comes with a disk duplicator utility. The xps 13 cames with a samsung early life evo disk (128GB) and transferring from 1 evo to another is very easy with the app. I believe its the same with every disk though I havent tried the latter.

kamathmanoj - Reply

Dell has some nice recovery tools:

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us...

I downloaded a recovery image to use from a USB drive. I am using it to reinstall the Windows that came with the PC. You don't have to be the original owner but you do need to have the Dell asset number usually stored in the bios

Justin Vander Ziel -

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