Microsoft Surface Pro X Sensor Bar Replacement Repair Guide

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

111

Time Required

                          2 - 3 hours

Sections

SSD and SIM Card Door
3 steps
SSD
2 steps
Microsoft Surface Pro X Opening Procedure
10 steps
Screen
9 steps
Heat Sink
9 steps
Right Speaker
5 steps
Display Cable
12 steps
Left Speaker
5 steps
SSD Port
10 steps
Foam Adhesive Strip
1 step
Front Camera Shield
6 steps
Rear Camera Shield
5 steps
Camera Foam Strip
1 step
Motherboard
28 steps
Sensor Bar
5 steps

Flags

BackMicrosoft Surface Pro X
Full Screen
Options
History
Save to Favorites
Download PDF
Edit
Translate
Get Shareable Link
Embed This Guide
Notify Me of Changes
Stop Notifications

Introduction

Warning: Make sure to remove the SSD from the Surface before starting any repairs. This will disconnect the battery and prevent damage to the Surface.

For this repair, you’ll need to apply new thermal paste to the CPU during reassembly. Make sure you have new thermal paste and either high-concentration isopropyl alcohol or a specialized thermal paste cleaner.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your Surface. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

What you need

Step 1

              Open the kickstand

Make sure your Surface Pro X is turned off, and laying screen-side down on a soft surface.
After turning off your device, make sure to remove the SSD from the Surface before starting any repairs. This will disconnect the battery and prevent damage to the device.
Lift the kickstand to at least a 90° angle, so that it is perpendicular to the Surface’s screen. The further you open the hinge, the easier it is to access the SSD and SIM card door.

Make sure your Surface Pro X is turned off, and laying screen-side down on a soft surface.

After turning off your device, make sure to remove the SSD from the Surface before starting any repairs. This will disconnect the battery and prevent damage to the device.

Lift the kickstand to at least a 90° angle, so that it is perpendicular to the Surface’s screen. The further you open the hinge, the easier it is to access the SSD and SIM card door.

1024

Step 2

              Open the SSD and SIM card door

Insert a SIM card eject tool or a paperclip into the small hole in the bottom right corner of the SSD and SIM card door, located near the bottom right corner of the Surface.
Press firmly to open the door.

Insert a SIM card eject tool or a paperclip into the small hole in the bottom right corner of the SSD and SIM card door, located near the bottom right corner of the Surface.

Press firmly to open the door.

Step 3

              Remove the SSD and SIM card door

Lift the SSD and SIM card door and remove it from the Surface.
When reinstalling the door, first insert the end of the door with the small tab into the Surface just above the SSD, then lay the rest of the door down.

Lift the SSD and SIM card door and remove it from the Surface.

When reinstalling the door, first insert the end of the door with the small tab into the Surface just above the SSD, then lay the rest of the door down.

Step 4

              Remove the SSD screw

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.4 mm screw securing the SSD.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.4 mm screw securing the SSD.

Step 5

              Remove the SSD

Use your finger or a spudger to lift the SSD just enough that it clears the edges of its recess.
Don’t lift the SSD more than you have to—doing so may damage the SSD or its socket.
Gently pull the SSD straight out of its socket.
When reinstalling the SSD, be sure it is properly seated before reinstalling its retaining screw.

Use your finger or a spudger to lift the SSD just enough that it clears the edges of its recess.

Don’t lift the SSD more than you have to—doing so may damage the SSD or its socket.

Gently pull the SSD straight out of its socket.

When reinstalling the SSD, be sure it is properly seated before reinstalling its retaining screw.

Step 6

              Tape the screen

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD screen.
If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.
Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the Surface’s display until the whole face is covered.
This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.
Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD screen.

If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the Surface’s display until the whole face is covered.

This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

Step 7

              Apply a suction cup to the screen

Wear safety glasses during the screen removal procedure in case the glass shatters while you’re working.
There is a significant chance that you may break the unreinforced and fragile display panel during this procedure. Be sure to work slowly and be extremely careful while slicing through the adhesive.
Place your tablet on your work surface so that the screen is facing up.
Apply a suction cup to the screen next to the right speaker grille.

Wear safety glasses during the screen removal procedure in case the glass shatters while you’re working.

