Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 Teardown & Review – Inside Look and Repair Insights

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OVERVIEW:

In this repair guide, we will walk you through the full disassembly of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. This comprehensive teardown covers how to remove and replace internal components such as the battery, screen, SSD, motherboard, speakers, and more. Since Microsoft has built the Surface Laptop 4 with a layered internal structure, reaching certain parts like the battery requires significant disassembly. This tutorial will help you navigate the steps with clarity, using only the tools and procedures shown in the video. Whether you’re doing a screen swap or replacing a faulty motherboard, this step-by-step guide is here to assist.

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2 to 3 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring full disassembly of layered internal components and careful handling of delicate cables and adhesives.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a hex screwdriver to remove the unique screws under the rubber feet, a plastic pry tool to separate the housing and internal components, and isopropyl alcohol to assist with adhesive removal. You’ll also need steady hands and patience for disconnecting delicate connectors, lifting out adhesive-backed parts, and detaching internal shields.

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Remove the Rubber Feet

• Turn the Surface Laptop 4 upside down and locate the four rubber nubs.
• Use a pry tool to carefully remove each rubber nub, revealing the screws underneath.
• Set the rubber pieces aside in a safe location for later reassembly.

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Unscrew the Bottom Case

• With the rubber feet removed, use a hex screwdriver to unscrew the exposed screws.
• These are not standard screws—they require a specific hex bit to remove.
• Make sure to keep all screws organized by location.

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Separate the Bottom Case

• Locate the frame seam between the bottom casing and the body of the laptop.
• Insert your plastic pry tool into the crack and work along the edge to release the clips.
• Carefully lift off the bottom cover and set it aside.

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Open and Access the Keyboard

• Flip the laptop upright and open the screen slightly.
• Insert the pry tool under the lip of the keyboard deck near the trackpad.
• Gently lift the keyboard until it begins to separate from the base.

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Disconnect the Keyboard Cable

• Once the keyboard is partially lifted, locate the ribbon cable attached to the motherboard.
• Use your pry tool or fingers to disconnect the ribbon cable.
• Place the keyboard section to the side to expose the internal components.

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Remove Adhesive and Shields from the Motherboard

• Locate the adhesive pieces and metal shields covering the internal sections.
• Peel up the adhesive carefully using your pry tool or fingers.
• Bend and remove the thin metal shields; they will pop off and can be set aside.

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Remove the SSD

• Locate the SSD on the motherboard.
• Unscrew the retaining screw and slide the SSD out of its slot.
• Store the SSD in a safe place if you’re planning to reinstall it later.

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Locate the Battery Cable

• Identify the battery cable, which is routed underneath the motherboard.
• Note that the battery cannot be disconnected until the motherboard is lifted.
• Begin prepping the area by removing adjacent covers and cables for safe access.

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Begin Lifting the Motherboard

• Gently lift one edge of the motherboard using your fingers or a pry tool.
• The board is partially adhered to the frame—go slowly to avoid damage.
• As you lift, the battery connector and heatsink connections will begin to separate.

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Disconnect the Heat Sink

• As the motherboard lifts, you’ll notice the heat sink attached with adhesive.
• Continue lifting and disconnect the heat sink gently as it comes loose.
• Set the heat sink aside once removed.

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Begin Screen Disassembly – Unscrew the Black Bar

• Move to the hinge area and locate the long black bar running across the hinge.
• Unscrew all the screws securing this piece in place.
• Lift the black bar and prepare to open the laptop further.

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Disconnect the Screen Connectors

• Gently open the laptop to a wider angle to expose internal screen cables.
• Locate and remove the small covers protecting the screen connectors.
• Disconnect each of the four screen connectors now visible on both sides.

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Unscrew and Remove the Hinges

• With all cables disconnected, locate and unscrew the screen hinges.
• Carefully lift one hinge out of its slot, then the second one.
• Now, the screen assembly is fully detached from the laptop body.

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Remove Remaining Metal Covers

• Locate the final few metal shields around the internal frame.
• These are shaped differently but lift off similarly to the earlier covers.
• Remove each by prying gently from the edges and store them safely.

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Disconnect Speakers and Power Port

• Identify the speaker cables and gently disconnect them.
• Lift both speakers from their frame mounts, removing them completely.
• Now, locate the charger/power connector shield, unscrew it, and lift it off.

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Remove Magnetic Charging Connector

• Pull the power connector out of its housing.
• Note that it’s magnetic, and some screws may stick—use a tool to separate them.
• Set the charging port aside.

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Remove the Audio Jack

• Locate the headphone jack held in by a single screw.
• Unscrew and remove the audio jack from the side of the frame.
• This is the final I/O component in the frame.

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Fully Remove the Motherboard

• With all components detached, lift the motherboard out of the housing.
• The battery connector should now be fully accessible underneath.
• Set the motherboard aside on a static-safe surface.

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Remove the Battery

• The battery is adhered to the chassis and requires careful prying.
• Use a plastic tool to lift and loosen the adhesive from the battery underside.
• Once released, lift the battery out completely.

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CONCLUSION:

With this in-depth teardown complete, you now have full access to the Surface Laptop 4’s major components. Whether replacing the battery, upgrading the SSD, or swapping the screen, this guide provides each step clearly. Keep track of all screws and cables for reassembly. The Surface Laptop’s layered design adds difficulty, but with care and patience, it’s fully serviceable.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Check out our recommended tools in the link below to get started.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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