If you’re looking to upgrade your computer’s storage by installing a second M.2 SSD, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of adding a second M.2 drive to your PC, including what tools you’ll need and how to install it.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that there are two different types of M.2 drives: SATA and NVMe. SATA drives are slower than NVMe drives, but they’re also more affordable. For this guide, we’ll be using a SATA drive, but the process is similar for NVMe drives.
You’ll also need a few tools before getting started:
– A Phillips head screwdriver
– A small flathead screwdriver (for prying open the case)
- If your computer case has an available 2
- 5” drive bay, insert the SSD into it and secure it with screws
- Otherwise, you’ll need to remove one of your computer’s existing drives to make room for the SSD
- Consult your motherboard manual to see which slot supports M
- 2 SATA drives and locate the appropriate slot—it will likely be labeled “M2_1” or something similar
- Remove any existing expansion cards or storage drives in that slot so you can access the M
- 2 mounting points
- Gently insert your SSD into the slot at a 45-degree angle until it clicks into place
- 5 Use the included Philips head screws to secure the SSD in place (two screws per side)
- 6 Connect one end of a SATA cable to the back of the SSD and connect the other end to an unused SATA port on your motherboard
How to Install & Set Up a Second NVMe M.2 SSD – Windows 11
Installing M.2 Ssd As Secondary Drive
There are many reasons to want to upgrade your computer with a M.2 SSD as a secondary drive. For example, if you have an older computer with a spinning hard drive, adding an M.2
SSD can give it the speed boost of a new computer. Or if you have a gaming PC, installing an M.2 SSD can significantly improve load times and in-game performance.
Whatever your reason for wanting to install an M.2 SSD as a secondary drive, the process is relatively simple and does not require any special tools or knowledge. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of how to install an M.2
SSD as a secondary drive on both Windows and macOS computers.
On Windows 10, the first thing you need to do is create a new partition on your M.2 SSD.
To do this, open up Disk Management by pressing Start and typing in “diskmgmt.msc” into the search bar.
M.2 Ssd Not Detected Windows 10 Install
If you’re trying to install Windows 10 on an M.2 SSD and it’s not being detected, don’t worry! There are a few possible reasons for this, and we’ll walk you through each one so you can get your PC up and running in no time.
First, let’s make sure that your M.2 SSD is compatible with Windows 10. It should be listed in the official Windows 10 hardware requirements, but if you’re not sure, check with the manufacturer or look for online reviews.
Once you’ve verified that your M.2 SSD is compatible, move on to the next step.
The next thing to do is check your BIOS settings.
In some cases, the SATA controller mode needs to be changed from AHCI to IDE in order for Windows to detect the drive. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer for support.
If changing the SATA controller mode doesn’t work, try updating your BIOS to the latest version.
This is usually done through a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD – again, consult your motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
How to Activate M.2 Ssd in Bios
If you have an M.2 SSD installed in your computer, you may need to activate it in the BIOS before it can be used. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Here’s how to activate M.2 SSD in BIOS:
1. Enter the BIOS menu.
This can usually be done by pressing a key during bootup (often F2 or DEL).
2. Find the Storage section and select it.
3. Select the M.2
SSD that you want to use and press Enter.
4. Choose the option to Enable or Activate the drive.
How to Install Second Ssd Windows 10
If you’re a power user, then you know that having a second SSD can really help increase your productivity. Windows 10 is a great operating system for power users, and it’s even better when you have two SSDs. Here’s how to install a second SSD in Windows 10.
Before we get started, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to make sure that your motherboard supports two M.2 slots. Not all motherboards do, so check yours before proceeding.
Second, you’ll need to decide which M.2 slot you want to use for your second SSD. The most common configuration is to have the first M.2 slot be for the boot drive (which contains the operating system) and the second M.2 slot be for storage (which contains all of your files and data).
With that out of the way, let’s get started!
1) Insert your second SSD into the empty M.2 slot on your motherboard. Make sure that it is firmly seated and secured with screws (if provided).
2) Boot into BIOS/UEFI and go to the “Boot” tab.
