How to Use an SSD and HDD Together Simultaneously

Yes, you can use both Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD) simultaneously in your computer system. Typically, people use an SSD as the primary drive for the operating system, applications, and frequently used files, while using the HDD for storage of larger files or less frequently accessed data due to its lower cost per gigabyte compared to SSDs. To set this up, you would need to install both drives in your computer's drive bays, ensuring they are connected properly to the motherboard and power supply. During the installation process or when configuring your system, you can choose to install the operating system on the SSD and use the HDD as secondary storage. This dual-storage setup can provide the benefits of faster boot and application load times from the SSD along with the large storage capacity of the HDD.

Yes, without any hesitation, you can effortlessly use an SSD and HDD together in a single system. Back in the day, HDD was always the go-to choice for storing vast amounts of data. However, with technological advancements, various types of storage media have emerged, and one such medium is the SSD.

SSDs come with the advantage of fast speed, but a high-capacity SSD is much more expensive than an HDD. Because of this, many users can only afford SSDs with smaller storage capacities. If you're in the same situation, you can opt to use both SSD and HDD on the same PC.

Here's a Reddit post that poses the same question. If you need guidance on using both HDD and SSD simultaneously, follow the instructions below to address the issue:

"How to use HDD and SSD simultaneously?" Submitted by [author] in [techsupport subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/)

Quick Tips to Use SSD and HDD Together in Windows 10

If you've successfully set up both an SSD and an HDD in your Windows 10 Operating System, it's beneficial to learn some fundamental tips to ensure you're utilizing them effectively: 1. **Use SSD for the System Drive**: Install the operating system and essential programs on the SSD to take advantage of its faster read/write speeds. 2. **Move the Page File to the HDD**: To free up space on the SSD and reduce wear and tear, move the page file (virtual memory) to the HDD. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change, and select the HDD as the location. 3. **Store Large Files on the HDD**: Keep large data files like videos, music, and backups on the HDD, as they don't require the same speed as system files. 4. **Configure Storage Sense**: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automatically clean up temporary files and old items from the SSD. 5. **Defragmentation**: Do not defragment the SSD, as it can shorten its lifespan. Windows 10 automatically disables defragmentation for SSDs, but ensure it's turned off for safety. 6. **Create Separate Partitions**: Consider creating separate partitions for different purposes. For example, have one partition for the OS and programs on the SSD and another for data storage on the HDD. 7. **Use AHCI Mode**: Ensure your SATA controller is set to AHCI mode in the BIOS, which provides better performance for SSDs. 8. **Keep the SSD Up-to-Date**: Regularly update the firmware of your SSD to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest technologies. 9. **Use TRIM**: Enable TRIM support, a feature that helps maintain the SSD's performance over time. It's usually enabled by default in Windows 10. 10. **Backup**: Always keep regular backups of important data, ideally on both drives. This ensures data safety in case of a hardware failure. By following these tips, you can maximize the benefits of using both an SSD and an HDD in your Windows 10 system.

How to Use SSD and HDD Together in Laptop/PC with Windows 10

Your search for "How to use SSD and HDD together" ends here! Well, using an SSD and HDD in conjunction on a laptop or PC might initially seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools at your disposal, you can accomplish it effortlessly in just a few straightforward steps.

Here's a list of the top solutions to optimally use both SSD and HDD together in your Laptop/PC!

1. Use an SSD as the Boot Drive

To use an SSD and HDD together, you can consider using the SSD as a boot drive. Among the crucial items that must reside on the SSD is the Windows Operating System. Having your OS on the SSD will enhance the performance of various Windows aspects, including faster program launches, quicker boot-ups, and smoother shut-downs for your PC.

When it comes to installing the Windows operating system on an SSD, you can choose between a clean install or OS migration. Here's how both methods work!

Guide 1: Migrate Installed OS to SSD (No Boot Issue) This guide will assist you in migrating your currently installed operating system (OS) to a Solid State Drive (SSD) without encountering any booting issues.

