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How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12

Introduction

This guide shows how to install the Expansion Card lock screws in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Framework Laptop 12 comes with screws to internally secure all four Expansion Cards. With these screws installed, the cards can't be removed unless you open up the laptop.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

  • The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

What you need

  1. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Set your laptop down: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  2. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Lock the Expansion Cards: step 2, image 1 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Lock the Expansion Cards: step 2, image 2 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Lock the Expansion Cards: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to flip both Expansion Card latches to the lock position. The red bar shouldn't show on the latches.

    Edit

  3. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

    • Your laptop comes with a spare set of screws in the frame above the battery. Be careful—the replacement screws aren't captive.

    Edit

  4. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

    Edit

  6. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

    Edit

  7. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.

    • Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.

    • There are magnets holding the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels like a lot of force is required, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  8. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Expansion Card lock screws: step 7, image 1 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Expansion Card lock screws: step 7, image 2 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Expansion Card lock screws: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • For the left side, use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the silver lock screw from its holding post between the Expansion Card slots.

    • This is a 2.9 mm‑long T5 Torx screw.

    • Install the screw into the screw hole to the right of the post.

    • This holds the left Expansion Card latch in place, preventing external unlock.

    • Repeat the procedure on the right side to lock the right Expansion Cards.

    Edit

  9. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Disassembly complete: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

    Edit

  10. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 9, image 1 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 9, image 2 of 3 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.

    • Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.

    • Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.

    • Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.

    • Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

    Edit

  11. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Close and flip your laptop: step 10, image 1 of 2 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Close and flip your laptop: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Close the laptop lid.

    • Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  12. How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Tighten the bottom screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 How to Lock the Expansion Cards in Your Framework Laptop 12, Tighten the bottom screws: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.

    Edit
Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

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