In here, you’ll need to change the “Boot Priority Order” so that your new SSD is listed first. This will ensure that your computer boots from the new SSD instead of your old one. Save and exit BIOS/UEFI when done making changes here.
3) Now it’s time to install Windows 10 onto your new SSD! Put in the installation media (DVD or USB drive), boot from it, and follow the prompts until you reach where it asks which drive you want to install Windows onto – choose your new SSD! The installer will do its thing and soon enough, you’ll have a fresh copy of Windows 10 installed on your brand-new second SSD!
How to Install M.2 Ssd Windows 10
M.2 SSDs are becoming increasingly popular as storage solutions for PCs and laptops. If you’re looking to upgrade your storage, or build a new PC from scratch, then installing an M.2
SSD is a great option. Here’s everything you need to know about how to install an M.2 SSD in Windows 10.
The first thing you’ll need to do is purchase an M.2 SSD that is compatible with your motherboard. Make sure to check the compatibility before making your purchase!
Once you have your M.2 SSD, the next step is to physically install it into your PC.
If you’re installing into a laptop, the process will be different than if you’re installing into a desktop PC.
For laptops, the most common place to find the slot for the M . 2 SSD is underneath the battery compartment . For desktops, it’s generally on the motherboard itself – although some cases may have dedicated mounting locations for M .
2 drives as well . Check your motherboard/case manual for specific instructions on where to find and how to install your drive .
Once you’ve found and prepared the installation location , it’s time to actually install the drive .
First , insert the drive into its slot at a 45-degree angle until it clicks into place . Then , use screws (if provided) or standoffs (included with many motherboards) to secure the drive in place so it doesn’t move around while in use .
It’s important not only that the drive be physically secured but also that it has good airflow so it doesn’t overheat – this is why most motherboards have thermal pads or other cooling solutions included when they have dedicated M . 2 slots . If yours does not , consider adding one yourself or using another method of active cooling such as placing a fan directly over the area where the drive is installed
With physical installation complete , boot up your computer and head into BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a designated key during startup (usually F1 , F2 , DEL , ESC).
Install Windows 11 on M 2 Ssd
Are you looking to install Windows 11 on your M.2 SSD? If so, this guide will help you get it done quickly and easily.
First, you’ll need to download the Windows 11 installation files from Microsoft’s website. Make sure you choose the correct edition for your PC – either the 64-bit or 32-bit version.
Once the download is complete, open up the file and begin the installation process.
You’ll be asked where you want to install Windows 11; make sure you select your M.2 SSD as the location. The installer will do its thing and when it’s finished, you’ll have a brand new copy of Windows 11 running on your speedy M.2
SSD!
How to Install M.2 Ssd in Laptop
M.2 drives are becoming increasingly popular in laptops as a way to improve storage performance. Here’s how to install one in your laptop.
The first thing you need to do is identify if your laptop has an M.2 slot.
This can usually be found by looking at the specifications or documentation that came with the device. If you’re still not sure, a quick Google search of your model number should help you out.
Once you’ve confirmed that your laptop does have an M.2 slot, it’s time to choose the right drive for your needs.
Make sure to get an M.2 drive that is compatible with both the width and length of your particular slot – otherwise it simply won’t fit!
Once you have the right drive in hand, it’s time to get started with the installation process:
1) Power down your laptop and disconnect all cables and peripherals from it.
Remove any screws that are holding down the existing hard drive (if applicable).
2) Carefully remove the old hard drive from its housing and set it aside – be careful not to damage any sensitive components on its underside!
3) Insert the new M .
2 drive into its housing, making sure that it is properly seated and secured with screws (if applicable).
4) Reconnect all cables and peripherals back to your laptop and power it on again . Depending on how your BIOS is configured , you may need t o enter the BIOS setup utility in order t o change th e boot priority so tha t y our computer wi ll try to boot from th e new SSD firs t .
Consult y our device documentation for specific instructions on how t o do this .
Credit: www.reddit.com
Can I Have 2 M 2 Ssds?
Yes, you can have 2 m2 SSDs. Here’s everything you need to know about this option:
M.2 is the form factor ofchoice for many new SSDs.
