How to properly open the back cover of an MSI laptop without damaging it

Before you start: what you need to know

Disassembling a laptop MSI - a task that every owner faces sooner or later.hether you want replace thermal paste, add RAM or install a second SSD, access to the internal components begins by removing the back cover. However, the design of the housings MSI varies depending on the series: GF, GS, Prestige or Modern have their own nuances.

The main mistake beginners make is trying to pry the lid off with a knife or screwdriver in the first place they come across. This is almost guaranteed to lead to plastic cracks or chipped. The fact is that most models MSI The cover is secured not only with screws, but also with latcheslocated around the perimeter. They must be pressed out in strict sequence, otherwise the risk of damaging the body increases significantly.

Another important point: some laptops (for example, MSI Stealth 15M or Raider GE76) have Hidden screws under rubber feet. If you do not unscrew them in advance, the cover will not be removed, and attempts to tear it off by force will end in breaking the fasteners. Therefore, the first step is always careful inspection of the body.

Tools you'll need

For carefully removing the laptop cover MSI A minimum set of tools is enough, but each of them must be of high quality. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (preferably magnetic, size PH0 or PH00 - depends on the model). Suitable for most case screws.
• 📏 Plastic spatula or a pick (not metal!). Used to release latches without scratching.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container for screws. This will allow you to avoid losing small parts and keep them in order.
• 🔍 Magnifying glass or flashlight. Needed to find hidden screws (for example, under stickers or in recesses).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+). Useful for cleaning contacts if you plan to replace thermal paste or clean the cooling system.

If you have a laptop from the series MSI Titan or GT with aluminum body, may be required Torx screwdriver T5 - some models use such screws for additional fixation. Also pay attention to the length of the screwdriver blade: too short will not allow you to unscrew the screws in the recesses (for example, MSI GE75 Raider).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp metal objects to pry open the lid. Even a small effort can lead to irreversible damage to the plastic housing or Wi-Fi antenna cables, which often run along the edge.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the cover

The disassembly process can be divided into 3 stages: preparation, unscrewing the screws and carefully removing the cover. Let's look at each step in detail.

1. Preparation of the workplace

Before you start:

• 🔌 Turn off your laptop and disconnect the power supply.
• 🔋 Remove the battery (if it is removable). Models MSI GS66 Stealth or GE66 Raider The battery is often built-in - in this case, just make sure the laptop is turned off.
• 📱 Take a photo of the location of the stickers and screws (especially if you plan to contact the service center later - some stickers are seals).

2. Unscrewing screws

Screws on laptops MSI usually located around the perimeter of the back cover. Their number varies from 8 to 15 pieces depending on the model. Here are typical mounting locations:

Laptop model	Number of screws	Features
MSI GF63 Thin	10	One screw is hidden under the rubber foot
MSI GS75 Stealth	12	Two screws are shorter than the others (corners)
MSI Prestige 14	8	Threaded screws of different lengths
MSI Modern 15	9	One screw under the warranty sticker

Tip: start unscrewing the screws from the corners, gradually moving to the center. Some models (eg MSI Creator 17) have screws of different lengths - remember which one was unscrewed from where, or put them in the order in which they were removed.

All screws have been removed (including those hidden under the feet/stickers)|

Power off and battery removed (if possible)|

A plastic spatula has been prepared to release the latches|

The location of the screws and stickers is photographed-->

3. Separating the cover from the body

After removing all the screws, the cover will still be held in place by the latches. To remove it:

1. Place the laptop on a flat surface screen down.
2. Start from the corner where it is least resistance (usually this is the lower right corner of the keyboard).
3. Insert a plastic spatula into the gap between the cover and the body and gently move along the edge, one by one releasing the latches.
4. If the cover does not budge, check that all screws (especially hidden ones) have been removed.

Models MSI GE76 Raider or GT76 Titan The latches may be stiffer due to the metal casing. In this case, more effort will be required, but the main thing is to take your time and not use metal tools.

Disassembly features of popular MSI models

The design of the housings MSI Depends a lot on the series. Below are the key nuances for the most common lines.

MSI GF Series (GF63, GF65, GF75)

Budget gaming laptops with plastic casing. Main features:

• 🔧 Screws often different lengths - do not mix them up when assembling.
• 📡 Wi-Fi antennas are attached to the cover - do not pull it sharply so as not to tear off the wires.
• 🔋 The battery is usually removable, but is fixed with an additional screw.

MSI GS Series (GS66, GS75, GS63)

Thin and light premium laptops. What's important here is:

• 🔧 Screws with T5 torx sockets (you need a special screwdriver).
• 🖥️ The lid is attached to metal latches - requires more effort to separate.
• 🚫 Some models (for example, GS66 Stealth) have hidden screw under the sticker near the screen hinge.

