Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on getting your capable hands on a Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition! Follow this quick start guide to assemble your laptop and get it running.

After assembling your laptop, you'll need to install an OS and download the correct drivers. Here are links to some useful resources:

What you need

Step 1 Unbox your laptop

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Unbox your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 2

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Unbox your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 2

Unbox your Framework Laptop and make sure you've received the following items (the exact contents will vary depending on your configuration):
Framework Laptop chassis with pre-installed Mainboard.
Input Cover
Expansion Cards
Bezel
Memory and Storage
Power Adapter
Framework Screwdriver

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Step 2 Open the laptop

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Open the laptop: step 2, image 2 of 2

Open the laptop.

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Step 3 Remove the plastic cover

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Remove the plastic cover: step 3, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Remove the plastic cover: step 3, image 3 of 3

Remove the plastic cover.
The protective cover is made of post-consumer recycled PET and is highly recyclable. Please recycle this with your household recycling.

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Step 4 Install the memory

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the memory: step 4, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the memory: step 4, image 3 of 3

If you're only installing one memory module, follow this step to install it in the left socket labeled "Channel 0." Otherwise, follow the next two steps to install both modules.
Hold the memory module by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.
While holding up the black flap covering the left memory module, orient the module with its label facing down and align the gold contacts with the socket.
Insert the contact edge into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.
Press the edges of the memory module down until the side clips lock it in place.

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Step 5

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide: step 5, image 3 of 3

Repeat the previous step for the right socket labeled ("Channel 1"), except orient the module so its label is facing up.

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Step 6 Remove the SSD screw

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Remove the SSD screw: step 6, image 2 of 2

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the 3.0 mm‑long T5 Torx screw near the SSD connector.

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Step 7 Install the SSD

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the SSD: step 7, image 2 of 2

Hold the SSD by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.
Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.
The SSD fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't feel like it fits, try flipping the module.

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Step 8 Install the SSD screw

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the SSD screw: step 8, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the SSD screw: step 8, image 3 of 3

While holding the SSD flat to the Mainboard, use your Framework Screwdriver to install the 3.0 mm‑long T5 Torx screw securing the SSD.

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Step 9 Position the Input Cover

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Position the Input Cover: step 9, image 2 of 2

Position the Input Cover, keyboard down, on top of the laptop so it just covers the battery.
This allows the Touchpad Cable to be folded over and reconnected without straining it.

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Step 10 Connect the Touchpad Cable

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Connect the Touchpad Cable: step 10, image 2 of 2

Insert your finger into the Touchpad Cable press connector loop.
Align the press connector over its socket and press down with your finger.
You should hear it "click" into place. Don't try to force the connector into place. If you're having trouble, reposition it and try again.

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Step 11 Place the Input Cover

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Place the Input Cover: step 11, image 2 of 2

Flip the Input Cover over the laptop and align the bottom edges.

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Step 12

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide: step 12, image 3 of 3

Lay the Input Cover over the laptop and let the magnets snap it into place.
The bottom right corner of the Input Cover won't sit flush with the laptop until you tighten its screws.

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Step 13 Reposition the laptop

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Reposition the laptop: step 13, image 2 of 2

Open the laptop so the screen sits flat on your work surface.

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Step 14 Check the cables

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Check the cables: step 14, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Check the cables: step 14, image 3 of 3

Before continuing, check if cables next to the hinges are routed properly:
The Display Cable should be routed just above the hinge without any large gaps.
Your Display Cable might come with a white sticker. This doesn't affect the routing.
The Display Cable should be routed between the metal clips.
The Webcam Cable should be routed just above the hinge without any large gaps and shouldn't overlap with the antenna cables.
If the cables aren't routed properly, the Bezel won't sit flat and you risk damaging the Bezel and the Display during reassembly.

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Step 15 Install the Bezel

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the Bezel: step 15, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the Bezel: step 15, image 3 of 3

If there's any liners covering adhesive on the back of the Bezel, remove them now.
Align the bottom edge of the Bezel with the top edge of the Input Cover and press down so the Bezel covers the hinges and cables.
The bottom edge of the Bezel should sit flat and the magnets at its edges should "snap" into place.
Lay the rest of the Bezel over the screen and let the magnets pull it into place.

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Step 16

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide: step 16, image 3 of 3

Check that all four corners of the Bezel sit flat on the Top Cover. If they're uneven, do the following:
Use your fingers to press around the edge of the Bezel. The magnets should easily snap into place.
If the Bezel is still uneven, remove the Bezel and reseat it. Refer to this step for how the cables should be routed.

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Step 17 Remove the plastic liners

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Remove the plastic liners: step 17, image 2 of 2

If there are any plastic liners covering the webcam and microphone, remove them.

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Step 18 Reposition the laptop

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Reposition the laptop: step 18, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Reposition the laptop: step 18, image 3 of 3

Close the laptop and flip it over.

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Step 19 Tighten the Input Cover screws

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Tighten the Input Cover screws: step 19, image 2 of 2

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the five captive T5 Torx screws securing the Input Cover.
Don't overtighten the screws—just make sure they're snug.

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Step 20 Install the Expansion Cards

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the Expansion Cards: step 20, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Install the Expansion Cards: step 20, image 3 of 3

Slide an Expansion Card into an Expansion Card slot.
The Expansion Cards should click into place, and the front edge should be flush with the laptop.
For Expansion Card compatibility, check here.
Repeat for the remaining Expansion Cards along that edge.

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Step 21

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide: step 21, image 3 of 3

Repeat the previous step for the other row of Expansion Cards.

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Step 22 Assemble the Framework Power Adapter

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Assemble the Framework Power Adapter: step 22, image 2 of 3

Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition Quick Start Guide, Assemble the Framework Power Adapter: step 22, image 3 of 3

Plug the AC Cable into the Power Adapter.
Plug the USB-C Cable into the Power Adapter.
You can plug either end of the USB-C cable into the adapter.
Plug the AC Cable into a power outlet.

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Step 23 Plug in the laptop

Your Framework Laptop ships in shipping mode, where the battery is disabled until you plug the laptop in for the first time.
Plug the USB-C Cable into any USB-C port on your laptop.

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Step 24 Install an OS

You're done assembling your Framework Laptop! Now, you'll need to install an OS.
If you're installing Microsoft Windows, check out this guide.
If you're installing Linux, check this page for more details.
After you install your OS, follow this guide to check your BIOS.
For drivers, firmware, and software updates, check out this page.