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How to Install a Second SSD on a Desktop or Laptop

By Lee StantonLee Stanton Author Lee Stanton is a versatile writer with a concentration on the software landscape, covering both mobile and desktop applications as well as online technologies. Read

By Lee StantonLee Stanton Author Lee Stanton is a versatile writer with a concentration on the software landscape, covering both mobile and desktop applications as well as online technologies. Read moreMay 11, 2022

Over time your computer files will accumulate, and you’ll eventually come to a point where your hard drive becomes full. The simplest way to acquire more space for files is to plug in an external device. On the other hand, installing a second SSD is the best way to go if the motherboard can accommodate one. You will have more storage space, your computer will be faster, and it can be used as a backup should the primary drive get corrupted.

Read on to learn how to fit a second SSD and configure it.

Installing a second SSD is a two-part process. After fitting the drive, you’ll need to configure the drive via the “Windows Disk Management” utility. This is so your PC can recognize the new drive and use it.

Before you start, be sure to ground yourself on a piece of metal furniture like a furniture leg. This will discharge static electricity and help preserve your computer parts.

Here are the steps to install a second SSD on a PC running Windows 10, 8.1, 8, or 7. For Windows 11, please scroll down to the section “How to install a Second SSD in Windows 11.”

Once you’ve confirmed everything works as expected, you can initialize your SSD. At this point, Windows will identify your second SSD but won’t use it. Once it’s initialized and formatted for use, you’ll be able to save files and move old files from your primary drive to create space there.

Follow these steps to start using your SSD:

Your new SSD is now ready to use.

If your laptop can accommodate two M.2 drives, you can install a second SSD drive. Installation includes configuring the drive using the “Windows Disk Management” utility so your laptop will recognize it.

Every laptop is different, so you may need to find information online to gain access to your specific model. Before beginning installation, be sure to ground yourself on a piece of metal furniture like a furniture leg. This discharges static electricity, which is bad for computer components.

The following steps will generally apply. Here’s how to install a second SSD drive on your laptop:

Follow these steps to format and initialize the SSD for a laptop running Windows 11. For Windows 10 and earlier, please refer to the second set of steps in the section “How to Install a Second SSD in Desktop” above.

To format the SSD drive, perform the following:

Windows will start to format your SSD drive. Once it’s formatted, the “Disk 0” option will be set to the name you provided in step 5. It will be marked as “Healthy (Basic Data Partition)” and ready to use.

If you want to use a second SSD in your Windows 11 computer, installation involves configuring the disk once it’s fitted. The “Windows Disk Management” utility will get your computer to recognize the new drive so you can use it.

Before you begin, be sure to ground yourself on a piece of metal furniture. For example, use a chair with metal legs to help discharge static electricity that may affect the eternal components.

Follow these steps to install a second SSD on your Windows 11 PC:

Here are the steps to format and initialize the SSD for your Windows 11 computer:

To format the SSD drive, follow these steps:

Windows will begin formatting the drive. When complete, the “Disk 0” option will be set to the name you provided in step 5. It will be marked as “Healthy (Basic Data Partition)” and ready to use.

Eventually, the in-built SSD drive in your computer will become full. However, installing a second SSD gives you more space and serves as a backup if your primary SSD gets hacked or corrupted. Most motherboards are designed for an easy SSD drive installation. Once fitted, the “Windows Disk Management” utility can configure it for use.

Were you able to install and configure your new SSD successfully? Has the additional SSD drive made a difference? Let us know in the comments section below.

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