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Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement

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.

What you need

  1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Prepare your device: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Prepare your device: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Removal tip: step 3, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Removal tip: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 6, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • During reassembly:

    • Note that the front and rear feet are different.

    • Note that the front feet are directional and only clip in one way.

    Edit

  8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the upper case screws: step 8, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • 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.

    Edit

  10. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the device over.

    • Open the display as far as it will go.

    Edit

  11. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  12. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  13. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the upper case: step 12, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the upper case: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  14. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • 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.

    Edit

  15. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit
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.

4 other people completed this guide.

Author

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Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 03/10/20

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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 - Reply

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