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Learn how to install M.2 or SATA SSDs on your PC with our step-by-step guide. Boost your system’s speed, reduce load times, and improve overall performance.
Table of Contents
Upgrading your PC with an M.2 or SATA internal solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly boost your system’s speed and performance. SSDs—with their faster read and write speeds—are an essential upgrade for any modern PC. Whether you’re a gamer looking to reduce load times or a professional in need of quicker data access, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing both M.2 and SATA SSDs on your PC. With clear instructions and tips, even beginners can confidently complete the installation.
Pre-Installation Factors to Consider for Both M.2 and SATA SSDs
Before starting the installation process, you’ll want to create the right environment for the installation to occur—especially when it comes to protecting both your data and personal safety.
The most important pre-installation factors include:
Back up your data. Before adding, removing, or handling your internal storage, back up your computer’s data to cloud-based storage or an external drive so you don’t risk losing photos, video, or other sensitive data if something goes wrong.
Disconnect the device from power. Shut down your computer properly and disconnect it from power to eliminate the risk of electrocution.
Gather the right tools for the installation. In most cases, you’ll only need a screwdriver to install the SSD, but double-check the installation guide before you begin.
If your plan is to replace your old drive with a new SSD, we recommend Seagate DiscWizard. This free application will let you backup your files, programs, and operating system, and then recover it completely intact on the new drive. This process is called disc cloning.
Here are the simple steps to completing this process:
Open DiscWizard.
Click Tools & Utilities and then select Clone Disk.
Click Automatic Mode.
Select your old hard drive as the Source Disk and select Next.
Select your new hard drive as the Destination Disk and select Next.
Confirm that all partitions can be erased and click OK.
Double check that all your drives look correct and click Proceed.
Let the DiscWizard work its magic.
16 Steps to Install and Format Your 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
This guide should be considered a supplement (and not a replacement) to the installation guide included with the SSD you purchased. Copies of SSD installation guides can often be found on the SSD manufacturer’s website.
Review Your SSD Installation Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions provided by the SSD manufacturer.
Grab a Screwdriver: Have a phillips head screwdriver on hand for the installation process.
Ground Yourself: Before handling the SSD, ground yourself to prevent static damage. A de-static bracelet is recommended.
Power Down and Unplug Your Computer: Shut down your PC, unplug it from the power source, and disconnect all peripherals.
Open Your Computer Case: Remove the screws securing the side panel of your case and slide it off to access the interior.
Locate the 2.5-Inch Bay: Find the 2.5-inch drive bay inside your case. If your case only has 3.5-inch bays, you’ll need a bracket adapter to fit the 2.5-inch SSD into the larger bay.
Insert the Drive and Secure It: Place the SSD in the bay or bracket, and secure it with screws.
Replace a Primary Drive: When replacing an existing primary drive, disconnect the cables from the old drive and connect them to the new SSD.
Install a Secondary Drive: If this is a secondary drive, locate an available SATA power cable from your power supply and connect it to the SSD. Then, take the SATA data cable and connect one end to the SSD and the other end to an available SATA port on the motherboard.
Set Up a New PC Build: If this SSD is the primary drive in a new PC build, enter the BIOS/UEFI during startup and set the SATA device as the first boot option in the boot sequence.
Power On Your Computer: With the SSD installed, power on your computer. If you’re installing Windows®, make sure the installation media (disc or USB) is loaded.
Start the Operating System Installation: Begin the OS installation process once the computer boots up. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Select the SSD as the Install Drive: When prompted, choose the SSD as the install destination, confirming its capacity.
Proceed with Default Settings: Unless you have specific needs, proceed with the default installation settings.
Format the Drive: If this SSD is being added to an existing system as a secondary drive, you’ll need to format it. Access the Disk Management utility by right clicking the Windows Start button. Note this step is not needed for a new system build.
Create a New Volume: The new drive will appear as unallocated space. Right click on it, select New Simple Volume, and follow the prompts to format the drive, choosing your desired drive labels and settings.
13 Steps to Install and Format Your M.2 SSD
This guide serves as a supplement to the installation guide included with your M.2 SSD. You can find a copy of your drive’s installation guide on the manufacturer’s website. It’s important to review the instructions carefully before beginning the installation process.
Read Through the Installation Guide: Before starting, familiarize yourself with the specific instructions provided by the SSD manufacturer.
Power Down and Disconnect Your Device: Ensure your computer is completely powered down and unplugged from the power source.
Ground Yourself: To avoid static electricity damage, ground yourself using a de-static bracelet or by touching a grounded metal object.
Grab a Screwdriver: A phillips head screwdriver is typically needed to remove and replace screws during the installation process.
Open Your Computer’s Panel: Remove the screws securing the panel on your computer case and slide it off to access the interior.
Locate an Open M.2 Slot: Identify an available M.2 slot on your motherboard, usually found near the PCIe slots or other storage connectors.
Remove the SSD Slot Holder Screw: Using your screwdriver, remove the screw holding the M.2 slot’s standoff in place. This screw will be used later to secure the SSD.
Insert the M.2 SSD: Align the SSD with the M.2 slot and insert it at an angle (usually around 30°). If it doesn’t fit, turn it around and try the other side.
Seat the SSD: Once the SSD is partially inserted, gently push it down so it lies flat against the motherboard, confirming the notch on the drive lines up with the notch in the slot.
