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Part 3: Install
Step 1: Connect the SSD to your system
Once it’s off, unplug the SATA-to-USB cable from your system and remove the cable from your SSD.
Step 2: Remove the power cable and battery
Now that the SSD is unattached from your system, remove the power cable and battery (laptops only). To see how to remove the battery, refer to your owner’s manual.
Step 3: Hold the power button for 5 seconds
This removes any electricity still in the system.
Step 4: Open the case
How you do this will vary from system to system, so consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions.
Step 5: Ground yourself
Simply touch an unpainted metal surface. This protects your system’s components from the static electricity that’s naturally present in your body – grounding is just an extra safeguard.
Step 6: Locate the storage bay
This is easy to find in desktops, but in laptops the location will vary – it’s typically under the bottom panel, under the keyboard, or on the side. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location, as every system looks slightly different.
Step 7: Remove your old drive
Remove the existing drive and disconnect any cables and brackets attached to it. Look closely at the drive for screws that might be holding something to it, as most brackets are often small and look like supporting frames.
Step 8: Reattach cables and brackets to SSD
Once reattached, plug the SSD into your system. Don’t worry if the label faces up or down, as this varies by system. When plugging in the SSD, don’t force the connection – it should go in easily and fit snug. If it feels wobbly, refer to our Helpful Tip below.
Step 9: Reassemble your system
For laptop installations, reconnect the battery.
Step 10: Turn on your computer
Watch how much faster it boots up!
Step 11: Have some fun
See how fast your favorite apps open when you click on them! Your SSD is now installed, but you can make it even faster by enabling a special feature.
For Laptops:
Look closely at the old storage drive you removed for any brackets, adapters, support frames, braces, pull tabs, or screws that might be attached to it. If anything is attached to the old drive, remove it and put it on the SSD in the same manner. Now reinsert the SSD into the storage bay.
For Laptops (spacer):
If it still doesn’t fit snug, use the spacer you set aside earlier and attach it to the SSD by peeling off the adhesive and sticking it onto the drive as shown. Attaching the spacer allows the SSD to achieve the same level of thickness as the existing drive you removed. Note: many installations don’t require the spacer, so you may not need to use it.
For Desktops:
Some storage bays and existing hard drives are significantly larger than a standard size SSD. If this is the case in your system, you’ll need a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch converter to make the SSD fit snug.
If you can use a screwdriver, you can install an SSD. While the inside of your computer looks scary and foreign, there’s nothing to fear. As long as you’ve grounded yourself, you’ve eliminated most of the risk that comes with accidentally touching components. Electricity is naturally present in the human body, but when you ground yourself, you get rid of it and make it safe to touch your system’s parts. No need to fear – you’re never in danger during the process and the electricity in your body is natural and can’t hurt you.