Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the Surface Pro

   1 min

   Shut down the tablet completely and unplug all external accessories and power adapters. Place the device screen-up on a clean, anti-static work surface.

2. 2

   Heat the screen perimeter

   3 min

   Use a heat gun set to low temperature to heat the outer glass edges for two minutes. Keep the heat gun moving constantly to avoid scorching the LCD panel.

3. 3

   Attach a suction cup

   1 min

   Press a heavy-duty suction cup onto the upper left corner of the screen near the glass bezel. Ensure it forms a strong vacuum seal.

4. 4

   Create a pry gap

   2 min

   Pull firmly upward on the suction cup ring to create a slight gap between the glass and the aluminum frame. Insert an opening pick into the seam.

5. 5

   Slice perimeter display adhesive

   8 min

   Slide the opening pick slowly around all four screen edges to cut the thick adhesive tape. Insert additional picks along the sides to prevent glass re-adhesion.

6. 6

   Lift the display assembly

   2 min

   Gently swing the top edge of the screen up like a book cover, pivoting from the bottom. Do not pull the screen away fully as display cables remain connected.

7. 7

   Remove display connector shield

   2 min

   Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the single screw holding the display cable shield in place. Lift the shield away with precision tweezers.

8. 8

   Disconnect the screen ribbon cables

   2 min

   Pry the display cable press connector straight up from the motherboard using a flat plastic spudger. Set the display assembly safely aside.

9. 9

   Locate the button flex assembly

   1 min

   Identify the button flex cable board near the top left corner of the internal frame. This assembly handles power and volume control inputs.

10. 10

    Unscrew the button flex bracket

    2 min

    Remove the two T3 Torx screws securing the metal retention bracket over the button board connector. Lift and remove the metal bracket.

11. 11

    Disconnect the button cable

    1 min

    Use the pointed end of a spudger to pop the button flex cable connector off its motherboard socket.

12. 12

    Pry loose the button flex cable

    3 min

    Apply a drop of 90%+ isopropyl alcohol around the button flex board to soften its light adhesive backing. Pry the board free using a flat spudger.

13. 13

    Install the replacement button flex cable

    2 min

    Peel the protective film from the new button flex cable adhesive. Press the replacement flex board firmly into position inside the frame cutout.

14. 14

    Reconnect the button cable flex

    3 min

    Align the press connector over its motherboard socket and press down firmly until it snaps into place. Reinstall the metal bracket and its T3 Torx screws.

15. 15

    Reconnect the display cables

    3 min

    Position the screen near the chassis and snap the display connector onto the motherboard logic board. Secure the metal shield with its T3 Torx screw.

16. 16

    Apply replacement pre-cut adhesive strips

    5 min

    Clean remaining old adhesive off the frame edges using isopropyl alcohol. Lay fresh pre-cut adhesive strips onto the perimeter of the aluminum housing.

17. 17

    Seal the display assembly

    3 min

    Align the screen carefully with the housing frame and press down firmly along all edges to seat the display into the fresh adhesive.