How to Replace an M.2 SSD on Your PC [Windows 11/10/8/7]

Are you looking for a detailed guide on how to replace your M.2 SSD? You've come to the right place. This guide, brought to you by Tool, will focus on seamlessly upgrading your M.2 SSD without reinstalling Windows using the simplest disk cloning tool.

The main takeaways

• ✅ Upgrading to an M.2 SSD is a wise choice for increasing storage capacity and boosting system boot speed.
• ✅ Cloning data from your old M.2 SSD to the new one ensures all your data is replicated, saving you from having to reinstall Windows from scratch.
• ✅ With a reliable best SSD cloning software like Disk Copy, upgrading your SSD is effortless with just a few clicks, and you can safely boot from the new SSD.

Upgrading or replacing your computer's hard drive with an M.2 SSD is necessary to maximize performance and storage capacity. Whether you need more space for files, games, videos, software, or want to boost overall system responsiveness and boot times, or simply replace a failed drive, knowing how to install an M.2 SSD in your computer is crucial.

Preparations Before Replacing an M.2 SSD

Choose an M.2 SSD

There are two types of M.2 SSDs: **SATA M.2 SSD** and **NVMe M.2 SSD**. They differ in interface, speed, and price. Before upgrading, you need to identify which type you have and decide which SSD to use:

Select a disk cloning tool to clone your data onto the new M.2 SSD.

A disk cloning software can help you replicate the original M.2 SSD and allow you to replace and upgrade the M.2 SSD without reinstalling the Windows operating system, settings, and installed applications.

Unfortunately, the Windows operating system doesn't come with a built-in disk cloning tool, so having a reliable and efficient SSD cloning software is crucial when replacing your SSD. We recommend using AOMEI Backupper Standard, a powerful disk cloning software that can help you clone all your data from the old M.2 SSD to the new SSD effortlessly. It also boasts the following features that make it an ideal choice:

• Clone smaller SSD to larger SSD, or vice versa.
• Compatible with M.2 SSD, SATA SSD, NVMe SSD, regular SSD, HDD, and more.
• Supports cloning with bad sectors.
• Supports sector-by-sector cloning to only copy used space.
• Skip the SSD formatting step to save time and effort.
• Provides Disk Mode and Partition Mode.
• Clone HDD to M.2 SSD.
• Automatically detects and monitors source and target disk sizes, adjusting partitions accordingly.

Download it now and get ready to install your M.2 SSD.

Cloning your drive with a disk cloning utility only takes a few simple steps. Before you clone, connect your new M.2 SSD to your computer or laptop using a SATA-to-USB cable or an adapter, and make sure the system recognizes it properly.

Advance notice:

• "Sector-by-sector copy" requires the target disk to be the same size or larger than the source disk. Do not check this option if you're cloning a larger disk to a smaller one. • All data on the target disk will be completely erased. Proceed with caution.

Step 1: To start cloning/copying an entire disk to another, select the disk in Disk Mode, then click Next.

Step 2: Select another disk as the target disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of both disks. You can manage the layout of the target disk by choosing “Adapt to Disk,” “Copy as Source,” or “Edit Disk Layout.”

• "Automatically resize partitions" makes some default changes to the target disk layout for optimal performance.
• "Copy as is" doesn't change anything on the target disk, and the layout will be the same as the source disk.
• "Edit partition layout" lets you manually adjust/move the partition layout of this target disk.

Check “Do this if the target is an SSD” to ensure best performance from your SSD.

A warning message appears, stating that your data will be lost. Press OK to confirm the warning, and then press Next.

Step 4: Click “Proceed” to actually carry out the task.

Also read: How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot | Clone M.2 SSD to Larger M.2 SSD

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How to Replace an M.2 SSD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing an M.2 SSD involves seven simple steps. After you've done all the prep work, follow this guide:

Step 1️⃣: Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

You have to make sure that the operation takes place in a safe environment.

Step 2️⃣: Open up your desktop computer case.

Use a screwdriver to open the case of your desktop computer or the back panel of your laptop. The process for opening the case will vary depending on the model of desktop you have. Check your user manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to open the case.

Step 3️⃣: Locate the motherboard and find the M.2 slot on it.

This is a small slot designed specifically for an M.2 SSD. You can refer to your motherboard's manual to determine the exact location and specifications of the M.2 slot.

Step 4️⃣: Remove the existing M.2 SSD.

Depending on your motherboard's design, you may need to unscrew screws holding the SSD in place or release clips securing it. Gently pull the SSD out of its slot.

Step Five: Install the new SSD, making sure it clicks securely into place.