Preparations: SATA Cable, a new SSD, OS migration tool - Partition Master

An efficient and reliable way to use an SSD as the boot drive is to move the installed OS to the SSD. This method saves you a lot of time and is much quicker than the following manual process.

tools Partition Master is a perfect option that will help you migrate your Windows OS to an SSD without the need for re-downloading or re-installing. tools Partition Master is a free tool that performs excellently when it comes to managing disks. Whether you need to merge partitions or delete them, you can accomplish these tasks quickly with this partitioning software!

Check out how OS Migration works with tools Partition Master Tool!

Step-by-Step Guide: This is a step-by-step guide in English:

Note: The operation of migrating OS to SSD or HDD will delete and remove existing partitions and data on your target disk when there is not enough unallocated space on the target disk. If you have important data stored there, back it up to an external hard drive beforehand.

Step 1. From the left menu, select "Clone." Choose "Migrate OS" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 2. Select the target disk you want to clone. Click "Next".

Step 3. Click "Yes" after reading the warning message. This will erase all data and partitions on the target disk. Make sure you have backed up important data beforehand. If not, do so now.

< strong > Step 4. < /strong> Preview the layout of your target disk. You can also click the disk layout options to customize the layout of your target disk as you wish. Then, click "Start" to begin migrating your OS to a new disk.

Step 5. When you see a confirmation message asking “If you want to start up computer from the clone target disk”, check “Adjust the order to boot from the clone target disk” and click the corresponding button per your needs.

• Reboot Now: This means to restart the PC and boot the operating system from the new disk immediately.
• Done: This means to apply the changes later.

 

Tip: If your SSD has a large capacity, you can also install some important software on the SSD for a better user experience.

Guide 2: Fresh Install OS on SSD (Manual Method)

Preparations: Empty USB (minimum 8GB), download the Windows Media Creation Tool, an empty SSD, and a Windows product key (for activation after installation).

One of the most traditional methods to install an OS on an SSD is via a Fresh Install or Clean Install. In this process, instead of migrating the OS, you'll need to use the Windows Media Creation Tool to perform a Clean Install of the entire OS onto the SSD.

Check out how a fresh installation of the operating system works on an SSD!

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1. Install and run the Windows Media Creation Tool on your computer. Accept all the license terms and conditions, then select "Create installation media" from the main interface. After that, click "Next".

Create installation media

< strong > Step 2. < /strong> Insert the installation disc into your PC and shut it down. Next, open the computer case and remove the old hard drive. Replace it with the new SSD in the drive bay.

Step 3. Turn ON your PC and press a specific key to access the BIOS and change the boot order to make your PC boot from the installation disc.

Step 4. Once the loading is complete, verify "Language to install," "Time and currency format," and "Keyboard and input method." Next, click on "Next" > "Install Now."

Step 5. You will now need to enter your "Windows Product Key" and activate it once the Windows installation is complete.

Step 6. A screen will now appear asking, "Which type of installation do you want?" Here, select the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option.

Step 7. Finally, select the SSD on which you want to install Windows 10 and click the "Next" button. The Windows installation process will begin automatically.

2. Store Personal Data on HDD

If you've opted for a low-capacity SSD due to its high price, this solution is worth considering! A fully-packed SSD doesn't function optimally, so it's recommended to keep all personal data on the HDD. Hence, you could store less frequently accessed items like videos, music, movies, photos, and other personal files on the HDD.

Once you start storing personal data on the HDD, make sure to regularly clean and optimize it to prevent technical issues. Knowing how to set the SSD as the boot drive and how to store personal data on the HDD is crucial for PC users. Share this article to assist more users.