There is a significant chance that you may break the unreinforced and fragile display panel during this procedure. Be sure to work slowly and be extremely careful while slicing through the adhesive.

Place your tablet on your work surface so that the screen is facing up.

Apply a suction cup to the screen next to the right speaker grille.

Step 8

              Secure the tablet

Place your hand on the screen next to the suction cup to secure the Surface while you lift up the screen.

Place your hand on the screen next to the suction cup to secure the Surface while you lift up the screen.

Step 9

              Create a gap between the screen and frame

Don’t insert the opening pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the right, bottom, and left edge.
Lift up on the suction cup to create a gap between the screen and the frame.
The gap only needs to be wide enough to slide in an opening pick.
Insert an opening pick about 2 mm into the gap. Leave the opening pick in the gap to prevent it from resealing.

Don’t insert the opening pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the right, bottom, and left edge.

Lift up on the suction cup to create a gap between the screen and the frame.

The gap only needs to be wide enough to slide in an opening pick.

Insert an opening pick about 2 mm into the gap. Leave the opening pick in the gap to prevent it from resealing.

Step 10

              Cut through the screen adhesive

Insert a second opening pick into the gap between the screen and the frame.
Slide the pick down the right edge of the Surface to slice through the adhesive under the screen.
Leave this opening pick in the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert a second opening pick into the gap between the screen and the frame.

Slide the pick down the right edge of the Surface to slice through the adhesive under the screen.

Leave this opening pick in the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 11

Don’t insert the pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the screen adhesive on the bottom edge or you may damage delicate components on the screen.
Insert a third opening pick into the bottom right corner and slide it around the corner toward the bottom edge.

Don’t insert the pick more than 3 mm while cutting through the screen adhesive on the bottom edge or you may damage delicate components on the screen.

Insert a third opening pick into the bottom right corner and slide it around the corner toward the bottom edge.

Step 12

Slide the pick along the bottom edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.
Leave this pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Slide the pick along the bottom edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Leave this pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 13

Insert a fourth opening pick into the bottom left corner and slide it around the corner toward the left edge.
Slide the pick along the left edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.
Leave this pick in the left edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert a fourth opening pick into the bottom left corner and slide it around the corner toward the left edge.

Slide the pick along the left edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Leave this pick in the left edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 14

Don’t insert the opening pick more than 10 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the top edge. Don’t insert the pick more than 3 mm near the speaker grille.
Insert a fifth opening pick into the top left corner and slide it around the corner toward the top edge.
Slide the pick along the top edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Don’t insert the opening pick more than 10 mm while cutting through the adhesive on the top edge. Don’t insert the pick more than 3 mm near the speaker grille.

Insert a fifth opening pick into the top left corner and slide it around the corner toward the top edge.

Slide the pick along the top edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Step 15

              Open the Surface

Do not remove the screen yet. It is still connected to the motherboard by the display cable. Keep the screen as close as possible to the Surface’s frame to avoid straining the display cable.
Avoid hitting the battery with the screen during this procedure. A punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.
Lift up the top edge of the screen so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.
If you encounter any resistance, stop and check that all the adhesive is separated. Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive.
Rotate the screen so that its bottom edge is in the middle of the frame. The screen should be perpendicular to the frame.
Rotate the screen 90° so that it is facing down. Place the screen on the frame.

Do not remove the screen yet. It is still connected to the motherboard by the display cable. Keep the screen as close as possible to the Surface’s frame to avoid straining the display cable.

Avoid hitting the battery with the screen during this procedure. A punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

Lift up the top edge of the screen so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.

If you encounter any resistance, stop and check that all the adhesive is separated. Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive.

Rotate the screen so that its bottom edge is in the middle of the frame. The screen should be perpendicular to the frame.

Rotate the screen 90° so that it is facing down. Place the screen on the frame.

Step 16

              Remove the display cable shield

Insert a tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom right corner of the display cable shield (where the display cable is oriented down).
Lift up the corner to detach it from the screen.

Insert a tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom right corner of the display cable shield (where the display cable is oriented down).

Lift up the corner to detach it from the screen.

Step 17

Repeat the previous step for the bottom right corner.

Repeat the previous step for the bottom right corner.

Step 18

Remove the display cable shield from the screen.
If the display cable shield isn’t completely detached from the screen, pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield.

