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Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the Windows Hello face authentication camera 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 this repair, you’ll need to apply new thermal paste to the CPU during reassembly. Make sure you have new thermal paste and either high-concentration isopropyl alcohol or a specialized thermal paste cleaner.

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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Open the kickstand: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Open the SSD and SIM card door: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the SSD and SIM card door: step 3, image 1 of 1
    Edit

  4. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 5, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 5, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Tape the screen: step 6, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Tape the screen: step 6, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Apply a suction cup to the screen: step 7, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Create a gap between the screen and frame: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Create a gap between the screen and frame: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Cut through the screen adhesive: step 10, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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

  13. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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

  14. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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

  15. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Open the Surface: step 15, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Open the Surface: step 15, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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

  16. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable shield: step 16, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable shield: step 16, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step for the bottom right corner.

    Edit

  19. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 19, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the screen: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the screen from the frame.

    Edit

  23. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Speaker grille information: step 22, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Screen adhesive information: step 24, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Screen adhesive information: step 24, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera 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 Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the heat sink sticker: step 25, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the heat sink sticker: step 25, image 2 of 2

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

    • Lift up the edge of the heat sink sticker closest to the bottom edge of the Surface.

    Edit

  27. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Lift up the center of the sticker.

    Edit

  28. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Lift up one side of the sticker attached to the heat sink.

    • Repeat for the other side. The sticker should now be fully detached.

    • Remove the sticker.

    Edit

  29. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the screw stickers: step 28, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the screw stickers: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • If you are going to reinstall these stickers during reassembly, try to keep them as intact as possible. These stickers can tear easily during removal.

    • Use an opening tool to lift up the edge of one of the small black stickers covering the four screws in the center of the heat sink.

    • You only need to lift the edge enough to grip it with tweezers.

    Edit

  30. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of blunt tweezers to remove the sticker covering the heat sink screw.

    • Repeat this process for the other three stickers.

    Edit

  31. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the heat sink screws: step 30, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the 14 screws securing the heat sink:

    • Eight 2.2 mm T3 Torx screws

    • One 2.0 mm T3 Torx screw

    • One 3.2 mm T3 Torx screw

    • Four 2.5 mm T6 screws

    Edit

  32. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 31, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • The heat sink is adhered to the CPU with thermal paste.

    • Insert an opening pick about 2 mm under the heat sink at its bottom edge directly to the left of the display cable.

    • The opening pick should be between the heat sink and the frame surrounding the motherboard.

    • Slide the opening pick to the left toward the heat pipe to detach the heat sink from the CPU.

    Edit

  33. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 2

    • Swing the bottom edge of the heat sink up so that it is at about a 10° angle with the frame.

    Edit

  34. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 33, image 3 of 3
    Edit

  35. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the foam adhesive: step 34, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the foam adhesive: step 34, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the foam adhesive: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the foam adhesive strip from the Surface.

    Edit

  36. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera shield: step 35, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera shield: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one corner of the shield covering the front camera connector.

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

    • If you are going to reuse this shield, try to avoid excessively bending it during removal.

    Edit

  37. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 36, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the previous step for the other three corners of the shield.

    Edit

  38. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.

    • Repeat this for the right edge of the shield.

    Edit

  39. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.

    • Repeat for the bottom right edge.

    Edit

  40. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into the divot in one of the tabs on the bottom edge of the shield.

    • You could also insert the tine under the bottom edge of the shield.

    • Lift up the bottom edge to detach it from the frame.

    Edit

  41. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to lift up the bottom edge of the shield so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.

    • This will detach the top edge of the shield from the frame.

    • Remove the front camera shield from the frame.

    Edit

  42. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the camera foam strip: step 41, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the camera foam strip: step 41, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the foam strip adhered to the front camera, Windows Hello face camera, and left microphone cables.

    Edit

  43. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Disconnect the Windows Hello face camera: step 42, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Disconnect the Windows Hello face camera: step 42, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the Windows Hello face camera press connector from its socket.

    Edit

  44. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the front-facing sensor bar screws: step 43, image 1 of 1

    • Depending on what component you are repairing, different shields on the motherboard may be removed at this point. For example, the shield covering the rear-facing camera connector has been removed in this step's image.

    • Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight 5.5 mm screws securing the front-facing sensor bar.

    Edit

  45. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Dislodge the front-facing sensor bar: step 44, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Dislodge the front-facing sensor bar: step 44, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the gap on the right side of the sensor bar between the rightmost screw hole and the adjacent screw hole.

    • Lift up the right side of the sensor bar to dislodge it from the frame.

    • You only need to lift the sensor bar so that it is loose in the frame. Don't try to remove the front sensor bar—it is still attached to the Surface by a cable that connects under the motherboard.

    Edit

  46. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the last step for the gap in the sensor bar between the second and third screw hole from the left.

    • This gap is where the sensor bar's cable is located.

    Edit

  47. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Lift the front-facing sensor bar: step 46, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Lift the front-facing sensor bar: step 46, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the sensor bar 90° so that it's perpendicular to the frame.

    • Don't push the sensor bar past 90° and don't rotate it horizontally to avoid damaging the cable connecting it to the motherboard.

    Edit

  48. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the Windows Hello face camera: step 47, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the Windows Hello face camera: step 47, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement, Remove the Windows Hello face camera: step 47, image 3 of 3

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to flip down the top edge of the Windows Hello face camera and detach it from the sensor bar.

    • During reassembly, make sure to insert the peg on the sensor bar into the hole in the Windows Hello face camera cable.

    • The peg is adjacent to the left microphone.

    Edit

  49. Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 48, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Pro X Windows Hello Face Camera Replacement: step 48, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of blunt tweezers to lift and remove the Windows Hello face camera.

    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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