Turn the laptop top side up and fully open the display.

The center control panel is between the display and the keyboard. Fully opening the display ensures that there is enough room to pry and lift the center control panel.

Pry the center control panel up from its left and right edges with the Spudger.

The center control panel may require a decent amount of force to pry free. Do not immediately lift the panel from the laptop once it has been pried free. A cable is connected from the laptop to the center control panel.