Framework Laptop 12 Storage Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

5 - 15 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or upgrade the storage in your Framework Laptop 12.

Your Framework Laptop 12 uses an SSD (Solid State Drive) for storage. The laptop supports M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.
The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.
If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.
Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.
Your laptop comes with a spare set of screws in the frame above the battery. Be careful—the replacement screws aren't captive.

Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.
Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.
There are magnets holding the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels like a lot of force is required, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Remove the Input Cover.

Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

Hold the SSD by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.
Align the SSD's gold contacts with its socket.
Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.
The SSD fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't feel like it fits, try flipping the module.

Use your finger to press down on the black SSD latch to keep it open.
Use another finger to press the SSD down until it lays flat.
If the SSD doesn't fit in the latch, you may need to insert the SSD further into its socket.
Use your finger to close the latch to secure the SSD.
You should hear a click, and the SSD should no longer pop up.

Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.
Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.
Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.
Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.
Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.