What you need
Video Overview
- The opening procedure is straightforward, with a clever design that represents a dramatic improvement over its predecessors.
- The M.2 SSD is fully modular and easy to access.
- Torx Plus screws call for relatively rare drivers, but our standard Torx drivers worked in a pinch.
- Display access is well-prioritized, but must be replaced as an (expensive) complete unit—subcomponents aren't modular.
- While many components are modular, intricate layered construction makes them difficult to service.
- The firmly glued-down battery will be very difficult to service when it inevitably goes kaput.
Final Thoughts
Repairability Score
5
Repairability 5 out of 10
(10 is easiest to repair)
(10 is easiest to repair)
12 Comments
What is the purpose of the metal shield covering the trackpad and keyboard cable connectors? Is it to protect them or it is just a barrier to prevent repair?
Dinan Blueje - Reply
It’s a form of electromagnetic shielding I assume. This is a very common design on smartphones but not on laptops, no idea why Microsoft does this.
Meng Ziyue -
Since there are heatpipes running all over these metal shieldings, it’s also reasonable to say that they act as a form of heatsink to even out the heat
Meng Ziyue -
@dblueje It’s likely a shield to protect against electromagnetic interference.
Finally, Microsoft has a laptop that can be opened.
Ethan Zuo - Reply
That’s unfortunate, because you can’t remove the shield without destroying it(so it will never go back in again).
Dinan Blueje -
The EMI shield can be removed quite easily you just have to work on it for 2 or 3 minutes with a pair of tweezers. I've done quite a lot of surface repairs and iFixit was most probably rushing to get the teardown out.
Mihai Zaim -
Is it possible to embed a string like dental floss with a zig zag motion to defunct the adhesive instead of prying the battery out if the battery dies?
Alvin Zhou - Reply
Probably, if you pour IPA/ Adhesive remover under the battery BEFORE flossing it out.
Dinan Blueje -
The display must be replaced as a complete unit? My screen is cracked so I am wondering how I would replace it and where to get replacement parts.
Thank you
Andy Batto - Reply
Hi, does anyone know if the Wi-Fi + Bluetooth module is replaceable? Is it soldered onto the motherboard or is it a module that you can remove? Thanks!
Jabran - Reply
What is clock (OSC) used on main boards Surface 13.5
Duoc Nguyen - Reply
i need feet for my friends surface laptop 3 13 inch because he messed them up when upgrading the ssd and i am going to need some for my 15 inch laptop 3 for when i upgrade my ssd just in case
Bryson Buchanan - Reply