Hard drives are data storage devices on which computers store the operating system, applications, and files. You can install a hard drive to add additional space or to replace a faulty one. This wikiHow teaches you how to install a hard drive in a desktop computer and a laptop.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Install it on a desktop computer
Step 1. Make sure you are using a Windows computer
While it is technically possible to replace an iMac's hard drive, doing so is incredibly difficult and could void your warranty. Windows desktops, by contrast, are often much easier to manipulate.
If you want to install a hard drive in a Mac, you can take it to an Apple professional for help
Step 2. Create a backup of your computer data
If you are removing the current hard drive from your computer, create a backup of the data so that you can restore the information later.
If you want to leave the original disk installed, then you can add a second disk
Step 3. Make sure it is possible to install a disc on your computer
Before you go to buy a new disk for your computer, make sure that it is possible to install it. If you want to install a second disk in a desktop computer you will have to verify that it has an expansion slot that allows you to do so. If you have an all-in-one monitor, make sure the hard drive inside the monitor can be replaced.
Step 4. Buy a hard drive that is compatible with your motherboard
The most common type of disk in modern computers is SATA, although some newer boards support M.2 SSDs, which are much smaller and sometimes faster than SATAs (as long as the disk and board support NVMe).
- SATA drives come in two sizes. The 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) used in most computers, and the 2.7-inch (6.9 cm) used in some all-in-one monitors.
- M.2 SSDs come in various sizes. The unit size is encoded through a 4-digit number. For example, the M.2 2280 drives measure 22x80mm and the M.2 2260 drives measure 22x60mm. In order to install an M.2 SSD you must check if the motherboard has an M.2 connector and what size it is compatible with. The most common size for desktop computers is 2280. You will also need to check if the M.2 connector on your motherboard has an M or B key slot. M.2 SSDs with an M key slot do not fit into connectors with a key slot. key B. Check your motherboard manual and make sure the M.2 SSD you buy is compatible with it.
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Solid State Drive (SSD) vs. hard disk drive (HDD):
the hard disk drive is a mechanical disk. It is generally slower, but cheaper. Solid state drives have no moving parts. They are much faster, quieter and more expensive. There are also hybrid HDD and SSD drives.
Step 5. Turn off and unplug your computer
To shut down your computer, click the Start menu icon in Windows and then the shutdown icon in that menu. Click on To turn off to shut down the computer. You can also press and hold the physical shutdown button on your laptop keyboard or computer tower. Unplug the computer and press the power button to drain residual electricity from your computer's electronic components.
Step 6. Remove the panel from your computer
You will probably need a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the side panel of the tower from your computer. You may have to remove the panel from both sides.
Step 7. Ground yourself
This way you will avoid damaging the components of your computer with an electrostatic discharge. To ground yourself you can touch a piece of metal or buy an antistatic wrist strap and wear it while working inside your computer.
Step 8. Remove the old disk
If you are removing an old hard drive, make sure absolutely all cables are disconnected from the motherboard and the power supply. If the hard drive is screwed in, remove all the screws.
You may have to remove other cables and cards to access the hard drive if the case is compact
Step 9. Put the new hard drive in the box of the old one (if there was one)
Some computers use a special box to secure the hard drive. If your hard drive had a case, remove all the screws and take out the old drive. Place the new disk in the same box and secure it with the screws.
Step 10. Insert the new disk
Place the hard drive in the slot where the old one was or in the expansion slot if you are using two drives.
Step 11. Secure the hard drive
Once you've inserted the disc, use the screws that came with it to secure it to the case. If possible use two screws on each side of the disc. If the hard drive is loose, it can rattle, make noise, and even be physically damaged.
Tighten the screws to hold the disc firmly, but not too tightly as you could damage it
Step 12. Connect the disk to the motherboard
Newer hard drives use SATA cables which are thin USB-like cables. Connect the disk to the motherboard with the SATA cable. These cables can be connected in any direction.
- To install an M.2 SSD, simply insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30 degree angle. Press the other end of the SSD down and screw it into the motherboard.
- If you are connecting a primary hard drive, the SATA cable must be connected to the first SATA channel. It can be labeled SATA0 or SATA1. For more detailed information, see the motherboard documentation.
Step 13. Connect the power supply to the hard drive
Most of the newer power supplies have SATA power connectors, but older ones usually have Moles (4-pin) connectors. In that case you will need a Molex to SATA adapter if you are installing a SATA drive.
Make sure none of the cables will come off if they move a bit
Step 14. Close the computer
Replace the side panels and reconnect the cables if you moved the box to work inside.
Step 15. Plug in the computer and turn it on
Now you should hear how the hard drive begins to spin.
If you hear a beep or screech, immediately turn off your computer and check your hard drive connections
Step 16. Install an operating system
In order to use the computer again, you must install an operating system on the empty hard drive.