• If included, install the heat sink or thermal pad that came with your SSD. This will help with cooling and improve performance.
• Line up the notches on the SSD with the slot, then gently insert it at an angle. To fully seat the SSD, apply gentle pressure straight down, without forcing it.
• If your drive has securing screws, fasten the SSD in place by tightening them. Be careful not to overtighten.

Step 6: Close up the computer case and reconnect all your cables.

Replace the case or back panel with a screwdriver, reconnect all cables, and power on the computer.

Step 7️⃣: Enter BIOS settings to change the boot order.

When restarting your computer, press F2, F8, or Del to enter the BIOS settings. In the Boot options, ensure that the new M.2 SSD is recognized as a bootable device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer should now successfully boot from the cloned M.2 SSD.

READ MORE: Can I Upgrade SSD to M.2 without Reinstalling OS?

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to install an M.2 SSD.

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Final words

That's all about how to replace an M.2 SSD on your computer, which is a great way to boost PC performance and expand storage space effectively. The process of upgrading to an M.2 SSD involves seven steps. You can efficiently replace the hard drive following the guide above.

The Disk Clone tool's got your back for transferring all your data from one M.2 SSD to another. It lets you upgrade your M.2 SSD without losing your files or having to reinstall Windows. Go for it, download it, and give it a try - you won't want to miss out!

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Replace an M.2 SSD in a PC 1. What is an M.2 SSD? An M.2 SSD (also known as NGFF, Next Generation Form Factor) is a compact and high-speed solid-state drive interface used in modern PCs. They typically connect to the motherboard via PCIe or SATA interfaces, providing faster data transfer speeds. 2. Why would I need to replace an M.2 SSD? You might need to replace an M.2 SSD to improve your computer's performance, increase storage capacity, or swap out a faulty existing SSD. 3. What tools do I need to replace an M.2 SSD? Generally, you'll need a crosshead screwdriver to remove the back panel of your computer and possibly a heat gun or hairdryer to help separate the heatsink. 4. Will replacing the M.2 SSD lose my data? If you're installing the new SSD as the primary drive, your old data will be lost. To migrate data, use data migration software or back up important files to an external hard drive first. 5. How do I choose a new M.2 SSD? Consider factors like speed (PCIe 4.0 is faster than PCIe 3.0), capacity, brand reputation, and budget. Ensure compatibility with your motherboard and support for the correct interface type (such as NVMe or SATA). 6. What are the steps to replace it? a) Shut down your computer and disconnect power. b) Remove the back panel of your computer and locate the M.2 slot. c) Loosen the screws securing the old SSD. d) Carefully remove the old SSD. e) Insert the new SSD into the slot and secure it with screws. f) Reassemble the back panel and reconnect power. g) Enter BIOS settings to ensure the system recognizes the new SSD. h) Install the operating system and necessary drivers. 7. What adjustments do I need to make after the replacement? You may need to set the new SSD as the boot device in BIOS and reinstall the operating system. Then, reinstall applications and transfer data as needed. 8. Will replacing the M.2 SSD void my warranty? Typically, replacing an SSD won't affect your warranty, but it's best to consult the manufacturer for confirmation. 9. How can I tell if the M.2 SSD is working properly? The system should successfully recognize the new SSD, and it should display the correct capacity in disk management tools. Running benchmark software can verify its performance. 10. What precautions should I take? - Ensure static electricity is discharged before handling components to avoid damage. - Pay attention to SSD cooling and consider installing a heatsink if necessary. - Follow the correct sequence when replacing components to avoid damaging hardware.

1. Can I replace the SSD myself?

If you follow and adhere to the steps outlined below, replacing the SSD yourself is feasible.

If you don't want to reinstall Windows: 1. Clone your old SSD to the new SSD. 2. Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord. 3. Open your computer case with a screwdriver, locate the SSD slot on the motherboard. 4. Remove the original SSD. 5. Install the new SSD, making sure it's securely in place. 6. Close the computer case and reconnect all cables. 7. Restart your computer and enter BIOS settings to change the boot order. 8. Set the cloned SSD as the primary boot drive and save the settings. 9. Your computer will now run Windows from the new SSD.

Will I lose my files if I change the SSD?

Yeah, if you've got data saved on it, switching to a different SSD would mean losing that data. As soon as you take it out of the computer, all the stored info is lost. It's best to clone everything to a different spot. Or, you can back up your data to another drive and then put it back afterwards.

3. Do I need to format the new SSD?

If the SSD has errors, you may need to format the SSD. Format the SSD so that it's compatible with your operating system. But if you want to save time and skip this step, you can use a disk cloning tool that allows you to clone the disk without formatting the SSD, which will successfully complete the disk cloning process.