Secure the SSD: Reinstall the screw you removed earlier to secure the SSD in place. Be careful not to overtighten the screw.
Replace the Computer’s Panel: Once the SSD is installed, reattach the panel to your computer and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
Reconnect Power and Boot Up: Plug your computer back into the power source and turn it on.
Initialize the SSD in Disk Management: Once in Windows, open the Disk Management utility. The new SSD will appear as unallocated space.
Create a New Simple Volume: Right click on the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, and follow the prompts to format the M.2 SSD.
Complete the Formatting Process: Continue following the prompts to finish formatting the drive, which will make it ready for use.
Post-Installation Factors to Consider for Both an M.2 and SATA SSD
Once your SSD is installed and formatted, most of the heavy lifting is done. But there are still steps you should take to ensure a proper installation and maintain the health of your drive over time.
H2: Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Drive Isn’t Listed in the Disk Management Application
If your SSD doesn’t appear in Disk Management, it’s often due to an incorrect installation. However, before you redo the installation, follow these steps:
Check the BIOS: Verify the drive is enabled in your BIOS. Restart your PC, enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing Del, F2, or Esc during boot), and verify the SSD is recognized.
For M.2 SSDs: If you’re installing an M.2 SSD, check the SATA Configuration settings in the BIOS. Make sure the PCIe slot is configured for M.2 operation. Some motherboards may disable certain SATA ports when an M.2 SSD is installed, so consult the motherboard manual for specific configurations.
If the SSD still doesn’t appear after these checks, refer to the installation guide for additional troubleshooting steps.
2. PC Won’t Boot After Installing the New SSD
If your PC doesn’t boot after installing the new SSD, it typically means the SSD hasn’t been set up correctly as a boot device. To resolve this issue:
Set Up the SSD as a Boot Drive: If you intend to boot from the new SSD instead of the previous drive, you need to clone the old drive’s contents to the new SSD. Use cloning software to transfer the operating system and all necessary files.
Adjust BIOS Boot Order: After cloning, access the BIOS/UEFI setup and change the boot order to prioritize the SSD as the primary boot drive. This tells your PC to load the operating system from the new SSD.
If your PC still fails to boot after these steps, double-check the cloning process and BIOS settings. For further troubleshooting, consult the installation guide or SSD manufacturer’s support resources.
3. SSD Is Slow or Not Performing as Expected
If your SSD isn’t delivering the speed improvements you expected, consider the following:
Check for SATA Port Limitations: Be sure the SSD is connected to a SATA III port (usually marked in a different color on the motherboard) rather than an older SATA II port, which would limit the drive’s speed.
Enable AHCI Mode: As mentioned earlier, make sure AHCI mode is enabled in the BIOS. This mode is essential for optimal SSD performance.
Firmware Updates: Check if your SSD manufacturer has released any firmware updates, which can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.
4. SSD Isn’t Detected During Windows Installation
If during the Windows installation process, the SSD isn’t detected:
Load Drivers: You may need to load the appropriate drivers for your SSD. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download these drivers and load them during the Windows installation process when prompted.
Check Compatibility: Confirm your version of Windows supports the type of SSD being installed (e.g., NVMe). Older versions of Windows may not natively support NVMe SSDs without additional drivers.
Look for Partition Issues: If the SSD was previously used, there may be existing partitions preventing Windows from recognizing it. Use a partition management tool or the command prompt to clean the drive and remove old partitions.
5. SSD Causes Frequent Crashes or Errors
If your system crashes or experiences errors after installing the SSD:
Check the Power Supply: Ensure the power supply unit (PSU) is providing adequate power, especially if you’ve added multiple components. Insufficient power can cause instability.
Test for Bad Sectors: Use diagnostic software provided by the SSD manufacturer to check for bad sectors or other hardware issues that might be causing instability.
Verify Compatibility: Make sure the SSD is compatible with your motherboard and other components. Incompatibility can lead to system instability.
These additional common issues and their solutions should help you troubleshoot and resolve most problems encountered during SSD installation.
Installing an M.2 and SATA SSD FAQS
What tools do I need to install an SSD?
In most cases, you’ll need a phillips head screwdriver to open your computer case and secure the SSD in place. Depending on your setup, you may also need a SATA cable and a mounting bracket if you’re installing a 2.5-inch SSD in a desktop with 3.5-inch drive bays.
Why is my SSD not detected?
The BIOS will not detect an SSD if the data cable is damaged, or the connection is incorrect. Serial ATA cables, in particular, can sometimes fall out of their connection. Be sure to check your SATA cables are tightly connected to the SATA port connection. (Source)
How do I prepare my computer before installing an M.2-2 SSD?
Before installing an SSD, back up all important data, disconnect the computer from any power source, and ground yourself to prevent static electricity damage. Additionally, verify the SSD’s compatibility with your system and check that you have the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver.
Elevate Your PC Experience with Seagate SSDs
When it’s time to upgrade your PC’s storage capacity and performance, Seagate offers a wide range of SSDs to meet your expectations regarding storage space, read/write speeds, and cost.
Seagate internal SSDs are easy to install and offer the reliability you need for your personal computer. And, if you ever run into problems with your drive, Seagate support is readily available to walk you through troubleshooting and make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase.
Invest in best-in-class storage that makes your PC run like new— explore our internal SSDs or internal hard drives to find the right drive for your device.
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