It offers a number of advantages over traditional 2.5-inch drives, including being much smaller and more energy efficient. M.2 also supports a wider range of data transfer speeds than its older counterpart.
If you’re looking to upgrade your storage situation with an SSD, you may be wondering if it’s possible to install two M.2 drives in your computer.
The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind before doing so.
For one, your motherboard must have enough M.2 slots to accommodate multiple drives – most only come with one or two at most. You’ll also need to make sure that the drives you purchase are compatible with each other and will work together in RAID (if that’s something you’re interested in setting up).
Why is My Second M 2 Not Showing Up?
If you’re wondering why your second M2 isn’t showing up, there are a few possible explanations. First, it’s important to check that the M2 is properly seated in the PCIe slot. If it isn’t, then the computer won’t be able to detect it.
Additionally, some motherboards have BIOS settings that need to be configured in order for an M2 drive to be detected. So if your motherboard has this type of setting, be sure to check the manual or website for instructions on how to properly configure it. Finally, if you’re still having trouble getting your second M2 to show up, it’s possible that it’s incompatible with your motherboard or system chipset.
In this case, you’ll need to consult with your motherboard or system manufacturer for further troubleshooting assistance.
How Do I Install a Secondary Ssd?
If you’re looking to install a secondary SSD, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. First, you’ll need to make sure that your computer’s motherboard is compatible with an SSD. Most newer motherboards will have this compatibility, but it’s always best to check before making any purchases.
Once you’ve confirmed that your motherboard is compatible, you’ll need to purchase an SSD and appropriate cables.
When it comes to actually installing the SSD, the process is fairly similar to installing a traditional hard drive. However, there are a few key differences that you’ll want to be aware of.
First, when connecting the SSD to your motherboard, be sure to use the SATA III port. This will ensure that you’re getting the fastest possible data transfer speeds from your SSD. Secondly, when partitioning your SSD, be sure to leave at least 20% of the drive unallocated.
This will allow for optimal performance and help prevent any potential issues down the road.
Once you’ve taken care of these details, installation is as simple as following your computer’s standard hard drive installation procedure. With a little bit of prep work and attention to detail, installing a secondary SSD is a relatively easy process!
How Do I Add More M 2 Drives?
Adding more M.2 drives is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, you will need to purchase the additional drives that you wish to install. Once you have the drives, simply insert them into the appropriate slots on your motherboard.
If your motherboard does not have enough slots for all of the drives that you wish to install, then you may need to use an M.2 to PCI Express adapter in order to connect the drives.
Once the drives are installed, you will need to configure them in your operating system. This process will vary depending on which OS you are using, but generally speaking, you will need to format the drives and then create partitions on them.
After this is done, you should be able to use the extra storage space that your new M 2 drives provide!
Conclusion
Installing a second M.2 SSD is a great way to improve the performance of your computer. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Purchase an M.2 SSD that is compatible with your motherboard. Make sure to check the specifications of both before making your purchase.
2. Connect the SSD to the appropriate port on your motherboard using an M.2 to SATA adapter or cable, if necessary.
3. Install any required drivers for the SSD, if necessary. This should be done automatically by most modern operating systems like Windows 10.
However, you may need to install additional drivers from the manufacturer’s website if you’re using an older system or one that isn’t well supported by your SSD’s firmware yet. You can typically find these drivers on the manufacturer’s support page for your specific model of SSD drive . If you can’t find them there, try searching Google for “[SSD model] + firmware update”.
4 . Once everything is set up and connected properly, boot into your operating system and format the new drive so that it can be used . This will erase all data on the drive , so make sure you have backups of anything important before proceeding .
To format an M . 2 in Windows 10 , open up “Disk Management” ( type “diskmgmt . msc” into Start ) and select the new disk under “Volumes”. Right – click on it and choose “Format”.
Give it a name , choose whatever file system you want ( NTFS is fine for most people ), and leave allocation unit size at default unless you have a specific reason to change it . Then just click “OK” through all the warning windows that pop up afterwards about formatting drives . Your new drive should now be ready to use !