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Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the SSD port on a Microsoft Surface Pro X.

Warning: Make sure to remove the SSD from the Surface before starting any repairs. This will disconnect the battery and prevent damage to the Surface.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your Surface. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

What you need

  1. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the kickstand: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the kickstand: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Make sure your Surface Pro X is turned off, and laying screen-side down on a soft surface.

    • After turning off your device, make sure to remove the SSD from the Surface before starting any repairs. This will disconnect the battery and prevent damage to the device.

    • Lift the kickstand to at least a 90° angle, so that it is perpendicular to the Surface's screen. The further you open the hinge, the easier it is to access the SSD and SIM card door.

    Edit

  2. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the SSD and SIM card door: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the SSD and SIM card door: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a SIM card eject tool or a paperclip into the small hole in the bottom right corner of the SSD and SIM card door, located near the bottom right corner of the Surface.

    • Press firmly to open the door.

    Edit

  3. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD and SIM card door: step 3, image 1 of 1
    Edit

  4. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.4 mm screw securing the SSD.

    Edit

  5. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 5, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 5, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use your finger or a spudger to lift the SSD just enough that it clears the edges of its recess.

    • Don't lift the SSD more than you have to—doing so may damage the SSD or its socket.

    • Gently pull the SSD straight out of its socket.

    • When reinstalling the SSD, be sure it is properly seated before reinstalling its retaining screw.

    Edit

  6. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Tape the screen: step 6, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Tape the screen: step 6, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Tape the screen: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD screen.

    • If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

    • Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the Surface’s display until the whole face is covered.

    • This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

    • Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

    Edit

  7. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Apply a suction cup to the screen: step 7, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Apply a suction cup to the screen: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Wear safety glasses during the screen removal procedure in case the glass shatters while you're working.

    • There is a significant chance that you may break the unreinforced and fragile display panel during this procedure. Be sure to work slowly and be extremely careful while slicing through the adhesive.

    • Place your tablet on your work surface so that the screen is facing up.

    • Apply a suction cup to the screen next to the right speaker grille.

    Edit

  8. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Secure the tablet: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Place your hand on the screen next to the suction cup to secure the Surface while you lift up the screen.

    Edit

  9. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Create a gap between the screen and frame: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Create a gap between the screen and frame: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Create a gap between the screen and frame: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Don't insert the opening pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the right, bottom, and left edge.

    • Lift up on the suction cup to create a gap between the screen and the frame.

    • The gap only needs to be wide enough to slide in an opening pick.

    • Insert an opening pick about 2 mm into the gap. Leave the opening pick in the gap to prevent it from resealing.

    Edit

  10. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Cut through the screen adhesive: step 10, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Cut through the screen adhesive: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a second opening pick into the gap between the screen and the frame.

    • Slide the pick down the right edge of the Surface to slice through the adhesive under the screen.

    • Leave this opening pick in the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  11. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Don't insert the pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the screen adhesive on the bottom edge or you may damage delicate components on the screen.

    • Insert a third opening pick into the bottom right corner and slide it around the corner toward the bottom edge.

    Edit

  12. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the pick along the bottom edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

    • Leave this pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  14. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a fourth opening pick into the bottom left corner and slide it around the corner toward the left edge.

    • Slide the pick along the left edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

    • Leave this pick in the left edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  15. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Don't insert the opening pick more than 10 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the top edge. Don't insert the pick more than 3 mm near the speaker grille.

    • Insert a fifth opening pick into the top left corner and slide it around the corner toward the top edge.

    • Slide the pick along the top edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

    Edit

  16. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the Surface: step 15, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the Surface: step 15, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Open the Surface: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Do not remove the screen yet. It is still connected to the motherboard by the display cable. Keep the screen as close as possible to the Surface's frame to avoid straining the display cable.

    • Avoid hitting the battery with the screen during this procedure. A punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

    • Lift up the top edge of the screen so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.

    • If you encounter any resistance, stop and check that all the adhesive is separated. Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive.

    • Rotate the screen so that its bottom edge is in the middle of the frame. The screen should be perpendicular to the frame.

    • Rotate the screen 90° so that it is facing down. Place the screen on the frame.

    Edit

  17. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the display cable shield: step 16, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the display cable shield: step 16, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the display cable shield: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom right corner of the display cable shield (where the display cable is oriented down).

    • Lift up the corner to detach it from the screen.

    Edit

  18. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step for the bottom right corner.

    Edit

  19. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the display cable shield from the screen.

    • If the display cable shield isn't completely detached from the screen, pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield.

    Edit

  20. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 19, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the right side of the display cable press connector.

    • Lift up the right side of the press connector to detach it from the display cable socket on the screen.

    Edit

  21. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step on the left side of the display cable connector to fully disconnect it from the screen.

    • 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, causing permanent damage.

    Edit

  22. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the screen: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the screen from the frame.

    Edit

  23. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Speaker grille information: step 22, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Speaker grille information: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • The left and right speaker grilles may be attached to the Surface's frame or the screen.

    • If you are going to replace a speaker grille that is attached to the frame, follow these steps to remove it:

    • Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the grille.

    • Remove the speaker grille.

    • Repeat for the other speaker grille.

    Edit

  24. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • If you are going to replace or transfer a speaker grille that is attached to the screen, follow these steps to remove it:

    • Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the grille.

    • Remove the speaker grille.

    • Repeat for the other speaker grille.

    Edit

  25. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Screen adhesive information: step 24, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Screen adhesive information: step 24, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Screen adhesive information: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • If you are going to replace the screen adhesive, follow these steps:

    • Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to the adhesive.

    • Use a cotton swab or the flat end of a spudger to scrape away the adhesive.

    • Use a lint-free cloth or coffee filter to wipe away any remaining adhesive.

    • Allow the surface to dry completely before applying replacement adhesive.

    • Apply new adhesive strips or pre-cut adhesive to the frame where the old screen adhesive was located.

    Edit

  26. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Lift the corner of the shield: step 25, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Lift the corner of the shield: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with any tools while removing the SSD port—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

    • Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the top left corner of the SSD port connector's shield (where the cable is oriented down).

    • Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.

    Edit

  27. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the shield: step 26, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the shield: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the SSD port connector's shield.

    • If the shield isn't completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

    Edit

  28. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD port sticker: step 27, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD port sticker: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • If you are going to reinstall this sticker during reassembly, try to keep it as intact as possible.

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up a corner of the black sticker covering the SSD port.

    Edit

  29. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the SSD port sticker.

    Edit

  30. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the SSD port: step 29, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the SSD port: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the SSD port's press connector from its socket.

    Edit

  31. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the SIM card reader: step 30, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Disconnect the SIM card reader: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the SIM card reader's press connector from its socket.

    Edit

  32. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD port screws: step 31, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.5 mm screws securing the SSD port.

    Edit

  33. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD port: step 32, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement, Remove the SSD port: step 32, image 2 of 2

    • The SSD port cable is lightly adhered to the frame. If the adhesive is too difficult to cut through, continue to the next step for additional removal instructions.

    • Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket.

    Edit

  34. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • If the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket is too difficult to cut through, follow these steps to loosen the adhesive:

    • Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol under the SIM card reader socket to loosen the adhesive underneath.

    • Wait thirty seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive.

    • Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket.

    Edit

  35. Microsoft Surface Pro X SSD Port Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the SSD port from the frame.

    • If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the Surface, carefully wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry before installing your SSD port.

    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 Microsoft Surface Pro X Answers community for help.

Author

Kyle Smith

Member since: 02/01/21

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