Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5" Touchpad Replacement

ID: 144787

Description: Use this guide to remove or replace the...

The feet on the bottom of the laptop are meant to be removed with the pointed end of a spudger.
Each foot has a hidden indent that will simplify removal.
To make sure the spudger is in the indent, insert it at the nearest long edge, pushing parallel to the short edges of the laptop, as shown.
Note that the two feet near the rear (screen) edge are different than the two front feet.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two rear feet, at its rear edge.
Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
The two rear feet are secured with some light adhesive.
Repeat to remove the second rear foot.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two front feet, at its front edge.
Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
The two front feet are secured with plastic clips as well as light adhesive.
Repeat to remove the second front foot.

In place of reusing old, worn out feet on your device, 8 mm rubber furniture pads can be a good substitute.
Peel a pad away from its backing, align it over a foot cavity, and press to secure.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws in the foot cavities securing the upper case to the device.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your laptop.
During reassembly, don't over-tighten these screws—they strip easily.

The upper case is secured in place by magnets.
Grip the top edge of upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.
Don't try to completely remove the upper case just yet, as it's still connected to the rest of the laptop.
Lift the front edge of the upper case up and away from the laptop, taking care to not strain the keyboard and touchpad 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 display could cause damage to the display as it closes.

The keyboard and touchpad ribbon cable is secured in place by a magnet connector.
On some models, this connector is surrounded by black tape.
Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath one edge of the ribbon cable connector, and pry up to release it.
Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the two pieces of metallic tape covering the top edge of the touchpad cover.

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the eight 2 mm screws securing the touchpad cover.

Use an opening tool to pry up the shield covering the touchpad connectors.
Try not to deform the shield too much—you will need to reinstall it during reassembly.
Remove the shield.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up the small locking flap on the first ribbon cable's ZIF connector.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up the small locking flaps on the second and third ribbon cables.

Use a pair of tweezers to slide the second and third ribbon cables out of their connectors.
Set the second ribbon cable—the keyboard and touchpad cable—aside for now.

Lift up the upper case and hold it above the work surface.
Push the touchpad up through the case and towards the keyboard, freeing it from its front tab.
Remove the touchpad.
During reassembly, when lowering the touchpad into place, make sure not to pinch any of the ribbon cables.

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