Bonus Tip: How to Optimize SSD or HDD on Windows 10 Here's how you can optimize your SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) on Windows 10 to enhance its performance and prolong its lifespan: 1. **Defragmentation**: While defragmentation is useful for traditional HDDs, it's not necessary for SSDs as they store data differently. For HDDs: - Press `Win + X` and choose `Disk Defragmenter`. - Select the drive you want to defragment and click `Analyze`. - If needed, click `Optimize`. 2. **Enable TRIM for SSDs**: TRIM helps maintain SSD performance by informing the drive which data blocks are no longer in use. - Open `Command Prompt` as an administrator. - Type `fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify` and press Enter. - If the output is 0, TRIM is enabled. If it's 1, type `fsutil behavior set disabledeletenotify 0` and press Enter. 3. **Update Drivers**: Keep your storage drivers updated to ensure compatibility with Windows updates. - Press `Win + X` and select `Device Manager`. - Expand `Storage Controllers`, right-click on each driver, and choose `Update Driver`. 4. **Turn on 'Quick Removal' for Removable Drives**: This disables write-caching, which can be beneficial for external drives. - Open `Control Panel` > `Hardware and Sound` > `Devices and Printers` > `Disk Drives`. - Right-click the drive and select `Properties`. - Go to the `Policies` tab and check `Enable write caching on the device`. If this option is grayed out, your drive already has the best setting. 5. **Disable Hibernation**: Hibernation creates a large file on your drive, which can be unnecessary for some users. - Open `Command Prompt` as an administrator. - Type `powercfg /h off` and press Enter. 6. **Regularly Check Disk Health**: Use the built-in `chkdsk` tool to scan for errors. - Open `Command Prompt` as an administrator. - Type `chkdsk /f /r C:` (replace C: with the drive letter you want to check) and press Enter. 7. **Adjust Power Settings**: For HDDs, choosing a higher performance power plan can reduce spin-down time, improving performance. - Press `Win + X` and select `Power Options`. - Choose `High Performance`. 8. **Uninstall Unnecessary Programs**: Frequent program installations and uninstallations can clutter your drive. Remove unused programs to free up space. - Press `Win + I` and go to `Apps` > `Apps & Features`. - Select the app you want to remove and click `Uninstall`. 9. **Clean Up Temporary Files**: Windows stores temporary files that can take up space over time. - Press `Win + I` and go to `Settings` > `System` > `Storage`. - Click `Temporary files` and select items you want to remove. 10. **Use a Third-Party Optimization Tool**: Consider using reliable disk optimization software for advanced features, but be cautious as some may cause issues. By following these tips, you can ensure your SSD or HDD runs smoothly and efficiently on Windows 10.

If you're unsure how to keep your hard drive optimized, it's time to consider using partition management software again! Indeed, in addition to assisting with OS migration to SSD, the Partition Master tool is an ideal choice for optimizing your HDD. With this free utility, you can perform various tasks such as resizing partitions, merging partitions, deleting partitions, erasing/wiping the hard disk, and formatting partitions, etc.

Here's how to adjust the partition size and move partitions on an HDD or SSD in American English:

Step 1: Locate and select the target drive/partition

Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to Partition Manager, then select the target drive/partition to adjust its size, right-click on it and choose "Resize/Move Partition".

Step 2: Resize or move the partition

1. To shrink it, just drag one of its ends to free up unallocated space. When you're done, click “OK”.

2. To extend the partition, make sure there is unallocated space beside it (if not, follow the above steps to create some). Similarly, drag your mouse into the unallocated space, then click "OK".

3. To move a partition, you need to have unallocated space next to the target partition. If not, free up some unallocated space first.

Right-click the target partition and select “Resize/Move”. Then drag the partition left or right to change its location. Click “OK” to confirm.

Step 3: Confirm the result and apply changes This step involves reviewing the translated text in English to ensure accuracy and making any necessary adjustments. Once you're satisfied with the translation, implement the changes in your desired context.

Here, you'll see new disk partition information and graphs.

To save the changes, click the "Execute Task" button, and then "Apply".

Now that you've learned how to use SSD and HDD together, it's essential to know some handy tips that will help you make the most of both storage devices! Let's explore these tips in the next part of the article!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of how to use SSD and HDD together! Well, using SSD and HDD together comes with a bunch of benefits, but you can make the most out of them only if you keep the above tips in mind.

