Introduction
This guide demonstrates how to replace the LCD panel in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15").
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Each foot has a hidden indent that will simplify removal.
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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.
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Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two rear feet, at its rear edge.
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Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
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Repeat to remove the second rear foot.
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Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two front feet, at its front edge.
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Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.
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Repeat to remove the second front foot.
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Note that the front and rear feet are different.
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Note that the front feet are directional and only clip in one way.
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Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws in the foot cavities securing the upper case to the device.
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Grip the top edge of upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.
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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.
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Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath one edge of the ribbon cable connector, and pry up to release it.
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Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the long plastic cable bracket at the base of your screen for one minute to soften its adhesive.
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Insert an opening pick into the seam between the cable bracket and the LCD back cover, to the right of the cables.
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Slide your pick toward the left hinge to separate the adhesive.
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Insert your opening pick again to the left of the cables and slide it toward the hinge to fully separate the adhesive.
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Grab the middle of the cable bracket and pull it away from the cables.
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Pull the left side of the bracket out of its recess near the hinge.
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The screen used in this guide has a smaller gap on the right side, which would be harder to start with.
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The left edge has a wider gap, which would be easier to start with.
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Note the location of the adhesive we're softening on this step: long strips secure each short edge of the screen.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for three minutes.
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Place a suction handle on the left edge of the screen, as close to the edge as possible.
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Pull up on the suction handle with a strong and steady force to slightly lift the glass.
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Insert a Jimmy, iFlex, or other thin metal tool at a 45-degree angle in the gap between the screen and back cover.
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Slide your opening pick toward the hinge.
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Leave your pick in the bottom left corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Insert a second opening pick next to the one in the bottom left corner.
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Slide the pick to the top left corner to completely separate the left edge adhesive.
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Leave this pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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The left section of adhesive extends 69 mm (2.7 in) from the left edge of the screen and is 6 mm deep.
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The middle section of adhesive is 2 mm deep. The sensors are held in a protective bracket adhered to the screen.
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The right section of adhesive extends 84 mm (3.3 in) from the right edge of the screen and is 6 mm deep.
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Insert a third opening pick next to the one in the top left corner.
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Slide your pick toward the middle of the screen to separate the adhesive until you reach the sensor bracket, 69 mm (2.7 in) from the left edge.
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Slide your pick to the top right corner of the screen.
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Leave this pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Insert a fourth opening pick next to the one in the top right corner.
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Slide the pick to the bottom right corner to completely separate the right edge adhesive.
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Leave this pick in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Rotate your screen so the top edge is closest to you.
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Grab the two opening picks at the top corners of the screen and slide them toward the middle until they're stopped by the sensor bracket.
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Angle both picks downward so they slide underneath the sensor bracket.
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Slide the angled picks toward the middle of the screen until the top edge separates from the back cover.
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Hold your screen propped up with one hand.
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With your other hand, use a plastic card to slice the adhesive securing the bottom left and right corners.
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Grab the top corners of the screen and lower it back down flat onto the back cover.
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Pull the screen away from the hinges and "walk" it side-to-side to separate the remaining adhesive along the bottom edge.
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Remove the screen.
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Flip the screen over and lay it glass-side down onto your work surface.
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Gently peel up the long ribbon cable.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the sensor bracket for one minute.
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The left edge of the sensor bracket is 69 mm (2.7 in) from the edge of the screen.
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The right edge of the sensor bracket is 84 mm (3.3 in) from the edge of the screen.
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With the top edge of the screen closest to you, insert an opening pick under the right edge of the sensor bracket.
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Slide your pick under the bracket to separate the adhesive.
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Once you reach the end of the sensor bracket, rotate your opening pick around the left edge.
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Slide your pick under the section of cable adhered to the screen to separate its adhesive.
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Use one arm of a pair of tweezers to pry up and unclip the shield from the press connector at the base of the screen.
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Remove the shield.
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Use the point of your spudger to pry up and disconnect the short display cable from the screen.
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Remove the cable.
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Use tweezers or your fingers to peel and remove any pieces of residual adhesive from the back cover.
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Clean the perimeter of the back cover with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
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Apply strips of thin double-sided tape to the back cover in the same locations as the old adhesive.
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Conclusion to be inherited from the live guide.
