what do i need to install a hard drive

Download Article

Download Commodity

Hard drives are data storage devices that a computer uses to store a computer's operating organisation, applications, and files. You may want to install a difficult drive on your estimator to gain additional storage space or to replace a faulty hard drive. This wikiHow teaches yous how to install a difficult drive in a desktop or laptop computer.

1. 1

   Brand sure that you're using a Windows computer. While information technology'due south technically possible to supervene upon an iMac hard drive, doing and then is incredibly difficult and could void your warranty. Windows desktop computers, on the other hand, tend to exist fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to tinker with.

   • If you desire to install a difficult drive on a Mac computer, you lot tin take information technology to an Apple tree professional and have them help you.

2. 2

   Advertisement

3. 3

   Make certain you lot are able to install a difficult on your reckoner. Earlier you go purchasing a new hard drive for your computer, brand sure you are able to install a new difficult bulldoze on your calculator. If you want to install a second hard bulldoze on your desktop PC, brand sure information technology has an expansion slot that allows you to install a 2nd hard bulldoze. If you lot take an all-in-one PC monitor, brand sure the hard drive inside the monitor is replaceable.

4. 4

   Buy a difficult drive that is compatible with your desktop motherboard. SATA is the most common hard drive blazon for modern computers, though many newer motherboards support G.2 SSD hard drives, which are much smaller and often faster than SATA drives (if the drive and your motherboard back up NVMe).^[1]

   • SATA drives come in two sizes. 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) SATA drives are used in most desktop computers. All-in-1 PC monitors may require a 2.vii inch (vi.9 cm) SATA drive.
   • Thousand.ii SSDs come in a diversity of sizes. This size of the bulldoze is coded using a 4 digit number. For example, a 2280 One thousand.2 drive is 22x80 mm, and a 2260 M.ii device is 22x60 mm. In order to install an M.ii SSD, y'all'll need to come across if your motherboard has an Chiliad.2 connector slot, and what size SSD the motherboard supports. 2280 is the most mutual size for desktop computers. You'll as well need to check if the 1000.ii connector slot on your has an Yard or B key slot. An M.2 SSD with an M key slot volition not fit in a B central connector. Check the transmission for your motherboard and brand sure the M.2 SSD you purchase is uniform with your motherboard. ^[2]
   • Solid Country Bulldoze (SSD) vs. Hd Drive (HDD): Hard Deejay Drives are mechanical disk drives. They are commonly slower, only less expensive. Solid State Drives have no moving parts. They are much faster, quieter, and more than expensive. You can besides purchase a hybrid HDD/SSD drive.

5. 5

   Shut off and unplug your estimator. To shut downward your computer, click the Windows Offset icon, and and so click the ability icon in the Start card. Click Shut Downward to plow off your estimator. Yous tin can as well press and hold the power push on your laptop keyboard, or desktop PC belfry to shut down your computer. Unplug your estimator and press the power button to exhaust whatsoever residual electricity in the computer electronics.

6. 6

   Remove you calculator panel. You will most probable demand a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the side console of the computer tower. Yous may need to remove both sides of the computer tower.

7. seven

   Footing yourself . This will prevent electrostatic shock from damaging the components of your computer. You can basis yourself past touching something metal while you work, or purchasing static wrist bands that you lot wear while you work within your calculator.

8. 8

   Remove the old drive . If yous are removing an old difficult drive, make sure whatever and all cables are disconnected from both the motherboard and the power supply. If the hard drive is screwed in, remove all the screws.

   • You may need to remove more cables or cards in club to access the hard drives in a tight instance.

9. 9

   Transfer hard bulldoze enclosure to the new difficult drive (if present). Some computers use a special enclosure to secure the hard bulldoze. If your hard drive has an enclosure for the difficult bulldoze, remove all the screws and pull the old difficult drive out. Place the new hard bulldoze in the same enclosure and secure it with the screws.

10. x

    Insert your new bulldoze. Place the hard bulldoze in the difficult bulldoze slot the sometime hard drive was housed in, or the expansion slot for a new hard drive.

11. 11

    Secure the hard drive. In one case the hard drive has been inserted, use the screws that came with it to secure the difficult drive in the housing. Ideally, y'all should apply ii screws on each side of the hard drive. If the hard bulldoze is loose, it tin can rattle and crusade more than noise and pb to physical damage.

    • Tighten the screws to a house tightness, but don't over-tighten every bit that may cause damage every bit well.

12. 12

    Attach the drive to the motherboard. Newer difficult drives volition apply SATA cables, which are thin and resemble USB cables. Use a SATA cablevision to connect the hard bulldoze to the motherboard. SATA cables tin exist connected in either direction.

    • To install an Thousand.2 SSD, but insert the SSD into the M.ii slot at a 30-degree angle. Printing downwards on the other end of the SSD and spiral it to the motherboard.
    • If y'all are connecting your primary hard drive, the SATA cablevision should be plugged into the showtime SATA aqueduct. This may exist labeled SATA0 or SATA1. Refer to your motherboard documentation for detailed information for your motherboard.

