How to Replace an Over-the-Range Microwave

Remove the screws from inside the cabinet above the microwave. Have someone support the microwave so it doesn’t fall. Protect your range with a drop cloth while completing this project.

Remove the old mounting bracket. If the bolts spin in place when you try to remove them, they’re probably toggle bolts. Place a paint multi-tool or putty knife behind the head of the bolt and pull back on the head as you remove the bolt. The toggle will fall into the wall cavity.

Remove the mounting bracket from the back of the microwave.

In the cabinet opening, use a stud finder to mark the studs if they aren’t already marked. See How to Find Wall Studs if you need help. Mark the center of the opening at the top and bottom. Use a level to extend a stud mark and the bottom center mark below the opening. These lines will help you align the wall template in the next step and locate the stud once you place the template.

Over-the-range microwave installation instructions include templates to help position the mounting brackets. Start with the wall template. Line it up on the center line on the wall and tape it in place. Check that the template is level. Mark the screw holes. Use the mark of your stud location to mark a screw hole over the stud.

Remove the template and drill the holes with a drill and the appropriate drill bit. At least one screw needs to be secured to a stud. You’ll use toggle bolts for holes where there’s no stud. The toggles on these bolts grip against the drywall, allowing you to secure the bolts. Drill the toggle bolt holes with the appropriate woodboring drill bit.

Tape the top template to the underside of the cabinet. Mark the screw hole locations. You can also mark the hole for the power cord if needed, but it’s easier to reuse the existing hole in your cabinet.

Remove the template and drill pilot holes at the marks, drilling up through the bottom of the cabinet.

Use the pilot holes to drill down from inside the cabinet with the recommended bit. Use the pilot holes to drill from the finished interior of the cabinet to help prevent splitting the inside surface.

Install the mounting bracket on the wall, using a level line drawn on the wall and the marks you made at the hole locations to align it properly. Use toggle bolts in the holes that aren’t in line with a stud. 

To install toggle bolts, thread the bolts through the bracket and then twist on the toggles. Push the toggles through the holes in the wall. Once they’re inside the wall cavity, they’ll open. Tighten the toggle bolts by pulling back on the bracket so the toggles can grab the back of the drywall. Your paint multi-tool or putty knife will help with pulling back on the bracket. Drive at least one lag bolt into a stud at the appropriate hole.

Some manufacturers recommend installing wood blocks to fill in the recessed area between the bottom cabinet and the over-the-range microwave oven. This prevents damage to the cabinet when you tighten the mounting screws. Cut the wood blocks to the height of the recessed area, drill holes, and tape the blocks in place over the mounting holes on the cabinet or microwave.

With your helper, lift the new unit and lock the back on the mounting bracket. Tilt the oven into the space and secure it with the mounting screws through the upper cabinet.