And when we talk about disk management, you must undoubtedly look towards Partition Manager tools because this tool comprises excellent features that will surely make disk management a hassle-free and time-saving process!

Extended Reading: Is It Better to Have Both SSD and HDD Having both a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) in your computer can offer several advantages. Here's an overview of the benefits and considerations: 1. **Performance Boost**: SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs when it comes to reading and writing data, which means that your operating system, applications, and frequently used files will load much quicker. 2. **Storage Capacity**: While SSDs are getting more affordable, they still tend to be more expensive per GB compared to HDDs. Combining both allows you to have the speed of an SSD for your operating system and essential programs, while using the larger storage capacity of an HDD for media files, documents, and other less frequently accessed items. 3. **Cost Efficiency**: If you need a lot of storage space but don't want to spend too much on an SSD, having both drives lets you strike a balance between performance and affordability. 4. **Data Backup**: Having data spread across two different types of drives can provide an extra layer of safety. If one drive fails, your important files on the other drive are still accessible. 5. **Redundancy**: By utilizing RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, you can further enhance data protection by mirroring data across both drives. However, there are also some potential downsides: 1. **Power Consumption**: SSDs generally consume less power than HDDs, so having both might increase your system's overall power usage slightly. 2. **Space and Complexity**: Installing two drives means more physical space is required inside your computer, and managing data across multiple drives can be slightly more complicated. 3. **Noise and Heat**: HDDs typically produce more noise and heat than SSDs, which could impact your system's overall noise level and cooling requirements. In conclusion, having both SSD and HDD in your system offers a good balance of performance, storage capacity, and cost. It's a popular choice among users who want the best of both worlds, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and preferences.

Yes, having both SSD and HDD simultaneously is definitely a viable option. An SSD offers numerous advantages, such as lower power consumption and faster loading speeds. Because of these benefits, many users opt to install an SSD alongside their existing HDD.

By using both SSD and HDD together, you can simply take advantage of the lightning speed of an SSD, and on the other hand, you can benefit from the large storage capacity of an HDD.

Some of the top benefits of using both SSD and HDD together include: 1. Improved Performance: Combining an SSD as the primary drive for the operating system, applications, and frequently used files with an HDD for secondary storage can significantly boost your computer's overall performance. The SSD offers faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker boot times, application launches, and file transfers. 2. Cost Efficiency: While SSDs tend to be more expensive per GB compared to HDDs, using both allows you to have the best of both worlds. You can store your essential, frequently accessed data on the SSD for speed, while less-frequently used files can be stored on the HDD, which is more cost-effective for large storage needs. 3. Increased Storage Capacity: If you require a lot of storage space for media files, documents, or backups, pairing an SSD with an HDD provides a substantial increase in total storage capacity. This way, you don't have to compromise on storage due to the limited capacity of an SSD. 4. Data Security: Having two separate drives can act as a redundancy measure for your data. If one drive fails, you still have your important files on the other, providing an extra layer of data protection. 5. Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can lead to better battery life on laptops and reduced energy consumption for desktops. By using an SSD for the OS and key applications, you can benefit from this energy efficiency while still utilizing the HDD for additional storage. 6. Better System Stability: Since SSDs have no moving parts, they are less prone to failure caused by physical wear and tear. Using an SSD for the operating system can improve system stability and reduce the chances of crashes or data loss. 7. Flexibility: With both SSD and HDD installed, users have the flexibility to choose where to save their files based on access frequency, importance, or size. This allows for optimized organization and efficient use of both storage types. In summary, combining SSD and HDD in a single system offers enhanced speed, cost-effectiveness, storage capacity, data security, energy efficiency, stability, and user flexibility.

These phrases translated into English are:
• Increased storage capacity
• Multiple drives and redundancy
• Reducing costs one Gigabyte at a time