13. 13

    Connect the power supply to the hard drive. Most newer power supplies have SATA power connectors, though older power supplies typically merely have Molex (4 pin) connectors. If this is the case, and you are installing a SATA bulldoze, you will need a Molex-to-SATA adapter.

    • Ensure that none of the cables can come up undone by wiggling them a lilliputian bit.

14. 14

    Shut up your computer. Replace the case sides and reconnect your cables if you had to move the instance to piece of work on the inside.^[3]

15. fifteen

    Plug back in and turn back on your computer. Yous should hear the hard bulldoze begin to spin up.

    • If you hear beeps or any jarring noises, immediately turn off the calculator and check the hard drive'due south connections.

16. sixteen

    Install an operating system . Empty hard drives require an operating arrangement to be installed on them before you can use your computer once again.

    Advertisement

1. one

   Back up your laptop's information . If yous're replacing a laptop'south hard drive, yous'll want to back upward the information that's on the hard drive so that you can restore information technology onto the new hard drive afterward.

2. 2

   Make sure you can add or replace the hard bulldoze in your laptop. Before you buy a new hard drive for your laptop, check the user's manual or open your laptop to brand sure you can replace or install a second hard drive. The majority of laptops do not accept an expansion slot to install a second hard bulldoze. On some newer laptops, the hard drive may exist soldered in place and/or not replaceable.

3. iii

   Buy a difficult bulldoze that matches your model of laptop. Most mod computers and laptops employ SATA drives. Search for a hard drive that works with your model of computer, then purchase your preferred option. Most laptops use a 2.7 inch (half dozen.9 cm) SATA drives. Some newer laptops utilize Thousand.two SSDs, which are much smaller and faster than SATA drives.

   • One thousand.2 SSDs come up in a diverseness of sizes. This size of the drive is coded using a 4 digit number. For example, a 2280 K.2 drive is 22x80 mm, and a 2260 M.2 device is 22x60 mm. In guild to install an M.2 SSD, you'll need to run into if your motherboard has an 1000.two connector slot, and what size SSD the motherboard supports. 2280 is the most mutual size for desktop computers. Yous'll as well need to check if the 1000.2 connector slot on your has an M or B key slot. An G.2 SSD with an M fundamental slot will not fit in a B central connector. Check the transmission for your motherboard and make sure the M.2 SSD you purchase is compatible with your motherboard.
   • Solid State Drive (SSD) vs. Hard disk drive Drive (HDD): Hard disk Drives are mechanical deejay drives. They are usually slower, but less expensive. Solid State Drives have no moving parts. They are much faster, quieter, and more expensive. Y'all tin also purchase a hybrid HDD/SSD drive.

4. 4

   Plow off your laptop. Disconnect your laptop from its charger, and then printing and hold the Power button until the laptop turns off. Yous can also use the laptop's Power settings to turn it off:

   • Windows - Click the Windows Starting time menu, click the power icon, and click Shut downward.
   • Mac - Click the Apple tree icon in the card bar, click Shut Downward..., and click Shut Down when prompted.

5. 5

   Plough over your laptop. Shut your laptop's chapeau, then flip it over so that the bottom of the laptop is facing up.

6. half dozen

   Remove the lesser of the laptop. This will vary from laptop to laptop, but y'all'll usually need a screwdriver to remove the example. Use a plastic pry tool to advisedly go around the edges of where the bottom console is fastened to the keyboard and advisedly pry it loose.

   • Many laptops crave special screwdrivers, such as Pentalobe models, or tri-wing screwdriver, to unlock the case.
   • Some laptops, such as Mac laptops, will require you to unscrew several screws effectually the border of the instance.
   • Be careful of whatever ribbons or cables attached to the motherboard from the bottom panel. If you notice any cables or ribbons attached, make a note of where they are fastened, and carefully remove them.

7. seven

   Ground yourself . This volition prevent you from accidentally harming your computer'southward delicate internals with static electricity. You tin can ground yourself by touching something metal or past purchasing static wrist bands that y'all wear while you piece of work on your computer.

8. 8

   Remove the bombardment if possible. Most laptops will allow you to remove the battery, which volition prevent yous from inadvertently shocking yourself during the hard drive installation.

9. nine

   Open up the hard deejay console (if nowadays). On some laptops, the hard bulldoze may be housed inside a special console. The console can commonly be identified by the difficult drive logo printed side by side to it. Yous will usually demand a small Phillip'due south caput screwdriver in order to remove the screws and the panel.

10. 10

    Unscrew the hard drive. Depending on the laptop, the hard drive may be secured in identify with screws. Remove all screws holding the laptop in place.

11. 11

    Remove the existing hard drive if necessary. Slide it out from the connexion port that it is attached to. There may be a release latch or ribbon you pull to disconnect the difficult drive. The hard bulldoze will pop back about half an inch, allowing you to remove it from its housing.

    • Yous may also need to disconnect your hard drive from a wire or cablevision.
    • Information technology's best to place your old hard drive somewhere safe in instance yous demand to retrieve data off of it.

