How to Perform an Internal SSD Upgrade on an Xbox Series S?

Key Takeaways:

• Xbox Series S owners encounter storage constraints due to its small built-in SSD. This restricted space negatively impacts game storage and performance, necessitating an upgrade.
• Follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide to upgrade the Xbox Series S internal SSD, enhancing storage capacity and gaming performance.

At times, there may be a need to upgrade the internal SSD of the Xbox Series S for various reasons, with limited storage being the most common culprit. Whatever the motivation, this article will guide you through the entire process of performing an Xbox Series S internal SSD upgrade, enabling you to effortlessly upgrade your SSD on your own and thereby enhance your gaming experience and optimize your console's performance with this comprehensive tutorial.

Can I Upgrade the Internal SSD on an Xbox Series S?

Yes, but not necessarily. It is possible to upgrade the Xbox Series S SSD, but there usually isn't a need, as it uses a custom NVMe M.2 2230 SSD.

However, upgrading to a bigger SSD can be beneficial if you don't have enough storage for larger game installs, save data, or media. If you choose to upgrade the internal SSD, it's crucial to move your existing data to the new drive to keep your files, settings, apps, and games. If your Xbox Series S doesn't come with the custom SSD, you'll need to migrate your old data to the new one. We'll guide you through the steps to do this upgrade seamlessly.

If you found this article helpful in upgrading your Xbox Series X's SSD, feel free to share it with others who might need it using the social buttons.

How to Perform an Internal SSD Upgrade on Xbox Series S?

Upgrading the SSD on an Xbox Series S involves several steps. Follow this section carefully, as we've divided it into three stages.

Stage 1: Prepare for the Xbox Series S Internal SSD Upgrade

Guide 1: Select a Suitable New SSD for the Xbox Series S.

First, you'll need to acquire a better SSD for the Xbox Series S and ensure that the console recognizes it. Based on the recommendations from Gameradar, we suggest the following two reliable SSD options:

Here are the translations for the provided language segments: 1. If you want to maximize the value and functionality of your games, you can choose the **WD Black C50 Expansion Card** for fast game loading. 2. The **Seagate Official Storage Expansion Card** is a good option for increased storage capacity.

< strong > Guide 2. Format it to exFAT format. < /strong >

To ensure compatibility between the SSD and the Xbox Series, you'll need to format the Xbox SSD to an appropriate format first:

Comprehensive Guide: Format External Hard Drive for Xbox One

< strong > Guide 3. Remove the old SSD to add a new one to your Xbox. < / strong > Step 1: Power down your Xbox and unplug it from the power source. Step 2: Locate the hard drive compartment on the side or rear of your Xbox console. It is usually covered by a small magnetic door. Step 3: Carefully remove the magnetic door to access the hard drive bay. Step 4: Identify the screw holding the old SSD in place. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew it and set it aside. Step 5: Gently pull out the old SSD from its slot. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as it might damage the connectors. Step 6: Insert the new SSD into the empty slot, making sure it clicks securely into place. Step 7: Replace the screw to secure the new SSD, ensuring it's tightened properly. Step 8: Put the magnetic door back onto the console and ensure it's firmly attached. Step 9: Reconnect your Xbox to the power source and turn it on. Step 10: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process, which may include formatting the new SSD for use with your Xbox. Step 11: Once the setup is finished, your Xbox should recognize the new SSD, and you can start enjoying faster load times and increased storage capacity.

< strong >Step 1. < /strong> Turn off your Xbox and unplug all cables. Then, use tweezers to remove the screw covers and take off the back panel.

Step 2. Remove the plastic case and detach the power button, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth boards.

Step 3. Keep disconnecting and removing the power supply, fan, motherboard screws, and the motherboard with the SSD card.

Remove Xbox Internal Component

Important: After adding an SSD to your Xbox, follow these steps in reverse order to reassemble.

Stage 2: Upgrade the Xbox Series S Internal SSD Without Data Loss

Now, after removing your old SSD, connect the old Xbox hard disk and SSD to a running computer to start the cloning process so that you can save the entire data, your programs, and games to avoid data loss.

You should upgrade your SSD without data loss since your data is crucial. In this context, the tool Partition Master is a convenient utility for cloning your original SSD. Partition Master streamlines the complicated cloning process by offering an intuitive interface. You don't need to be a technical expert to use it efficiently.

Follow these steps to clone the original SSD to upgrade the hard drive without losing game data:

Steps to migrate the operating system to HDD/SSD:

1. Run the tool Partition Master and select "Clone" from the left menu. 2. Check "Migrate OS" and click "Next". 3. Select the SSD or HDD as the destination disk and click "Next". 4. Warning: The data and partitions on the target disk will be deleted. Ensure that you have backed up important data beforehand. If not, do so now. 5. Click "Yes". 6. Preview the layout of the target disk, then click "Start" to commence migrating your OS to a new disk.

Click "Reboot Now" or "Done" to decide whether you want to restart the computer from the new disk immediately.

"Reboot Now" means to apply the changes immediately, whereas "Done" indicates that you need to restart the computer later on manually.

Important: If there isn't enough unallocated space on the target disk, the OS migration operation will delete and remove any existing partitions and data. If you have important data stored on the target disk, back it up to an external hard drive beforehand.

