How to Replace or Add an SSD to Your Machine
Learn to replace your hard drive with an SSD or add a new one without losing your files.
Adding an additional SSD (simpler)
- Confirm you have a free slot (SATA or M.2 depending on the SSD type).
- Connect the SSD (SATA cable + power, or directly into the M.2 slot).
- Turn on → in Windows, go to "Disk Management" → the new disk will appear as "unallocated" → right-click → "New Simple Volume" to format it and be able to use it.
Replacing the main disk (trickier)
If you want to replace the disk where Windows is installed without losing anything, you need to clone the current disk before removing it — we cover the full process in that dedicated guide.
Warning: before touching any disk with important data, make a backup — any partitioning or cloning operation, although generally safe, carries some risk if something goes wrong midway through the process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to format a new SSD before using it?
Yes, if you are adding it as an extra disk — from 'Disk Management' in Windows, you create a new simple volume so it shows up available in File Explorer.
Can I replace my main disk without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, by cloning the current disk onto the new SSD before removing the original — the full process requires specific cloning software, covered in our dedicated guide.