Remove the display cable shield from the screen.

If the display cable shield isn’t completely detached from the screen, pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield.

Step 19

              Disconnect the screen

Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the right side of the display cable press connector.
Lift up the right side of the press connector to detach it from the display cable socket on the screen.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the right side of the display cable press connector.

Lift up the right side of the press connector to detach it from the display cable socket on the screen.

Step 20

Repeat the previous step on the left side of the display cable connector to fully disconnect it from the screen.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Repeat the previous step on the left side of the display cable connector to fully disconnect it from the screen.

To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Step 21

              Remove the screen

Remove the screen from the frame.

Remove the screen from the frame.

Step 22

              Speaker grille information

The left and right speaker grilles may be attached to the Surface’s frame or the screen.
If you are going to replace a speaker grille that is attached to the frame, follow these steps to remove it:
Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the grille.
Remove the speaker grille.
Repeat for the other speaker grille.

The left and right speaker grilles may be attached to the Surface’s frame or the screen.

If you are going to replace a speaker grille that is attached to the frame, follow these steps to remove it:

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the grille.

Remove the speaker grille.

Repeat for the other speaker grille.

Step 23

If you are going to replace or transfer a speaker grille that is attached to the screen, follow these steps to remove it:
Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the grille.
Remove the speaker grille.
Repeat for the other speaker grille.

If you are going to replace or transfer a speaker grille that is attached to the screen, follow these steps to remove it:

Step 24

              Screen adhesive information

If you are going to replace the screen adhesive, follow these steps:
Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to the adhesive.
Use a cotton swab or the flat end of a spudger to scrape away the adhesive.
Use a lint-free cloth or coffee filter to wipe away any remaining adhesive.
Allow the surface to dry completely before applying replacement adhesive.
Apply new adhesive strips or pre-cut adhesive to the frame where the old screen adhesive was located.

If you are going to replace the screen adhesive, follow these steps:

Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to the adhesive.

Use a cotton swab or the flat end of a spudger to scrape away the adhesive.

Use a lint-free cloth or coffee filter to wipe away any remaining adhesive.

Allow the surface to dry completely before applying replacement adhesive.

Apply new adhesive strips or pre-cut adhesive to the frame where the old screen adhesive was located.

Step 25

              Remove the heat sink sticker

If you are going to reinstall this sticker during reassembly, try to keep it as intact as possible.
Lift up the edge of the heat sink sticker closest to the bottom edge of the Surface.

If you are going to reinstall this sticker during reassembly, try to keep it as intact as possible.

Lift up the edge of the heat sink sticker closest to the bottom edge of the Surface.

Step 26

Lift up the center of the sticker.

Lift up the center of the sticker.

Step 27

Lift up one side of the sticker attached to the heat sink.
Repeat for the other side. The sticker should now be fully detached.
Remove the sticker.

Lift up one side of the sticker attached to the heat sink.

Repeat for the other side. The sticker should now be fully detached.

Remove the sticker.

Step 28

              Remove the screw stickers

If you are going to reinstall these stickers during reassembly, try to keep them as intact as possible. These stickers can tear easily during removal.
Use an opening tool to lift up the edge of one of the small black stickers covering the four screws in the center of the heat sink.
You only need to lift the edge enough to grip it with tweezers.

If you are going to reinstall these stickers during reassembly, try to keep them as intact as possible. These stickers can tear easily during removal.

Use an opening tool to lift up the edge of one of the small black stickers covering the four screws in the center of the heat sink.

You only need to lift the edge enough to grip it with tweezers.

Step 29

Use a pair of blunt tweezers to remove the sticker covering the heat sink screw.
Repeat this process for the other three stickers.

Use a pair of blunt tweezers to remove the sticker covering the heat sink screw.

Repeat this process for the other three stickers.

Step 30

              Remove the heat sink screws

Remove the 14 screws securing the heat sink:
Eight 2.2 mm T3 Torx screws
One 2.0 mm T3 Torx screw
One 3.2 mm T3 Torx screw
Four 2.5 mm T6 screws

Remove the 14 screws securing the heat sink:

Eight 2.2 mm T3 Torx screws

One 2.0 mm T3 Torx screw

One 3.2 mm T3 Torx screw

Four 2.5 mm T6 screws

Step 31

              Remove the heat sink

The heat sink is adhered to the CPU with thermal paste.
Insert an opening pick about 2 mm under the heat sink at its bottom edge directly to the left of the display cable.
The opening pick should be between the heat sink and the frame surrounding the motherboard.
Slide the opening pick to the left toward the heat pipe to detach the heat sink from the CPU.