12. 12

    Transfer hard drive enclosure to the new hard drive (if present). Some computers use a special enclosure to secure the difficult drive. If your difficult drive has an enclosure for the hard bulldoze, remove all the screws and pull the old hard drive out. Identify the new hard drive in the same enclosure and secure it with the screws.

13. 13

    Insert your new hard bulldoze. Ensure that you insert information technology with the correct side facing out, then press it firmly into the connectors. Practice not force the hard drive, or y'all may impairment the connectors.

    • If you lot had to remove screws to remove the original difficult drive, spiral them back in besides.
    • To install an M.2 SSD, insert the SSD in the K.2 slot at a 30-degree bending and then press downwardly on the other end of the SSD. Apply a screw to secure the SSD to the motherboard.

14. 14

    Connect whatever wires that you unplugged. If y'all had to detach any wires or cables from the original difficult drive, reattach them to the new hard bulldoze.

15. xv

    Close back up your laptop. Supersede the lesser of the case and whatsoever screws holding information technology in place.

    • If y'all needed to disconnect whatsoever ribbons or cables to remove the lesser console, be sure to reconnect them earlier closing the laptop.

16. xvi

    Install an operating system . Empty hard drives require an operating arrangement to be installed on them before you can utilize your reckoner again.

    Ad

Add New Question

• Question

  Do hard drives come up with the needed cables or will I need to purchase them separately?

  

  They don't. You either get the cables with the motherboard or you buy them separately.

• Question

  Tin can I accept an old difficult drive out of one computer and put it in as a backup storage drive in a new computer with a different operating system?

  

  You'll have to reformat your difficult bulldoze, but yes, yous can employ that hard drive as extra storage for nearly any PC.

• Question

  How can I find out which hard drive I demand for my Laptop?

  

  Talking to a tech professional (similar a specialist at a shop selling computers and related items) would be best. However, the word 'need' is misleading, as you can use a lot of dissimilar difficult drives in some laptops.

• Question

  I have replaced a hard drive that'due south fully loaded, only my PC cannot recognize it. I am told to reboot, just either the screen is bare or I am told to supercede my battery, which doesn't help either. What should I practise

  

  If by "fully loaded," you hateful that you have taken out a difficult drive from a different computer that had the operating organisation already installed on it and put it into a new reckoner, this unfortunately will non work. The drivers that were installed with the operating system on your older computer are most certainly not compatible with the drivers needed for your new estimator. You will take to support all of your stored data (desktop, documents, downloads, music, photos, videos, etc.) from the "fully loaded" drive, so completely erase the "fully loaded" drive and install the operating system with all of the drivers needed for your new computer from scratch.

• Question

  What should I practise if I don't have screws for my laptop'south hard drive?

  

  Try to detect screws that will match the necessary size, either in a shop or online. A friend or colleague might also have some spare ones you could use. You lot tin besides connect the laptop's difficult drive without any screws. The connexion is quite house, just it'due south still safer with screws since they ensure that the connection between the bulldoze and laptop doesn't come loose.

• Question

  What practise I do when my hard bulldoze has been damaged?

  

  Try to set it. If your figurer can yet plough on and load Windows, utilize the 'chkdsk' control in the Command Line followed past the name of the disk, for case 'chkdsk C:' for the C drive, followed past 'chkdsk C: /f' to set up errors plant. However, if it doesn't load Windows then it's best you take it in to a specialist, most have programs that run from a disk that can check for errors, or they can fix mechanical faults or tell you lot to buy a new one. If y'all all the same have a receipt, maybe ask for a new 1.

• Question

  What tools do I need to install a hard drive?

  

  You need a Phillips screwdriver to open your computer (although nearly desktops have thumbscrews), and if you are installing an SSD drive, then you might need a two.five"-to-three.five" bracket.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email accost to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

• Hard drives emit rut when they are running. If your estimator has multiple hard drive trophy, consider positioning your difficult drives so that there is empty space betwixt them to help keep your computer running cooler.

• Pay close attention to static electricity when working with the inner components of your calculator. You tin use an anti-static strip or touch the spiral on an active light switch cover to ground yourself before touching the components and cables inside your figurer.

Advertisement

• Not all computers will support having their hard drives replaced, specially in the case of laptops.

Advertisement

About This Article

Commodity Summary X

1. Make sure your reckoner has an expandable hard bulldoze slot or replaceable hard bulldoze.
2. Back up all your data.
3. Purchase a hard drive that fits your needs and is the correct size for your computer.
4. Shut downwardly your computer.
five. Remove the side panel on your desktop tower or bottom panel on your laptop.
6. Disconnect the SATA cable and ability supply cable from the one-time hard drive.
7. Remove any screws or the special enclosure holding the erstwhile difficult bulldoze in identify.
8. Place the new hard drive in the enclosure, or hard drive slot. ix. Attach the SATA cablevision and power supply cablevision.
10. Secure the hard drive in place with screws.
11. Supercede the side or bottom panel on your desktop belfry or laptop.
12. Power on your computer.
xiii. Install a new operating system on your reckoner.

Did this summary assistance y'all?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 792,284 times.

Is this article up to date?

moranbleme1960.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Hard-Drive

Share this post