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Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the screen in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch).

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) Screen Replacement, Prepare your laptop for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Feet removal information: step 3, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Feet removal information: step 3, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Remove the feet: step 4, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the feet: step 4, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 5, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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

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

  7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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

  8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Open the screen: step 8, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Open the screen: step 8, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Lift the upper case: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Lift the upper case: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable: step 10, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable: step 10, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen 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) Screen 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) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 12, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 12, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 12, 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

  14. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Unfasten the SSD: step 13, 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

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

  16. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Unclip the right display cable shield: step 15, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Unclip the right display cable shield: step 15, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Unclip the right display cable shield: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Insert one arm of your tweezers under the corner of the right display cable shield.

    • Gently pry up to release the clips securing the shield.

    • Try not to deform the shield too much. You'll need to reinstall it during reassembly.

    • Repeat this process around the left, right, and bottom edges of the shield until you can remove it.

    Edit

  17. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the right display cable shield: step 16, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the right display cable shield: step 16, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the right display cable shield: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the right display cable shield towards the bottom of the laptop to free it from its recess.

    • Remove the shield.

    Edit

  18. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the left display cable shield: step 17, image 1 of 1
    Edit

  19. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 18, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to gently push the display cables back into their cavity in the lower case after reconnecting the press connectors.

    Edit

  20. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 19, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 19, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect all four display cable press connectors.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

    Edit

  21. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Open the screen: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Fully open the screen.

    Edit

  22. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove four hinge screws: step 21, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove four hinge screws: step 21, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove four hinge screws: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • When removing the hinge screws, make sure to hold the screen steady as it will become loose as the screws are removed.

    • While holding the screen steady, use a T6 Torx driver to remove the four outermost 5.9 mm screws securing the screen (two on each side).

    • Both hinges should have one remaining screw (two total). Leave these screws in place.

    Edit

  23. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Tilt the screen vertical: step 22, image 1 of 1

    • Close the screen until it's almost vertical.

    • During reassembly, with the first two hinge screws tightened in place, the screen is free to tilt open for installation of the remaining four hinge screws.

    Edit

  24. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the final hinge screws: step 23, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the final hinge screws: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • While holding the screen steady, use a T6 Torx driver to remove the two remaining 5.9 mm screws securing the screen (one on each side).

    • If the screen is exactly perpendicular to the lower case, the screwdriver handle may hit the screen during removal. If you're having trouble, tilt the screen back enough to clear the driver.

    Edit

  25. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 24, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 24, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the screen straight up and remove it.

    • During reassembly, ensure the replacement screen hinges are at a 90 degree angle with the screen.

    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 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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