Can You Upgrade Ssd on Surface Laptop 3? No!
No, you cannot upgrade the SSD on the Surface Laptop 3 as it is soldered to the motherboard.
The Surface Laptop 3, designed by Microsoft, is made with a unibody aluminum enclosure, making it difficult to access its internal components. Its SSD is not designed to be user-replaceable since it is soldered directly onto the motherboard.
This means that the storage capacity cannot be increased after purchasing the device, so users should consider their storage needs before buying the Surface Laptop 3.
Although the Surface Laptop 3 doesn’t allow for SSD upgrades, it offers various configurations with different storage capacities to cater to users’ needs.
It is essential to evaluate your storage requirements and choose a configuration that meets your expectations, as you won’t have the option to upgrade the SSD later.
SSD Upgrade Options for Surface Laptop 3
Model | Surface Laptop 3 13.5″ | Surface Laptop 3 15″ |
---|---|---|
SSD Upgrade | Removable but not easily accessible | Removable but not easily accessible |
Recommended for users | No | No |
Warranty | May void warranty if done incorrectly | May void warranty if done incorrectly |
Difficulty | High | High |
Key Takeaway

Five Facts About Upgrading SSD on Surface Laptop 3
Understanding Surface Laptop 3 Ssd
If you own a surface laptop 3, you may be wondering whether the device’s solid state drive (ssd) can be upgraded. We will explore all you need to know about surface laptop 3 ssd.
What Is Ssd?
Ssd is a storage technology used in modern computers, offering faster and more efficient storage than traditional hard disk drives (hdds).
Ssds do not have any moving parts, which means that they are less prone to physical damage and work faster and more silently.
Why Ssd Matters In Surface Laptop 3?
The surface laptop 3 uses an ssd to deliver fast boot times, quick application launches, and reliable performance.
The device is designed to run on an ssd, so replacing it with a slower and less efficient storage solution can cause the laptop to become sluggish and unresponsive.
What Size And Type Of Ssd Does Surface Laptop 3 Use?
The surface laptop 3 uses a proprietary ssd card that is designed specifically for the device. It is available in multiple sizes, ranging from 128gb to 1tb.
If you’re looking to purchase a surface laptop 3, you can choose the ssd size that best suits your needs before making a purchase.
Here are a few things to note about the surface laptop 3 ssd:
- It is a non-upgradable m.2 nvme ssd
- It uses a special recovery image on the ssd
- It is compatible with windows 10
Overall, the surface laptop 3 ssd is a crucial component of the device that plays a significant role in its performance. While you can’t upgrade it, you can choose a size that suits your needs when purchasing the device.
Reasons To Upgrade Ssd On Surface Laptop 3
If you’re experiencing storage capacity issues or your surface laptop 3’s performance is lacking, you might be thinking about upgrading its ssd.
While your device may already have an ssd, there are several reasons why upgrading to a faster, larger one could improve its functionality.
Here are the key benefits:
Insufficient Storage Space
With photo and video file sizes increasing, you might be running out of space on your surface laptop 3 and need more storage. Upgrading to a larger ssd can provide more capacity for your files and applications.
Slow Read And Write Speed
If you find that you have to wait too long for your device to boot up or for apps to launch, upgrading to a faster ssd can significantly reduce load times and improve performance. A faster ssd can also help to reduce file transfer times.
Limited Performance
Aside from slow read and write speeds, your surface laptop 3 may be experiencing other performance-related issues, such as applications freezing or crashing. Upgrading to a high-performance ssd can help to eliminate these issues and make your device feel brand new again.
Compatibility With The Latest Software
Upgrading your ssd can also ensure that your surface laptop 3 is compatible with the latest software. With new software releases requiring more storage and processing power, upgrading your ssd can help to future-proof your device and keep up with the latest technology trends.
Upgrading your ssd on your surface laptop 3 can improve its storage capacity, speed, performance, and compatibility with the latest software.
It’s important to choose the right ssd that’s compatible with your device and to ensure that you have the necessary technical knowledge to perform the upgrade.
Steps To Upgrade Ssd On Surface Laptop 3
Upgrading ssd on surface laptop 3 can be a game-changer if you’re someone who needs more storage space.
The process may sound daunting, but it’s relatively simple to execute. We’ll discuss the steps to upgrade ssd on surface laptop 3.
Tools Required For Ssd Upgrade
Before proceeding with the ssd upgrade on your surface laptop 3, you’ll need some essential tools, including:
- A new ssd drive
- A set of precision screwdrivers
- A pry tool
- An anti-static wrist strap
Backup Data
Before doing anything else, it’s vital to back up your data to avoid losing anything important. You can either connect an external hard drive or use cloud-based services like onedrive to back up your essential files.
Open And Disassemble Surface Laptop 3
To begin the disassembly process, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Power off your surface laptop 3 and detach all peripherals
- Turn your surface laptop 3 face down and open the kickstand
- Use the pry tool to remove the rubber feet from the bottom of your device
- Once the feet are removed, unscrew all the screws from the bottom of the surface laptop 3, including those under the rear rubber pads
- Carefully remove the bottom case without damaging any of the wires connected inside.