MSI Prestige & Modern (Prestige 14, Modern 15)

Ultrabooks with a focus on performance and portability. Features:

• 🔧 Screws can be under decorative plugs (for example, at Prestige 14).
• 📏 The latches are very fragile - use thin plastic spatula.
• 🔋 The battery is often glued, not screwed.

What to do if the cover does not come off?

If you have unscrewed all the screws, but the cover does not budge, the following reasons are possible:

1. **Hidden screw** under a sticker, rubber foot or decorative panel (check carefully).

2. **The latches are jammed** - try gently heating the edge of the lid with a hairdryer (no more than 60°C) to soften the plastic.

3. **Defective case** - if the laptop has been dropped, there may be microcracks that prevent removal. In this case, it is better to contact the service.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Lost screws. Always use a magnetic mat or container with cells. Screws from MSI often have different lengths, and if they are mixed up, you can damage the motherboard.
• 📡 Damage to Wi-Fi antennas. The antenna cables are attached to the cover and are easily torn off during sudden movement. Before removing the cover, carefully disconnect them from the Wi-Fi module.
• 🔋 Forgetting to disconnect the battery. If the battery is non-removable (as in MSI GE75), the laptop may turn on when the contacts are shorted, which will lead to a short circuit.
• 🔧 Using the wrong screwdriver. Phillips screws MSI often have a fine pitch (PH00), and if you use a PH1 screwdriver, it will strip the splines.

Another typical problem is broken latches. This happens if you try to tear off the cover by force without releasing all the latches. This is especially true for models with a metal body (for example, MSI GT76 Titan), where the latches are more rigid. If you hear a characteristic crack, the latch is most likely broken and the lid will hang loose during assembly.

⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the cover, you find that some screws are still in place (for example, under a sticker), don't continue the disassembly. Return the cover to its place and unscrew all fasteners. Otherwise, further removal may damage the motherboard or cooling system.

What to do after removing the cover

When the cover is successfully removed, you will have access to the internal components. Here's what you can do next:

• 🖥️ Dust removal. Use a soft brush and a can of compressed air to remove dust from the cooler and radiator. Do not blow with your mouth as this may introduce moisture.
• 🔧 Replacing thermal paste. If the laptop is overheating, apply new thermal paste to the processor and video card (for example, Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2).
• 💾 Installing SSD or RAM. Most models MSI have a free slot M.2 for a second drive and 2 slots for RAM.
• 🔋 Battery replacement. If the battery is swollen, it must be replaced urgently - this is dangerous to health.

Before you begin, take photographs of the original location of all cables and components. This will help avoid errors during reassembly. For example, in models MSI GE66 Raider Keyboard and touchpad backlight cables are often mixed up, which leads to their inoperability.

Assembling a laptop: how to avoid problems

Reassembly is often more difficult than disassembly. To avoid getting into trouble:

1. Make sure everything cables connected (especially Wi-Fi antennas and touchpad cables).
2. Tighten the screws criss-crossstarting from the corners to avoid tilting the lid.
3. Do not use excessive force when tightening screws as this may cause case cracks or damage to the motherboard.
4. After assembly, turn on the laptop and check the functionality of all components: keyboard, touchpad, Wi-Fi, USB ports.

If the laptop does not turn on after assembly, check:

• Is it connected? battery (if removable).
• Are they jammed? trains under the lid.
• Is everything the screws are tightened - sometimes an unsecured cover shorts the contacts.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing thermal paste or cleaning the laptop becomes warm up moreMost likely, the heatsink is not tightly adjacent to the processor. Disassemble the laptop again and check that the paste is evenly applied.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to open the lid of an MSI laptop without a screwdriver?

Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The screws on the case require a Phillips screwdriver, and attempts to unscrew them with improvised means (knife, scissors) almost always end broken splines. If there is no screwdriver, it is better to contact a service center.

What to do if the lid latch is broken?

If the latch is cracked but the lid is still in place, you can continue to use the laptop, but be extremely careful the next time you disassemble it. For reliable fixation, you can use 3M double sided tape at the site of the breakdown. If several latches are broken, it is better to replace the entire cover.

How can you tell if all the screws have been removed?

Check out the following places:

• Under the rubber feet (you need to carefully pry them off).
• Under stickers (especially near the screen hinges).
• In the recesses near the ventilation grilles.

If the cover still won't come off, use a flashlight to inspect it for hidden screws.

Is it possible to remove the cover without disconnecting the battery?

Technically yes, but this dangerous. If you accidentally close the contacts on the motherboard, a short circuit may occur that will damage the laptop. Always turn off the power and remove the battery if possible (if it is removable).

What should I do if the keyboard or touchpad does not work after assembly?

Most likely, you forgot to connect the cable. Disassemble the laptop again and check:

• Keyboard cable (usually located on the top of the motherboard).
• Touchpad cable (can be glued to the cover).

Make sure the connectors are locked in place (sometimes they look connected but aren't actually all the way in).