Replacing a broken laptop screen
By Tom Nonmacher
We all know the heart-stopping moment when you accidentally drop your laptop and, upon picking it up, discover that the screen has shattered. A broken laptop screen can render your device nearly unusable. But fear not, replacing a broken laptop screen is not as daunting as it might seem at first glance. While it sounds like a job that is best left to professionals, with a little bit of patience and the right tools, you could replace your laptop's screen at home. This post will guide you through the process.
Before you begin, you'll need the right tools. You'll want a small Phillip's head screwdriver, a thin flathead screwdriver or a plastic spudger for prying, and a replacement screen that is compatible with your laptop model. You can usually find the model number of your laptop on the bottom. Once you have this, a quick online search should lead you to the correct replacement. It's important to make sure you switch your laptop off and unplug it from any power sources before you start working on it.
The first step of this process is to remove the bezel, which is the plastic frame that surrounds the screen. You can do this by removing the screws that hold it in place. Some laptops may hide these screws under small plastic or rubber caps around the screen's edge, so look out for these. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pry the bezel away from the screen using your flathead screwdriver or spudger. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the bezel.
Once the bezel is removed, you'll see the broken screen. This is held in place by a series of screws along the sides or top of the screen. Carefully remove these screws and keep them safe as you will need them later to install the new screen. With the screws removed, you can then gently pull the screen away from the back casing of the laptop. Be careful as the screen is still connected to the laptop by the video cable at the back.
The next step is to disconnect the video cable. This is usually secured with tape and a connector. Remove the tape and gently pull the connector away from the screen. Remember to handle the cable carefully, as it is delicate and can easily be damaged. With the video cable disconnected, you can now remove the broken screen completely.
Now that the old screen is out, you can begin installing the new one. Connect the video cable to the new screen, secure it with the tape, and gently place the new screen into the back casing of the laptop. Replace the screws you removed earlier to secure the new screen in place. Once the screen is secure, replace the bezel, pushing it into place until it clicks. Replace the screws to secure it. Now, you can turn your laptop back on and enjoy your brand new screen.
While replacing a laptop screen might seem like a daunting task, with some patience and careful handling, it's something you can definitely do yourself. Not only can it save you a considerable amount of money, but it can also save you the time and hassle of having to ship your laptop off for repairs. However, if you feel uncomfortable performing these steps yourself, it's always best to take your laptop to a professional to avoid causing further damage.