The heat sink is adhered to the CPU with thermal paste.

Insert an opening pick about 2 mm under the heat sink at its bottom edge directly to the left of the display cable.

The opening pick should be between the heat sink and the frame surrounding the motherboard.

Slide the opening pick to the left toward the heat pipe to detach the heat sink from the CPU.

Step 32

Swing the bottom edge of the heat sink up so that it is at about a 10° angle with the frame.

Swing the bottom edge of the heat sink up so that it is at about a 10° angle with the frame.

Step 33

Rotate the heat sink about 10° clockwise so that it can be removed from the foam adhesive strip covering the top left screw hole.
Remove the heat sink from the Surface.
During reassembly, slide the heat sink’s top left screw hole under the foam adhesive strip.
Before reinstalling your heat sink, make sure to properly clean the heat sink and CPU, and apply new thermal paste.

Rotate the heat sink about 10° clockwise so that it can be removed from the foam adhesive strip covering the top left screw hole.

Remove the heat sink from the Surface.

During reassembly, slide the heat sink’s top left screw hole under the foam adhesive strip.

Before reinstalling your heat sink, make sure to properly clean the heat sink and CPU, and apply new thermal paste.

Step 34

              Disconnect the right speaker

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the right speaker’s press connector from its socket.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the right speaker’s press connector from its socket.

Step 35

              Detach the right speaker's cable

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the right speaker’s cable and detach it from the frame.

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the right speaker’s cable and detach it from the frame.

Step 36

              Lift up the foam adhesive

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the foam adhesive covering the right speaker’s top right screw.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the foam adhesive covering the right speaker’s top right screw.

Step 37

              Remove the right speaker screws

Remove the two screws securing the right speaker:
One 2.2 mm T3 Torx screw
One 2.9 mm T6 Torx screw

Remove the two screws securing the right speaker:

One 2.2 mm T3 Torx screw

One 2.9 mm T6 Torx screw

Step 38

              Remove the right speaker

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the cable side of the right speaker enough to grab it with your fingers.
Remove the right speaker from the frame.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the cable side of the right speaker enough to grab it with your fingers.

Remove the right speaker from the frame.

Step 39

              Remove the display cable shield

Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tweezers—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.
If you are going to reuse this shield, try to avoid excessively bending it during removal.
Note that the display cable is oriented down for this shield removal procedure.
Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into a divot on a tab in the top right corner of the display cable shield.
Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.

Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tweezers—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

If you are going to reuse this shield, try to avoid excessively bending it during removal.

Note that the display cable is oriented down for this shield removal procedure.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into a divot on a tab in the top right corner of the display cable shield.

Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.

Step 40

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right side of the top edge of the shield to detach it from the frame.
Repeat for the left side of the top edge.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right side of the top edge of the shield to detach it from the frame.

Repeat for the left side of the top edge.

Step 41

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right side of the top edge of the shield.
Lift up the top edge to further detach it from the frame.
Repeat for the left side of the top edge.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right side of the top edge of the shield.

Lift up the top edge to further detach it from the frame.

Step 42

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the top side of the right edge of the shield.
Lift up to detach the top section of the shield from the frame.
Repeat for the top side of the left edge.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the top side of the right edge of the shield.

Lift up to detach the top section of the shield from the frame.

Repeat for the top side of the left edge.

Step 43

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right edge of the shield near the top right corner.
Lift up to further detach the shield from the frame.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right edge of the shield near the top right corner.

Lift up to further detach the shield from the frame.

Step 44

Repeat the previous step for the center of the right edge of the shield.

Repeat the previous step for the center of the right edge of the shield.

Step 45

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the left edge of the shield near the top left corner.
Lift up to further detach the shield from the frame.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the left edge of the shield near the top left corner.

Step 46

Repeat the previous step for the center of the left edge of the shield.

Repeat the previous step for the center of the left edge of the shield.

