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!

Note that depending on the retail packaging for Memory , this may be located underneath the Power Adapter instead.

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.

This protective cover is made of post-consumer recycled PET and is highly recyclable. We recommend this can be disposed of with other household plastic recycling.

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.

Make sure that the memory is fully inserted before proceeding.

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.

If you are using one Memory module, place it in the socket that is labelled “Channel 0."

The first boot after installing a new Memory module will take longer than normal, as the system prepares itself for the new module.

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.

Be sure to not over-tighten the fastener.

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.

Note: The orientation of the Input Cover matters. Study the first image in this step to ensure you are properly attaching the cover.

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.

Before closing up the laptop, make sure that the Touchpad end of the Touchpad Cable is fully seated in the receptacle.

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.

Once the Touchpad cable is secured to the Mainboard, 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.

Tip: The covers are magnetic and should fit into one another easily. If you feel any resistance simply lift the Input Cover up and try again.

Note that the Input Cover will not sit entirely flat until the bottom fasteners are tightened. The bottom right corner is slightly lifted to make it easy to remove the Input Cover.

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

Open the Framework Laptop 180 degrees to attach the Bezel.

Starting with the bottom of the Bezel which covers the hinges and cables, 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.

We recommend feeling along each edge of the Bezel to make sure it is seated correctly before proceeding, if it doesn't seem to be sitting flush, lift it back up and try lowering it into place again.

Do not try to install the Bezel without first opening the Laptop fully, doing so could damage the Bezel and potentially the Display.

If the bottom of the Bezel doesn't seem to fit, lift it back off and check that the cables are seated correctly on both sides. If the Bezel doesn't seem to fit at all, please contact support and do not force it into place.

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.

Be sure to not over-tighten the 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.

You will have to use a slight amount of force to ensure proper installation of the Expansion Cards.

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

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

Note that your first boot will take a while before the logo comes up on screen as the system does memory training. The more memory you've installed, the longer this could take (on the order of a minute or two with 64GB!)

Find the instructions for installing Windows 11 here.

If you use Rufus, Ventoy, or other tools instead to create the installer, you'll need to follow the steps in this article, otherwise you will run into an error during installation around netwtw10.sys.

The Framework Laptop is designed to work great with Linux too. Check out our Linux compatibility page for distros we recommend, like:

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.