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Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the SSD in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch).

Removing the SSD functions as a battery disconnect and should be performed before all major repairs.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Some photos in this guide are from a different model and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won't affect the guide procedure.

What you need

  1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Prepare your laptop for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Prepare your laptop for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 2

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

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    Edit

  2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Close the screen and lay your laptop down with the rear case facing up to access the four rubber feet.

    Edit

  3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Feet removal information: step 3, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Feet removal information: step 3, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Feet removal information: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Each foot has a recess to help pry it from the laptop:

    • The back feet recesses are closest to the back edge of the laptop.

    • The front feet recesses are closest to the front edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the feet: step 4, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the feet: step 4, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the feet: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Insert one arm of your tweezers into the recess of one of the feet.

    • Twist your tweezers and pry up to separate the adhesive and unclip the foot from the laptop.

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

    • Remove the foot.

    • Repeat this process on the remaining feet.

    Edit

  5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Reassembly information: step 5, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Reassembly information: step 5, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy

    • This laptop has two different types of feet. During reassembly, make sure the feet go in their correct recesses.

    • The rear feet have a single center clip.

    • The front feet have three clips and can only be reinserted one way.

    • Press the feet into their recesses to secure them to the frame.

    • If the existing feet no longer adhere to the frame, remove the old adhesive and apply a small amount of Tesa Tape where the old adhesive was.

    Edit

  7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • If the feet are damaged or worn out, use 8 mm rubber furniture pads:

    • Peel a pad away from its backing.

    • Align the pad over a foot cavity and press down to secure it.

    Edit

  8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Unfasten the upper case: step 7, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • These screws strip easily. Apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws securing the upper case.

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

    Edit

  9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Open the screen: step 8, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Open the screen: step 8, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Open the screen: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Flip your laptop over and fully open the screen.

    Edit

  10. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Lift the upper case: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Lift the upper case: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Lift the upper case: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • The upper case is secured by magnets.

    • Grip the top edge of the upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.

    • Don't try to completely remove the upper case, as it's still connected to the laptop by a cable.

    • Lift the bottom edge of the upper case up and away from the laptop, taking care to not strain the 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 screen could damage the screen as it closes.

    Edit

  11. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable: step 10, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable: step 10, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard and touchpad cable connects the upper case to the laptop.

    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger under one edge of the magnet connector and pry up to disconnect it.

    • To reconnect the cable, align the magnet connector over its socket with the cable facing the bottom of the laptop. Press down on the connector to secure it.

    Edit

  12. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the upper case: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the upper case and set it keyboard-side down on a clean surface.

    Edit

  13. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Unfasten the SSD: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 2.7 mm screw securing the SSD.

    • With the screw removed, the SSD pops up at a shallow angle.

    Edit

  14. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 13, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Removing the SSD also functions as a battery disconnect.

    • Pull the SSD out of its socket and remove it.

    • Don't pull up at a sharp angle, as this could damage the SSD and its socket.

    • During reassembly, insert the SSD at a slight angle.

    Edit

  15. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Reassembly information: step 14, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Reassembly information: step 14, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) SSD Replacement, Reassembly information: step 14, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
    $3.99
    Buy

    • Your SSD has thermal paste that forms a bond to the upper case.

    • During reassembly:

    • Use the flat end of your spudger to scrape away old thermal paste from the top of the SSD and the underside of the upper case.

    • Apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (over 90%) to the SSD and upper case. Wipe away the residue using a lint-free or microfiber cloth.

    • Replace the thermal pad with one that's the same size as the SSD sticker.

    • Alternatively, you can apply a bead of thermal paste directly to the SSD's label. Use the dot method with a bead slightly larger than the screw head securing the SSD.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions 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 ask our Answers community for help.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 09/19/22

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