Method 2 of 2: Install it on a laptop
Step 1. Create a backup of your computer data
If you are removing the current hard drive from your computer, create a backup of the data so that you can restore the information later.
Step 2. Make sure it is possible to replace your laptop hard drive or add a new one
Before buying a new drive for your laptop, check the user manual or open the laptop to see if you can install a second drive or replace the current one. Most laptops do not have an expansion slot to install an additional disk. Some newer models come with a welded disc and it cannot be replaced.
Step 3. Buy a new hard drive that is compatible with your laptop model
Most modern computers and laptops use SATA drives. Find a drive that works with your computer model and choose the option you like best. Most laptops use 2.7 inch (6.9 cm) SATA drives. Some newer models use M.2 SSDs which are much smaller and faster than SATA drives.
- M.2 SSDs come in various sizes. The unit size is encoded through a 4-digit number. For example, the M.2 2280 discs measure 22x80mm and the M.2 2260 discs measure 22x60mm. In order to install an M.2 SSD you must check if the motherboard has an M.2 connector and what size it is compatible with. The most common size for desktop computers is 2280. You will also need to check if the M.2 connector on your motherboard has an M or B key slot. M.2 SSDs with an M key slot will not fit into connectors with a key slot. key B. Check your motherboard manual and make sure the M.2 SSD you buy is compatible with it.
- Solid State Drive (SSD) vs. hard disk drive (HDD): The hard disk drive is a mechanical disk. It is generally slower, but cheaper. Solid state drives have no moving parts. They are much faster, quieter and more expensive. There are also hybrid HDD and SSD drives.
Step 4. Turn off your laptop
Unplug the laptop from the charger and then press and hold the power button until your laptop shuts down completely. You can also turn it off from the power settings:
- Windows: click the menu Beginning Windows, click the shutdown icon and select To turn off.
- Mac: Click the Apple icon in the menu bar, then click To turn off… and again in To turn off to confirm.
Step 5. Flip the laptop over
Close the lid of the laptop and flip it over so that the base is pointing up.
Step 6. Take off the bottom of your laptop
The steps to do this vary by model, but you will probably need a screwdriver to remove the case. Carefully pry up the bottom panel along the edges where it connects to the keyboard using a plastic tool to loosen it.
- In order to unlock the case on some laptops you need a special screwdriver, for example a pentalobe or a three-wing one.
- On some laptops, for example Macs, several screws have to be removed around the edge of the case.
- Be careful of the ribbons and cables connected to the motherboard from the bottom panel. If you find any cables or tape, be sure to double-check where it goes and then remove it very carefully.
Step 7. Ground yourself
In this way you will avoid damaging the delicate components inside your computer with an electrostatic discharge. To ground yourself you can touch a metal piece or buy an antistatic wrist strap and use it while with your computer.
Step 8. Remove the battery if possible
In most laptops the battery can be removed. Do this to avoid unexpected electrical shock during hard drive installation.
Step 9. Open the hard drive panel (if there is one)
Some laptops come with the hard drive in a box with a special panel. This panel usually has the hard drive logo printed next to it. Usually a Phillips screwdriver is needed to be able to remove the screws and later the panel.
Step 10. Unscrew the hard drive
The hard drive is sometimes secured with screws. Remove all the screws holding the laptop in place.
Step 11. Remove the current hard drive if necessary
Slide the hard drive out from the connection port to which it is attached. There may be a latch or tape that you need to remove in order to disconnect the hard drive. The hard drive will pop out about a centimeter and you can remove it from its case.
- If the drive has any other cables, unplug it.
- It would be good if you leave the old disk somewhere safe in case you have to recover data saved on it.
Step 12. Place the new hard drive in the box of the old one (if there was one)
Some computers use a special box to secure the hard drive. If your hard drive had a case, remove all the screws and take out the old drive. Put the new disk in the same box and secure it with the screws.
Step 13. Insert the new disk
Make sure to insert it with the correct side pointing out, and then push it firmly into the connectors. Don't use too much force as you could damage the connectors.
- If you had to remove any screws from the original disc, now put them back.
- To install an M.2 SSD, simply insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30 degree angle. Press the other end of the SSD down and screw it into the motherboard.
Step 14. Connect all the cables that you have disconnected
If you had to remove a cable from the original drive, now connect it to the new one.
Step 15. Close your laptop
Replace the bottom of the case and the screws that hold it in place.
If you had to disconnect any tape or cables in order to remove the bottom panel, be sure to connect it now before closing the laptop again
Step 16. Install an operating system
In order to use the computer again, you must install an operating system on the empty hard drive.
Advice
- Hard drives give off heat while they work. If your computer has multiple disc trays, you may want to leave a gap between them whenever possible to allow your computer to run cooler.
- When you go to work on the internal components of your computer, pay close attention to static electricity. You can put on an antistatic wrist strap or touch the screw on the cover of an active switch before touching the cables and internal components of your computer.