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Follow our simple guide How to Install SSD in PC faster overall and reduce the time it takes to boot up and load programs. We’ve helped thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and computer skills install SSDs, so we’re sure you’ll be able to install an SSD in your desktop PC just as well. The only tools you need to install an SSD are a screwdriver and the owner’s manual for your system. Let’s install an SSD in your desktop computer.
An M.2 SSD looks like a stick of gum with chips on one side, a label on the other, and gold contacts at one end. Some will just work that way. Some will come with their own heat sinks and look more like a pack of gum than a stick. Some motherboards have a shield over the M.2 slot, so you’ll have to move the drive under it. We’ll talk about all of them below.
How to Install SSD Laptop
- Disconnect the power cable, use a screwdriver to take out the screws on the back of your laptop and remove the computer bottom cover.
- Remove the battery of the machine.
- Locate the storage bay and remove the original hard drive.
- Fasten your SSD to the bracket. If anything is attached to the old disk, remove it and put it on the SSD in the same way.
- Fasten the bracket, put the new SSD to the laptop via SATA connection and put the battery back in.
- Remount the laptop’s bottom panel and screw the fasteners.
How to Install SSD in Desktop
- Disconnect the power, remove all cables, and put it to a cool and dry place.
- Take the case cover off and you can see the installed hard drive.
- Connect your SSD to the motherboard via the SATA cable and use the SATA power cable to connect the SSD to the PSU.
- Put the SSD to the mounting tray and slide the tray into the case.
- Remount the desktop case.
What is an SSD
What is an SSD? That’s a great question. Well, an SSD is a type of storage solution that you might not know about if you’ve been living under a rock for the past 10 years or if you’re brand new to building PCs. Like an HDD, an SSD will hold your operating system, files, programs, and any other data that your computer stores. That’s about all they have in common, which is a good thing.
The SSD, unlike the HDD, no longer uses a hard disk. Instead of using volatile memory, the solid-state drive uses non-volatile memory, which is much faster and more efficient. This leads us nicely into the next part, which is about whether or not the upgrade is worth it.
FAQ
Can I just add a SSD to my PC?
The easiest way to add storage to your PC is to attach an external drive to your PC and be done. However, if your computer case has the room and you have all the necessary components and tools, you can install a second SSD. Be careful to avoid discharging static while working inside your PC case.
How do I install a new SSD in Windows 10?
- Create a new and correct installation media for Windows 10. …
- Install the SSD and connect the Windows 10 installation media. …
- Set the installation media as the first boot option. …
- Click “Install Now” in the initial Windows Setup screen.
Do I need to do anything before installing SSD?
Remove your old drive and disconnect any cables and brackets attached to it. Don’t force the connection – it should plug in easily and fit snugly. To install the SSD as a secondary drive (not your primary or boot drive), use a SATA cable and attach one end of the cable to the SATA connector on your motherboard.