Laptop Parts Guide: What They Are and How to Fix Them

Got a laptop that’s acting up? Before you panic or drop 200 £ on a new machine, take a look at the parts that usually cause trouble. Most laptops are made of a handful of replaceable components, and knowing which one is at fault can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Common Laptop Parts and Their Functions

Battery – The power source that lets you work away from the wall. Batteries lose capacity over time, so a short run time often means the battery needs a swap.

Screen – Your visual window. Cracks, dead pixels, or a flickering display usually point to a damaged LCD panel or a loose cable.

Keyboard – The main way you type. Sticky keys, unresponsive letters, or spilled liquids are classic keyboard issues that can often be repaired or replaced.

SSD / HDD – The storage that holds your files and OS. Slow performance or strange noises can signal a failing drive.

RAM – The short‑term memory that speeds up multitasking. Random crashes or freezing can be traced back to bad RAM sticks.

Other parts like the fan, motherboard, and Wi‑Fi card also fail, but they’re a bit more complex to diagnose. Knowing the symptom‑to‑part link helps you decide if a DIY fix is doable.

How to Replace or Repair Key Laptop Components

First, always unplug the laptop and remove the battery (if it’s removable). A good set of small screwdrivers, a plastic spudger, and an anti‑static wrist strap are all you need for most jobs.

Replacing the Battery: Look for the battery model number printed on the old unit. Buy a genuine or high‑quality third‑party replacement, pop the old one out, and snap the new one in place. Power up – you should see a noticeable boost in run time.

Screen Swap: Unscrew the bezel, carefully peel back the plastic cover, and disconnect the video cable. Align the new screen, push the cable back in, and secure the bezel. Test the display before fully tightening the screws.

Keyboard Fix: Laptop keyboards are often held by clips and a few screws. Pop the old keyboard off, clean any residue, and snap the new one into place. If only a few keys are stuck, a quick cleaning with compressed air can work too.

SSD Upgrade: Locate the drive bay (usually under a side panel). Remove the mounting bracket, slide the old drive out, and insert the new SSD. Boot from a USB installer to reinstall the OS, then restore your files from backup.

RAM Replacement: Open the RAM compartment, release the clips, and pull the old sticks out. Align the notch on the new RAM and press down until the clips lock. Power on – the laptop should recognize the extra memory automatically.

If any step feels beyond your comfort zone, don’t force it. A professional technician can save you from accidental damage, especially with motherboard or fan issues. Our local Glastonbury repair team can handle everything from simple part swaps to full diagnostics.

Bottom line: most laptop hiccups are caused by a handful of parts you can identify and often replace yourself. Grab the right tools, follow the step‑by‑step guide, and you’ll get your laptop back in action without a pricey new purchase. When in doubt, give a trusted repair service a call – they’ll have the right parts on hand and get the job done fast.