Remove The Existing Ssd From Surface Laptop 3
After the bottom case is removed, you’ll see the ssd drive connected to the motherboard.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard
- Use your screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the ssd drive in place
- You can now carefully remove the ssd from the motherboard
Install The New Ssd In Surface Laptop 3
Now that you’ve removed the existing ssd, it’s time to install the new one.
Follow these steps:
- Carefully insert the new ssd drive into the same socket as the one you just removed
- Use the screws from the previous ssd to attach the new ssd to the motherboard
- Reconnect the battery cable to the motherboard
Reassemble And Test
Now that you’ve successfully installed the new ssd, it’s time to reassemble your surface laptop 3.
Follow the steps below:
- Carefully re-attach the bottom case to the main body
- Screw all the screws back into place
- Put the rubber feet back on their spot
- Turn on your surface laptop 3 and make sure everything is working correctly
Upgrading ssd on surface laptop 3 may seem intimidating, but it’s relatively straightforward if you know what you’re doing.
Make sure you follow all the steps mentioned above carefully, and avoid skipping any steps. With the right tools and some patience, you’ll have a faster, more powerful surface laptop 3 in no time.
Things To Keep In Mind While Upgrading Ssd On Surface Laptop 3
Can You Upgrade Ssd On Surface Laptop 3?
Surface laptop 3 is a sleek and stylish device that offers impressive specifications. It has a long battery life, a reliable processor, and a fantastic display. However, for some users, the 128gb or 256gb ssd storage might not suffice, especially if they use the device for intensive applications or store large files.
The good news is, you can upgrade ssd on surface laptop 3 without much hassle. However, before you proceed with the upgrade, here are some things to keep in mind.
Compatibility And Capacity
The first thing to consider while upgrading ssd on surface laptop 3 is compatibility. Not all ssds are compatible with this laptop, and it is always wise to do some research before making a purchase.
Additionally, you should consider the capacity of the new ssd you want to install. Depending on your needs, you can choose an ssd with a capacity of 512gb, 1tb, or more. However, keep in mind that higher capacity ssds may cost more.
Performance And Speed
Another critical aspect to keep in mind while upgrading your surface laptop 3 ssd is performance and speed. A faster ssd can significantly enhance your device’s speed, improve boot times, and reduce application load times.
When selecting an ssd, look for one that offers high read and write speeds. This will ensure that your device can handle multiple applications without slowing down.
Warranty And Data Loss
Upgrading ssd on surface laptop 3 might void the warranty offered by microsoft. Ensure that you are aware of the terms and conditions before proceeding with the upgrade.
Moreover, upgrading ssd on your laptop requires reinstalling its operating system or cloning your hard drive’s content. There is a chance of losing your important data in the process. It is always better to backup your data in advance to avoid any data loss.
Professional Help Or Diy Approach
Upgrading your surface laptop 3 ssd can be a daunting task, and it is advisable to opt for professional help if you are not confident about doing it yourself.
An experienced technician can handle the upgrade efficiently and save you from any potential data loss or device damage.
However, if you are a tech-savvy person, you can go ahead with the upgrade yourself. There are several online tutorials available that can assist you in the process. Upgrading ssd on surface laptop 3 can significantly enhance your device’s performance.
However, before you proceed with the upgrade, make sure you consider factors like compatibility, capacity, performance, warranty, data loss, and professional help. With the right upgrade, you can give your surface laptop 3 a whole new life!
FAQ On Upgrading SSD on Surface Laptop 3
Is It Possible To Upgrade Ssd On Surface Laptop 3?
No, surface laptop 3 has a non-upgradable ssd. The storage is integrated into the motherboard.
What Is The Maximum Ssd Capacity Of Surface Laptop 3?
Surface laptop 3 comes with different ssd capacities: 128gb, 256gb, 512gb, and 1tb.
Can I Use An External Ssd With Surface Laptop 3?
Yes, you can use an external ssd via the usb type-c or usb type-a ports on the device.
Does Upgrading The Ssd On Surface Laptop 3 Void The Warranty?
Yes, upgrading the ssd by yourself voids the warranty. It is recommended to get it done by an authorized service center.
Conclusion
It is possible to upgrade the ssd on the surface laptop 3, although it can be a more complicated task than on other devices. The fact that the ssd is soldered to the motherboard means that it requires special tools and expertise to carry out the upgrade successfully.
However, if you are determined to increase the storage capacity of your surface laptop 3, then it can be done. It’s important to note that upgrading the ssd will void any warranty you have on your device.
Additionally, if the upgrade is not carried out correctly, it could result in irreparable damage to your laptop. Therefore, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and seek professional help if you are not confident in your abilities.
Upgrading the ssd on the surface laptop 3 is technically possible, but it comes with some risks. If you want to increase storage capacity and are willing to take the risk, make sure you do plenty of research and take the necessary precautions. But if you’re not confident in your abilities, then it’s best to leave it to the professionals.