For a comprehensive and detailed guide, click on this link:

How to Upgrade Xbox Series X/S Storage [Ultimate Guideline]

Learn and follow the step-by-step guide to upgrade the storage on your Xbox Series X/S with two efficient methods.

Stage 3: Install the New SSD

After completing the process of removing your old internal SSD from your Xbox Series S and cloning it using tools like Partition Master, you'll need to install the new SSD in your console. To do this, you can follow the steps in reverse order from stage 1, when you were removing the old SSD. Once you've removed the old drive, insert the new one into the same slot and reassemble your Xbox Series S by reversing the steps outlined in stage 1 above.

For more detailed steps, you can check out the video on YouTube:

Bonus Tip: How to Upgrade Xbox Series S Storage? Bonus Tip: How to Expand Xbox Series S Storage?

Upgrading the storage on your Xbox Series S is more straightforward than you might imagine, and you don't necessarily need to swap out the internal SSD. There are two primary methods to boost your storage: using an official Xbox Series S Expansion Card or adding external storage. Let's quickly discuss these options.

Guide 1: Expand Storage with Xbox Series S External Expansion

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. The official Xbox Series S Expansion Card is the easiest and most seamless way to boost your storage capacity. 2. Just insert it into the dedicated expansion slot on your Xbox Series S, and you're all set. 3. It offers high-speed storage that matches the performance of the internal SSD.

Guide 2: Add External Storage to Xbox Series S This guide will walk you through the process of connecting an external storage device to your Xbox Series S console, allowing you to expand your gaming library and store more games. 1. **Choose the Right Storage Device** - Ensure that you have a USB 3.0 or USB-C (with USB 3.1 Gen 2) external hard drive with at least 1 TB of storage. The Xbox Series S supports both HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive) options. - For optimal performance, consider using an SSD, as it will provide faster load times compared to an HDD. 2. **Connect the External Storage** - Plug the USB end of your external hard drive into one of the USB ports on the back of your Xbox Series S console. Make sure it's securely connected. 3. **Format the Drive** - Turn on your Xbox Series S and sign in to your account. - Navigate to the Home screen, then go to the left and select the "Settings" icon. - In the Settings menu, choose "System" and then "Storage." - Under "Devices & drives," locate your external hard drive and select it. - Choose "Format as Xbox storage" and confirm the action when prompted. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand. 4. **Transfer Games and Apps** - Once the formatting is complete, your external storage will be recognized by your Xbox Series S. - To move games and apps, go back to the "Storage" settings and select "Manage storage." - Here, you can choose which items you want to move by selecting them and then selecting "Move." - Select the destination as your external hard drive, and the transfer process will begin. 5. **Playing Games from External Storage** - After the transfer, you can launch games directly from the external hard drive. They will appear in your game library just like internal storage games. - Note that games running from external storage may have slightly longer load times compared to those stored on the console's internal SSD. 6. **Additional Tips** - You can't install next-gen Xbox Series S|X optimized games on an external HDD; they must be installed on the console's internal storage. - To free up space on your internal storage, you can always move older games and apps to the external drive. - Always eject the external hard drive properly by going through the "Storage" settings to avoid data loss. Now that your external storage is set up, you can enjoy an expanded gaming experience on your Xbox Series S.

Here are the translations in English:
• You can add external storage to your Xbox Series S for a more cost-effective solution.
• You'll require an external USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 storage device with adequate capacity.
• Format the drive to the appropriate file system and plug it into one of the Xbox's USB ports.
• Your Xbox Series S will recognize it as extra storage, and you can use it for installing games and more.

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Conclusion

For various reasons, the need to upgrade the internal SSD on your Xbox Series S might arise. Be it due to storage constraints or the desire to enhance your gaming experience, upgrading the SSD is feasible, albeit not always mandatory. You can extend the storage capacity without swapping out the internal SSD by using an Xbox Series S Expansion Card or adding External Storage to the Xbox Series S. To facilitate a smooth and hassle-free SSD upgrade, consider employing the tool Partition Master.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading the Internal SSD on Xbox Series S

If you have any questions or want to learn more about upgrading your Xbox Series S's internal SSD, refer to the FAQs below.

**1. Are any SSDs compatible with the Xbox Series S?**

Not all SSDs are compatible with the Xbox Series S. It utilizes a custom NVMe M.2 2230 SSD. You'll need to select a compatible SSD for the upgrade.

2. How fast is the Xbox Series S internal SSD? The Xbox Series S internal SSD is notably fast, providing quick loading times for games and improved performance compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). It has a custom 512GB NVMe SSD, which is optimized for the console's hardware. The exact read speed is around 2.4GB/s (raw) or 4GB/s (compressed), enabling faster game boot-ups and seamless gameplay experiences.

The Xbox Series S's internal SSD boasts fast speeds, delivering high-performance to minimize load times and enhance gaming experiences. Sources indicate that the console can access 2.4 GB/s of data per second - or 4.8 GB/s when uncompressed.

3. How to upgrade the internal SSD on Xbox Series X?

To upgrade the internal SSD on the Xbox Series X, you can follow a process similar to the one for upgrading the Xbox Series S SSD, which is explained in detail in this guide. However, keep in mind that the Xbox Series X employs a different form factor for its internal SSD. Therefore, your first step should be to select a compatible internal SSD for your Xbox Series X.