Surface Laptop Go teardown shows it took some cues from Surface Laptop 3
The keyboard deck is pretty easy to remove, and the SSD is easily replaceable.

What you need to know
- A Reddit user recently offered a peek inside of the Surface Laptop Go.
- The slight teardown shows the Go took some cues from Surface Laptop 3, making it relatively easy to get inside.
- TThe 128GB and 256GB models also feature an easily replaceable SSD.
- You can order the Surface Laptop Go starting at $550 (opens in new tab).
Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop Go more than a month ago, but we still haven't seen any comprehensive teardowns from the usual suspects. If you wanted to take a peek inside without damaging your own Laptop Go, Reddit user Kristosh has posted a video offering just that. The big takeaway is that it looks like Microsoft took inspiration from the Surface Laptop Go's bigger sibling, Surface Laptop 3, for getting inside.
As Kristosh notes, you can free the keyboard deck from the base of the Surface Laptop Go via screws hidden underneath the laptop's feet. From there, the deck is held in place with a series of plastic clips inside. This is similar to the Surface Laptop 3, however that laptop uses magnets instead of plastic clips, making it a tad easier to get inside.
Once inside, the Surface Laptop Go very much looks like the inside of most Surfaces. One notable addition is an easily removeable SSD if you've picked up the 128GB or 256GB configurations. The SSD is held in place with a single screw, allowing for potential upgrades in the future if you need to add more storage.
"The SSD is the standard 2230 size in the modern SL3 and SPX," Kristosh says in the video's description. It's worth noting that, if you buy the 64GB model, the storage is soldered to the motherboard, so you won't be able to replace it.
Category | Surface Laptop Go |
---|---|
Operating System | Windows 10 Home in S mode |
Display | 12.45 inches 3:2 aspect ratio 1536x1024 (148 ppi) resolution PixelSense |
Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G1 |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
Memory | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB (commercial only) |
Storage | 64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD |
Front Camera | 720p HD f/2.0 |
Security | Fingerprint Reader |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | 1x USB-C 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect |
Audio | Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Premium Audio |
Battery | Up to 13 hours |
Dimensions | 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches 278.18mm x 205.67mm x 15.69mm |
Weight | 2.45lbs 1,110g |
Colors | Platinum Sandstone Ice Blue |
The Surface Laptop Go joins the Surface Go as Microsoft's latest budget play with the Surface line. It combines Surface's premium looks with an Intel Core i5 processor, up to 256GB of storage and up to 8GB of RAM. It sacrifices some premiums, like a Windows Hello IR camera, to hit its lower price target, but it's an interesting package nonetheless.
Surface Laptop Go is available now starting at $550.
Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, Omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader. The $700 model is the one to get.
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Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.
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Didn't they say on the Surface Laptop that this was a way to service/replace but not upgrade SSDs?
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I took it as I “serviced/replaced” my SSD by upgrading it. It was pretty easy to do. Went from 256GB to a Terabyte and am very happy. Used the Toshiba/Kioxa BG4.
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SSD is the most important part imo that should be replaceable/serviceable so it is good that new Surface devices support that. Some service solution for the battery would be nice too but maybe that is a bridge too far.
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I would love to make this upgrade but I'm leery to start chopping away at the feet on this brand new machine. I have the 256 version so I might ride it out for a while.
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