DIY Guide: How to Replace the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) Fan
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 22 Steps
Ready to tackle a fan replacement for your Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch)? If your fan is spinning like it’s on a rollercoaster, running non-stop, or just taking a long nap, it might be time for a swap! Let’s get that laptop back to its cool self.
Step 1
Before diving into this repair adventure, make sure your laptop’s battery has dipped below 25%. A charged battery can be a bit fiery if it gets damaged, and we certainly don’t want that!
– Disconnect all cables and power down your laptop completely.
Step 2
– Shut your laptop and lay it down so it’s doing a handstand with the rubber feet facing up.
Step 3
Watch out for those little feet—they might pop off faster than you can say ‘oops’! Keep an eye on them so they don’t go missing.
Using the point of a spudger can be handy, but be careful! There’s a chance you might harm the foot if you’re planning to reuse it.
– Take your trusty angled tweezers and gently slide one arm into the little nook near the upper right edge of one of the feet. Slow and steady wins the race here!
– Give it a little nudge with your tweezers to pry up and pop that foot off—nice and easy.
– Rinse and repeat—okay, not literally!—just repeat the process to remove the rest of the feet. You’re on a roll!
– To install a new foot, line up the pegs on the bottom with their matching cutouts in the frame, and press it firmly into place. Boom, mission accomplished!
Tools Used
Step 4
Stay on top of those tiny screws throughout this repair – make sure each one ends up exactly where it started. It’s like solving a puzzle, and we’ve got your back!
The Surface Laptop 7 uses Torx Plus screws, but don’t worry if you only have standard Torx bits – they’ll do the trick. Just remember to apply some steady, gentle pressure to avoid stripping those screws. Easy does it!
– Grab your trusty Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver and carefully unscrew the four 4.5 mm-long screws (with washers) holding the lower case in place. Let’s get this done!
Step 5
Steer clear of the outer edges when inserting the pick; getting too close might just ruffle the antenna bar’s feathers!
– Slip the tip of an opening pick beneath the upper edge of the lower case, roughly an inch (2.5 cm) to the left or right of the Microsoft logo.
Step 6
– Give the pick a little twist to pop the lower case up just enough to grab it with your hand.
Step 7
– Gently lift the lower case and take it off. No need to rush, just a smooth move.
Step 8
– Grab your trusty Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and get to work! Remove the two 2.3mm screws holding down the battery connector cover. You’ll be one step closer to success!
Step 9
– Grab a pair of tweezers or use your fingers to pop off the battery connector cover—easy-peasy!
Step 10
Let’s get that connector back in place! Align it over the socket and gently press down on one side until you hear the satisfying click, then press down on the other side. Don’t worry if it takes a few attempts to get it just right – patience is key. Take your time and you’ll be a pro in no time!
– Slide the flat end of your spudger under the top edge of the battery press connector, give it a little nudge, and pop it up to disconnect. Easy peasy!
Tools Used
Step 11
– Grab the flat end of your spudger and pop up the metal buckle on the Surface Connect port connector.
Tools Used
Step 12
– Use tweezers or your fingers to grab the Surface Connect port cable and yank it straight out of its socket. Don’t be shy!
– When putting things back together:
– Reconnect the Surface Connect port cable.
– Peel off any adhesive liners and press the cable down to secure it with the adhesive. Easy peasy!
Step 13
– Grab your Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and carefully remove the two 3 mm-long screws holding the Surface Connect port snug in the top left corner of the frame. Easy peasy!
Step 14
A tough adhesive strip holds the Surface Connect port cable snugly against the top of the fan. Warming up the cable helps loosen the adhesive, making it a breeze to separate.
You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun, but go easy on the heat—too much could mess up the battery.
– Warm up an iOpener and place it on the Surface Connect port cable for two minutes to loosen up that sticky adhesive. Get ready to rock this repair!
Tools Used
Step 15
Don’t secure that trackpad cable with adhesive just yet! Wait until you’ve reconnected it, or it might not reach its socket if it’s positioned incorrectly. Let’s get it just right!
– Get a grip on that Surface Connect cable – literally! Hold it close to the motherboard connector and gently peel it away from the fan. Easy does it!
– When you’re putting everything back together:
– If the tape is still sticky, you’re good to go – no need to replace it. But if it’s lost its stick or you’re swapping out the fan and it doesn’t come with adhesive, it’s time for some new double-sided tape. Just stick a thin strip along the top edge of the fan and you’re all set.
– If the adhesive has given up the ghost, or if your new fan doesn’t come with it, don’t worry! Just apply a fresh strip of thin, double-sided tape to the top edge of the fan. You got this!
Step 16
– Time to lift that Surface Connect port and say goodbye to its old spot!
– Now, as we put things back together:
– Gently place the Surface Connect port back in its home, ensuring those cutouts snugly fit over the motherboard posts. Give it a little nudge to make sure it’s all the way in—check that the outer edge is perfectly flush with the frame.
– Secure it with the two screws and voilà, you’re one step closer to a fully functioning device!
Step 17
– Gently slide the spudger’s point under the hinged locking flap of the fan cable ZIF connector, which is hanging out on the left side of the motherboard. You’ve got this!
– Now, take those tweezers and give the fan cable’s pull tab a little squeeze. Slide that cable right out of its comfy socket. Easy peasy!
Tools Used
Step 18
Handle the connectors gently, or you might end up with some unwanted damage.
– Take your trusty spudger and carefully slide its point underneath the speaker connector (right below the fan cable). Gently lift it up and out of its socket—no need to rush, just let it pop right out.
– When you’re putting things back together, line up the connector above its socket and give it a gentle press down with the flat side of the spudger. You’ll feel a little click when it locks in place. If it’s being stubborn, don’t force it—just reposition it and give it another go.
Tools Used
Step 19
– Gently use the tip of a spudger to peel the tape away from the bottom of the fan, and then slide it out of the way of the speaker cable. You’ve got this!
Tools Used
Step 20
– Grab that speaker cable with your fingers and gently slide it out of the clips along the fan’s edge.
Step 21
– Grab your trusty Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and let’s get to work! Carefully unscrew those three 4.1 mm-long screws that are holding the fan in place. You’ve got this!
Step 22
– Put your device back together by following these steps in reverse. Simple as that!
– Dispose of your e-waste at a certified recycler like R2 or e-Stewards.
– Troubleshooting didn’t work? Try some basics or head over to our Answers community for help.
– Cancel: I did not complete this guide.
– If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
