Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel Core) DIY Edition Quick Start Guide

The first step is to open the box and identify the contents, the exact contents will vary depending on how you configured your Laptop, but inside the box you will find:

Bezel

Input Cover

Framework Laptop 13

Power Adapter

Expansion Cards

Storage, Memory, any additional Expansion Cards and importantly the Framework Screwdriver!

You will also find some goodies in the envelope in the lid!

Start by unpacking the box containing your Framework Screwdriver, Memory and Storage, these are all together in the box found underneath the Laptop.

You may also want to remove the Expansion Cards from their boxes at this stage too!

Open the Laptop as pictured and you will find a clear protective cover as pictured, this can simply be lifted off and set aside.

There are black mylar sheets covering the memory slots. These can be gently bent up to insert your memory modules.

Insert the Memory module into the Mainboard by aligning the notch on the Memory module with the notch on the socket.

Once the module is fully inserted, it will rise up at a 20-degree angle. Gently press it down towards the Mainboard until the clips located at the top and bottom of the receptacle snap into place.

Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver, unscrew the fastener that is used to secure the Storage module.

Align the notch on the Storage module with the notch on the socket and slide the module into the Mainboard.

Once properly inserted the module will rise up at a 20-degree angle.

Using one finger gently hold the Storage module down to the Mainboard and use your other hand to screw in the fastener using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver.

Open the Framework Laptop 180 degrees to attach the Bezel.

If installing a new Bezel, remove the liner pieces on the bottom of the Bezel to expose the adhesive.

Align the corners of the Bezel to the display and place it down. The Bezel is attached by magnets and should easily click into place.

Make sure that all of the corners and edges of the Bezel are fully connected to the Top Cover. If the corners are not aligned. carefully lift up the part of the ezel and guide it into place.

Gently place the Input Cover keyboard side down on the Bottom Cover as indicated on the image. The cover should be about an inch and a half away from the bottom of the Mainboard so that you can comfortably install the Touchpad Cable.

Locate the loop on the end of the Touchpad Cable and insert your finger into it.

Using slight force, connect the Touchpad Cable by aligning it to the socket on Mainboard. You should hear it click into place once properly connected.

The cable should be inserted far enough that the white line almost touches the receptacle.

If it is not inserted far enough, you'll need to flip up the black latch on the other side of the connector, slide the cable in further, and then close the black latch again.

Flip the Input Cover over the Bottom Cover so that the keyboard is facing up and attach it to the Bottom Cover by aligning the top and bottom edges of both covers.

Close the Framework Laptop and turn it upside down to reveal the empty Expansion Card bays and fasteners on the Bottom Cover.

Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver, tighten all 5 fasteners.

Insert the Expansion Cards of your choice into any of the empty bays.

The text, logo, and QR code on the Expansion Card must be facing down (facing the laptop). Slide the Expansion card into the bay. Using two or more fingers push the card until into the bay until it clicks.

Plug your power cable into the USB-C Expansion Card.

Open the lid on your Framework Laptop and press the power button.

Find the instructions for installing Windows 11 here.

Fedora 38- Essentially fully functional out of the box.

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS - Essentially fully functional out of the box.

If you're using Windows, you'll also need to install the latest Framework Laptop Driver Bundle.