Step 47

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right edge of the shield near the bottom right corner.
Lift up the right edge to detach the shield from the frame.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the right edge of the shield near the bottom right corner.

Lift up the right edge to detach the shield from the frame.

Step 48

Remove the display cable shield.
If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield.

Remove the display cable shield.

If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield.

Step 49

              Disconnect the display cable

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the display cable press connector from its socket.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the display cable press connector from its socket.

Step 50

              Remove the display cable

Remove the display cable from the Surface.

Remove the display cable from the Surface.

Step 51

              Disconnect the left speaker

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the left speaker’s press connector from its socket.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the left speaker’s press connector from its socket.

Step 52

              Detach the left speaker's cable

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the left speaker’s cable and detach it from the frame.

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the left speaker’s cable and detach it from the frame.

Step 53

              Lift up the foam adhesive

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the foam adhesive covering the left speaker’s top left screw.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the foam adhesive covering the left speaker’s top left screw.

Step 54

              Remove the left speaker screws

Remove the three screws securing the left speaker:
One 2.2 mm T3 Torx screw
One 3.0 mm T3 Torx screw
One 2.9 mm T6 Torx screw

Remove the three screws securing the left speaker:

One 3.0 mm T3 Torx screw

Step 55

              Remove the left speaker

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the cable side of the left speaker enough to grab it with your fingers.
Remove the left speaker from the frame.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the cable side of the left speaker enough to grab it with your fingers.

Remove the left speaker from the frame.

Step 56

              Lift the corner of the shield

Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with any tools while removing the SSD port—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.
Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the top left corner of the SSD port connector’s shield (where the cable is oriented down).
Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.

Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with any tools while removing the SSD port—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the top left corner of the SSD port connector’s shield (where the cable is oriented down).

Step 57

              Remove the shield

Remove the SSD port connector’s shield.
If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

Remove the SSD port connector’s shield.

If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

Step 58

              Remove the SSD port sticker

If you are going to reinstall this sticker during reassembly, try to keep it as intact as possible.
Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up a corner of the black sticker covering the SSD port.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up a corner of the black sticker covering the SSD port.

Step 59

Remove the SSD port sticker.

Remove the SSD port sticker.

Step 60

              Disconnect the SSD port

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the SSD port’s press connector from its socket.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the SSD port’s press connector from its socket.

Step 61

              Disconnect the SIM card reader

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the SIM card reader’s press connector from its socket.

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the SIM card reader’s press connector from its socket.

Step 62

              Remove the SSD port screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.5 mm screws securing the SSD port.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.5 mm screws securing the SSD port.

Step 63

              Remove the SSD port

The SSD port cable is lightly adhered to the frame. If the adhesive is too difficult to cut through, continue to the next step for additional removal instructions.
Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket.

The SSD port cable is lightly adhered to the frame. If the adhesive is too difficult to cut through, continue to the next step for additional removal instructions.

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket.

Step 64

If the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket is too difficult to cut through, follow these steps to loosen the adhesive:
Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol under the SIM card reader socket to loosen the adhesive underneath.
Wait thirty seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive.
Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket.

If the adhesive under the SIM card reader socket is too difficult to cut through, follow these steps to loosen the adhesive:

Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol under the SIM card reader socket to loosen the adhesive underneath.

Wait thirty seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive.

Step 65

Remove the SSD port from the frame.
If there’s any alcohol solution remaining in the Surface, carefully wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry before installing your SSD port.

Remove the SSD port from the frame.

If there’s any alcohol solution remaining in the Surface, carefully wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry before installing your SSD port.

Step 66

              Remove the foam adhesive

Remove the foam adhesive strip from the Surface.

Remove the foam adhesive strip from the Surface.

Step 67

              Remove the front camera shield

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one corner of the shield covering the front camera connector.
Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.
If you are going to reuse this shield, try to avoid excessively bending it during removal.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one corner of the shield covering the front camera connector.

Step 68

Repeat the previous step for the other three corners of the shield.

Repeat the previous step for the other three corners of the shield.

Step 69

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.
Repeat this for the right edge of the shield.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.

Repeat this for the right edge of the shield.

Step 70

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.
Repeat for the bottom right edge.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom left edge of the shield to further detach it from the frame.

Repeat for the bottom right edge.

