Framework Laptop 12 Top Cover Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

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Framework Laptop 12 Top Cover Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or change the Top Cover in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Top Cover is the plastic shell that holds the display. It also holds the two antennas along the top edge.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

The Display Cover is the plastic bezel strip below the screen.

Tools

Framework Screwdriver

Parts

Framework Laptop 12 Top Cover Kit

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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

Step 3

The Display Cover is held in place with magnets along the top edge and clips along the remaining edges.
Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to pry up the right edge of the Display Cover.

Step 4

Slide your fingers under the top edge of the Display Cover to release it from the laptop.

Step 5

Remove the Display Cover.

Step 6

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the four 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the display to the Top Cover.
These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

Step 7

Insert the bit end of your Framework Screwdriver into the small hole on the display, below the Framework logo.
Slide the display down towards the hinge edge to release the tabs holding the top edge of the display in place.

Step 8

Use your fingers to lift the top edge of the display from the Top Cover.

Step 9

Use your fingers to carefully swing the display over so it lies on top of the keyboard.

Step 10

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the two 2.4 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the two antennas to the Top Cover.

Step 11

Use your fingers to lift the right antenna away from the Top Cover.
Carefully guide the white antenna cable out of its channel until you reach the hinge.

Step 12

Repeat the previous step to guide the black antenna cable out of its channel.

Step 13

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the four (two per hinge) 2.4 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the two hinges to the Top Cover.
These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

Step 14

Use your fingers to lift the hinges over the Top Cover lip.
Separate the Top Cover from the rest of the laptop.

Step 15

Remove the Top Cover.

Step 16

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

Step 17

Use your fingers to lift the hinges over the Top Cover lip and lay them in place.

Step 18

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the four 2.4 mm‑long T5 Torx screws to secure the two hinges to the Top Cover.
Make sure to install these screws in the marked locations. There are additional screw holes on the hinges that are not for these screws.

Step 19

Lay each antenna in place in the Top Cover.

Step 20

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the two 2.4 mm‑long T5 Torx screws to secure the antennas to the Top Cover.

Step 21

Use your fingers and your Framework Screwdriver to guide and press both antenna cables back into their channels.
Zoom in on the third image to see how the cables sit in their channels.

Step 22

Use your fingers to carefully swing the display over so it lies on top of the Top Cover.

Step 23

Align the display in the Top Cover such that the top edge of the display is slightly below the top edge of the Top Cover.
Use your fingers to slide the display upwards to latch the tabs on the top edge of the display.
The top edge shouldn't have any gaps when the display's in place.

Step 24

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the four 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws to secure the display to the Top Cover.
Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may damage the screw tabs.

Step 25

Align the Display Cover to the bottom of the display.

Step 26

Use your finger to press along the length of the Display Cover to snap it onto the laptop.
Make sure all the clips along the left, top, and right edges are fully seated.