Computer Repair

DIY Guide to Computer Screen Repair

Published on: May 24th, 2016

Did you accidentally drop your computer? Don’t panic! If you have a broken screen, there is no need to buy a brand new laptop. You can always replace a cracked or shattered screen at Computer Troubleshooters for an affordable price. But if you’re a DIYer, replacing a broken laptop screen yourself is a great way to save cash. CT has put together step-by-step instructions in this DIY guide for computer screen repair.

Computer Screen Repair in 13 Easy Steps

1. Unplug the laptop from the AC adapter and remove the laptop battery.

2. Find the round cover stickers that are covering the screws on the screen bezel, the case enclosing the screen. These stickers are normally on the bottom of the bezel, near the screen hinges when you have the screen opened. You should find one on each side of the screen.

3. Use a sharp, pointy object (a safety pin or needle) to remove the cover stickers without damaging them. Stick it to the edge of the cover and bezel and then pull the sticker away. Once detached, place the covers to the side and ensure there’s enough stickiness for when you put them back on.

4. Use your screwdriver to eliminate the now-exposed screws.

5. Cautiously, start pulling the screen bezel away from the back side of the screen case. Work your fingernail or another thin object into the crack around the outside of the screen. Secure the bezel to the back case with plastic snaps with some force. You’ll hear the unsnapping of the fasteners while you pull.

6. Once you’ve unsnapped the screen bezel, it may or may not be simple to remove. If not, it’s possibly stuck around the screen hinges. Moving the screen position up or down, with some gentle force (if necessary) should free it entirely.

7. Once you fully remove the bezel, you’ll find the LCD bound to a metal trim frame on the left and right sides. Take out the two screws (one on each side, on the top) securing the trim frame pieces to the back screen case. You should be able to raise the LCD (with the trim frame pieces attached) somewhat away from the back screen case.

8. On each of the trim frames’ sides, take out any screws that are securing it to the LCD. Most laptops have three screws per side.

9. Set the LCD face-down onto the keyboard. Be cautious not to put extreme force on the video cable connected to the back of the LCD.

10. Detach the video cable from the back of the LCD. Most laptops hold the connector near the middle. Keep in mind that the piece of the cable moving down is typically attached to the back of the screen with some mild adhesive. Carefully pull the cables away from the screen. You usually have to remove the tape that’s binding the video connector to the end of the screen too. When you get to the point of pulling the video cable out of the screen connector, it should unplug with little force.

11. Once you’ve fully removed the broken LCD, just place the new one face-down similar to how you did the old one. Reattach the video cable to the connector and put the cables and any tape just like they were for the old one.

12. Place the new screen up in the side trim frame pieces, then re-secure it like the old one was. Usually three screws on each side of the trim frame pieces and then a screw on top of each to secure it to the back screen case.

13. When you get to the point of installing the bezel back on, line it up and push and squeeze the bezel back into the snaps of the rear screen case. Before replacing the bezel screws, assure the bezel is fully locked in place and that there are no cracks around the edges of the screen case. Lastly, use that safety pin or needle to reattach the sticky screw covers.

If this DIY Guide was helpful, we hope you keep us in mind for your future technology needs! If you require further assistance with any computer repair needs, please contact or visit your local Computer Troubleshooters office and one of our experts will help you. We provide technology service solutions with unmatched customer service for both business and residential clients. Find a Computer Troubleshooters location near you!