Step 71

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into the divot in one of the tabs on the bottom edge of the shield.
You could also insert the tine under the bottom edge of the shield.
Lift up the bottom edge to detach it from the frame.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into the divot in one of the tabs on the bottom edge of the shield.

You could also insert the tine under the bottom edge of the shield.

Lift up the bottom edge to detach it from the frame.

Step 72

Use a pair of tweezers to lift up the bottom edge of the shield so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.
This will detach the top edge of the shield from the frame.
Remove the front camera shield from the frame.

Use a pair of tweezers to lift up the bottom edge of the shield so that it is at a 30° angle with the frame.

This will detach the top edge of the shield from the frame.

Remove the front camera shield from the frame.

Step 73

              Remove the rear camera shield

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one corner of the shield covering the rear camera connector.
Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.
If you are going to reuse this shield, try to avoid excessively bending it during removal.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one corner of the shield covering the rear camera connector.

Step 74

Repeat the previous step for the remaining three corners of the shield.

Repeat the previous step for the remaining three corners of the shield.

Step 75

Use a pair of pointed tweezers to lift up the left side of the shield.

Use a pair of pointed tweezers to lift up the left side of the shield.

Step 76

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom right edge of the shield to fully detach it from the frame.

Slide one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under the bottom right edge of the shield to fully detach it from the frame.

Step 77

Remove the shield covering the rear camera connector.
If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

Remove the shield covering the rear camera connector.

Step 78

              Remove the camera foam strip

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the foam strip adhered to the front camera, Windows Hello face camera, and left microphone cables.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the foam strip adhered to the front camera, Windows Hello face camera, and left microphone cables.

Step 79

              Remove the Surface Connect port screws

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.8 mm screws securing the Surface Connect port.

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.8 mm screws securing the Surface Connect port.

Step 80

              Dislodge the Surface Connect port

The Surface Connect port connector can be disconnected before moving the port, but the connector is difficult to reconnect while the port is fully seated. During reassembly, it is easier to reconnect the connector before seating the port into its recess.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the left screw tab and dislodge the Surface Connect port from the frame.
You only need to lift the port high enough to insert the pointed end of a spudger into the screw tab.

The Surface Connect port connector can be disconnected before moving the port, but the connector is difficult to reconnect while the port is fully seated. During reassembly, it is easier to reconnect the connector before seating the port into its recess.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the left screw tab and dislodge the Surface Connect port from the frame.

You only need to lift the port high enough to insert the pointed end of a spudger into the screw tab.

Step 81

              Detach the Surface Connect port

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the left screw tab.
Push the Surface Connect port toward its connector to detach its magnets from the frame.
You only need to push the port enough to detach it from the frame and grab it with your fingers. Don’t bend the cable more than necessary.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the left screw tab.

Push the Surface Connect port toward its connector to detach its magnets from the frame.

You only need to push the port enough to detach it from the frame and grab it with your fingers. Don’t bend the cable more than necessary.

Step 82

              Move the Surface Connect port

Hold the edges of the Surface Connect port with your fingers.
Pull the port away from the edge of the frame and place it on top of the edge.

Hold the edges of the Surface Connect port with your fingers.

Pull the port away from the edge of the frame and place it on top of the edge.

Step 83

              Disconnect the Surface Connect port

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the foam on top of the Surface Connect port’s connector.
Lift up on the foam to open the connector’s locking tab.

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the foam on top of the Surface Connect port’s connector.

Lift up on the foam to open the connector’s locking tab.

Step 84

Place the flat end of a spudger under the left edge of the connector’s locking tab.
While holding the Surface Connect port with your fingers, push the connector out of its socket in the direction of the cable.
If this doesn’t fully disconnect the connector, repeat this step for the right edge of the locking tab. Alternate between the left and right edge as needed.

Place the flat end of a spudger under the left edge of the connector’s locking tab.

While holding the Surface Connect port with your fingers, push the connector out of its socket in the direction of the cable.

If this doesn’t fully disconnect the connector, repeat this step for the right edge of the locking tab. Alternate between the left and right edge as needed.

Step 85

              Remove the Surface Connect port

Remove the Surface Connect port from the frame.
During reassembly, make sure to fully insert the Surface Connect port connector into its socket. The internal metal edge of the connector should be directly adjacent to the metal edge of the socket.

