How To Guide
How to Replace Hard Drives or SSDs in a PC
Upgrading from a hard drive to an SSD is the single biggest performance improvement you can make to an older PC. This guide covers the entire process.
Overview
An SSD can make a 5-year-old computer feel new again. Boot times drop from minutes to seconds, programs open instantly, and file transfers are dramatically faster.
Step 1: Preparation
Get the right drive and tools before starting.
1
Choose Your New Drive
- Check what type of drive your computer uses
- Desktop PCs: 2.5-inch SATA SSD or M.2 NVMe SSD
- Laptops: Check manual for supported drive type and size
- Recommended capacity: At least match your current drive size
- Budget option: 500GB SATA SSD (from £30)
- Performance option: 1TB NVMe SSD (from £60)
2
Gather Tools
- Phillips head screwdriver (small and medium)
- Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)
- USB-to-SATA adapter cable (for cloning, about £10)
- Your new SSD drive
- Optional: 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch bracket for desktops
3
Back Up Your Data
- Create a full backup before starting
- Use Windows Backup or File History
- Copy important files to an external drive or cloud
- Note your Windows product key (Settings → System → Activation)
- Write down any software licence keys you might need
Warning:
Always back up before replacing a drive. If something goes wrong during the process, you'll still have your data.
Step 2: Clone Your Drive
Copy everything from your old drive to the new one.
1
Connect New Drive via USB
- Connect new SSD to your computer using USB-to-SATA adapter
- Open Disk Management (right-click Start → Disk Management)
- Initialise the new drive if prompted (use GPT for modern systems)
- The new drive should appear as unallocated space
2
Clone with Free Software
- Download Macrium Reflect Free or Samsung Data Migration (for Samsung SSDs)
- Install and open the cloning software
- Select your current drive as the source
- Select the new SSD as the destination
- Start the clone process — typically takes 30-90 minutes
- Do not use the computer during cloning
3
Verify the Clone
- Check that the clone completed without errors
- Verify the used space matches your original drive
- Do not disconnect the new drive yet
- Make a note of which drive is which
Step 3: Physical Installation
Swap the drives in your computer.
1
Desktop PC Installation
- Shut down and unplug the computer
- Touch the metal case to discharge static
- Open the side panel (usually 1-2 screws)
- Locate the current hard drive
- Disconnect SATA data and power cables
- Remove mounting screws and slide out the old drive
- Install new SSD in the same bay (use bracket if 2.5-inch in 3.5-inch bay)
- Connect SATA data and power cables
- Close the case and reconnect power
2
Laptop Installation
- Shut down and disconnect power
- Remove the battery if removable
- Locate the drive access panel (check laptop manual)
- Remove screws and carefully open the panel
- Disconnect the old drive and remove it
- Install new SSD in the same connector
- Replace the panel and screws
- Reconnect battery and power
3
First Boot and Verification
- Power on the computer
- It should boot normally from the new SSD
- If it doesn't boot, access BIOS (usually F2 or Del) and set new drive as boot device
- Check that all files and programs are present
- Run CrystalDiskMark to verify SSD performance
- Keep old drive as backup for 30 days before wiping
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