Remove the Surface Connect port from the frame.

During reassembly, make sure to fully insert the Surface Connect port connector into its socket. The internal metal edge of the connector should be directly adjacent to the metal edge of the socket.

Step 86

              Remove the USB-C port shield screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 2.9 mm screws securing the first USB-C port shield.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 2.9 mm screws securing the first USB-C port shield.

Step 87

              Remove the first USB-C port shield

If you are going to reuse the USB-C port shields, try to avoid excessively bending them during removal.
Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into the gap in the first USB-C port shield next to the screw hole closest to the left speaker.
Lift up the shield to detach it from the frame.

If you are going to reuse the USB-C port shields, try to avoid excessively bending them during removal.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers into the gap in the first USB-C port shield next to the screw hole closest to the left speaker.

Lift up the shield to detach it from the frame.

Step 88

Remove the first USB-C port shield from the frame.
If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

Remove the first USB-C port shield from the frame.

Step 89

              Remove the second USB-C port shield

Don’t pry up the USB-C port shield near the battery—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.
Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one of the shield’s corners closest to the left speaker recess.
Slide the tine along the edge of the shield to detach the corner from the frame.

Don’t pry up the USB-C port shield near the battery—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under one of the shield’s corners closest to the left speaker recess.

Slide the tine along the edge of the shield to detach the corner from the frame.

Step 90

Note that the second USB-C port shield may fling off of the frame when you detach it. You can place a finger on the shield to prevent it from flinging.
Repeat the previous step for the other corner of the shield closest to the left speaker recess.
Continue prying up the edge of the shield closest to the left speaker recess until the shield detaches from the frame.
Remove the shield from the frame.
If the shield isn’t completely detached from the frame, pry up additional areas on the edges of the shield.

Note that the second USB-C port shield may fling off of the frame when you detach it. You can place a finger on the shield to prevent it from flinging.

Repeat the previous step for the other corner of the shield closest to the left speaker recess.

Continue prying up the edge of the shield closest to the left speaker recess until the shield detaches from the frame.

Remove the shield from the frame.

Step 91

              Remove the USB-C port press connector screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2 mm screws securing the USB-C port press connector.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2 mm screws securing the USB-C port press connector.

Step 92

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the long edge of the USB-C port press connector.
Rotate the flat end of the spudger to disconnect the press connector from its socket.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the long edge of the USB-C port press connector.

Rotate the flat end of the spudger to disconnect the press connector from its socket.

Step 93

              Remove the USB-C port screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.7 mm screws securing the USB-C port.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.7 mm screws securing the USB-C port.

Step 94

              Remove the USB-C ports

Use a pair of tweezers to grip the USB-C port screw hole tab closest to the left speaker.
Lift up the press connector edge of the USB-C ports to detach it from the frame.
Remove the USB-C ports from the frame.

Use a pair of tweezers to grip the USB-C port screw hole tab closest to the left speaker.

Lift up the press connector edge of the USB-C ports to detach it from the frame.

Remove the USB-C ports from the frame.

Step 95

              Disconnect the sensor bar components

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the right microphone press connector from its socket.
Disconnect the rear camera.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the right microphone press connector from its socket.

Disconnect the rear camera.

Step 96

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the front camera, the Windows Hello face camera, and the left microphone.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the front camera, the Windows Hello face camera, and the left microphone.

Step 97

              Motherboard shield information

There are two shields on the motherboard covering screws that secure it to the frame:
One square shield to the right of the USB-C port.
One rectangular shield to the right of the camera connector sockets.

There are two shields on the motherboard covering screws that secure it to the frame:

One square shield to the right of the USB-C port.

One rectangular shield to the right of the camera connector sockets.

Step 98

              Remove the two shields

Avoid prying near the battery while removing the shields—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.
Note that the shields may fling off of the frame when you detach them. You can place a finger on the shield to prevent it from flinging.
Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under a corner of the square shield.
Lift up the corner to detach it from the frame.
Continue to pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield until it detaches from the frame.
Remove the square shield.
If you are going to reuse these shields, try to avoid excessively bending them during removal.

Avoid prying near the battery while removing the shields—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

Note that the shields may fling off of the frame when you detach them. You can place a finger on the shield to prevent it from flinging.

Insert one tine of a pair of pointed tweezers under a corner of the square shield.

Continue to pry up additional areas around the edges of the shield until it detaches from the frame.

Remove the square shield.

If you are going to reuse these shields, try to avoid excessively bending them during removal.

Step 99

Repeat the previous step to remove the rectangular shield.

Repeat the previous step to remove the rectangular shield.

Step 100

              Remove the front-facing sensor bar screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight 5.5 mm screws securing the front-facing sensor bar.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight 5.5 mm screws securing the front-facing sensor bar.

Step 101

              Dislodge the front-facing sensor bar

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the gap on the right side of the sensor bar between the rightmost screw hole and the adjacent screw hole.
Lift up the right side of the sensor bar to dislodge it from the frame.
You only need to lift the sensor bar so that it is loose in the frame. Don’t try to remove the front sensor bar—it is still attached to the Surface by a cable that connects under the motherboard.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the gap on the right side of the sensor bar between the rightmost screw hole and the adjacent screw hole.

Lift up the right side of the sensor bar to dislodge it from the frame.

You only need to lift the sensor bar so that it is loose in the frame. Don’t try to remove the front sensor bar—it is still attached to the Surface by a cable that connects under the motherboard.

Step 102

Repeat the previous step for the gap in the sensor bar between the second and third screw hole from the left.
This gap is where the sensor bar’s cable is located.

Repeat the previous step for the gap in the sensor bar between the second and third screw hole from the left.

This gap is where the sensor bar’s cable is located.

Step 103

              Lift the front-facing sensor bar

The motherboard has spring connectors that fit under the front-facing sensor bar. Lifting the sensor bar makes it easier to remove and replace the motherboard.
Lift the sensor bar about 30° out of its recess.
Don’t push the sensor bar past 90° and don’t rotate it horizontally to avoid damaging the cable connecting it to the motherboard.

The motherboard has spring connectors that fit under the front-facing sensor bar. Lifting the sensor bar makes it easier to remove and replace the motherboard.

Lift the sensor bar about 30° out of its recess.

Don’t push the sensor bar past 90° and don’t rotate it horizontally to avoid damaging the cable connecting it to the motherboard.

Step 104

              Remove the motherboard screws

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the six 2 mm screws securing the motherboard.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the six 2 mm screws securing the motherboard.

Step 105

              Remove the motherboard

Lift the bottom edge of the motherboard about a half-centimeter above the frame.
You only need to lift the motherboard high enough for it to clear the battery as you slide it out.
Hold the motherboard on the left and right edge.

Lift the bottom edge of the motherboard about a half-centimeter above the frame.

You only need to lift the motherboard high enough for it to clear the battery as you slide it out.

Hold the motherboard on the left and right edge.

Step 106

Pull the motherboard down toward the bottom edge of the Surface to remove it from the frame.

Pull the motherboard down toward the bottom edge of the Surface to remove it from the frame.

Step 107

              Detach the sensor bar connector from the frame

The sensor bar’s connector is lightly adhered to the frame.
Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the left edge of the sensor bar connector.

The sensor bar’s connector is lightly adhered to the frame.

Use an opening pick to cut through the adhesive under the left edge of the sensor bar connector.

Step 108

Repeat the previous step for the right edge of the connector.

Repeat the previous step for the right edge of the connector.

Step 109

Slide the opening pick under the center of the connector to detach it from the frame.

Slide the opening pick under the center of the connector to detach it from the frame.

Step 110

              Remove the sensor bar

Lift and remove the front-facing sensor bar from the frame.

Lift and remove the front-facing sensor bar from the frame.

Step 111

              Windows Hello face camera information

You may need to transfer your original Windows Hello face camera from the old sensor bar to the replacement sensor bar.
Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift and detach the Windows Hello face camera from the sensor bar.
Remove the Windows Hello face camera.

You may need to transfer your original Windows Hello face camera from the old sensor bar to the replacement sensor bar.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift and detach the Windows Hello face camera from the sensor bar.

Remove the Windows Hello face camera.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Microsoft Surface Pro X Answers community for help.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

Author

                    Kyle Smith

Member since: 02/01/2021

34,300 Reputation

                                      123 Guides authored                  



                       Badges:
                       32







                                                        +29 more badges

Introduction#

What you need#

Introduction

What you need