Windows replace hard drive

If you don't have an external USB drive to back up to, check out this wikiHow to learn how to back up your files online using OneDrive. If you are replacing an existing drive with an SSD drive, the new drive may come with its own cloning software.

If software is not included in the package, check the drive manufacturer's website to see if they offer cloning software for download. Other popular reliable cloning options are Symantec Ghost, Clonezilla one of the few free options , Acronis, and Macrium. Obtain a full, bootable copy of the operating system. If you're replacing your primary hard drive and not using a cloning tool, you'll need to reinstall your operating system on the new drive after installing it. You can buy the software on DVD, download it to flash drive, or create your own recovery media.

SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs and have a much longer life capacity due to having fewer moving parts. Because of these benefits, SSD drives are more expensive and come in smaller sizes.

If money and storage are an issue, stick to the HDD. However, once you use a computer with an SSD drive, you'll find it very hard to go back. Get the right drive for your computer. Laptop computers usually take 2. Adapters are available for 2. Most SSD drives are 2. If you're putting a smaller drive in a desktop that doesn't have a 2.

HDD drives are widely available in both sizes. Make sure you get a drive that's large enough to handle all of your data. Shut your computer down and unplug it. Even if you're using a laptop, you'll want the computer to be turned off and not connected to a power outlet. Ground yourself before opening the computer. Improper handling of electronic components can cause damage to the system. You can accomplish this by wearing an anti-static wrist strap while standing on an anti-static mat.

Open the computer case. The steps to do this vary depending on whether you're replacing the drive in a desktop or laptop computer. If you're using a desktop computer, you'll typically need to twist off the screws on the back of the tower and then slide the side panels away from the unit. Some laptops have special doors on the case that allow you to easily insert and remove hard drives. Other models require you to remove the battery and unscrew various components to access the hard drive.

Check with your manufacturer to find the correct method for your computer. Some desktop cases do not use screws. If your case is a screw-less case, you will need to find the latch or button that releases the doors or panels.

Remove the doors or panels as necessary. Locate the existing hard drive. Most desktop computers will have the hard drive screwed within a cage inside the computer case. Identify the data and the power connectors and disconnect them. Remove any screws and disconnect the drive. Most likely, the drive will be held in place by screws on both sides of the hard drive. Remove the screws. Please use your hand to support the hard drive if the case or cage does not support the drive.

Once the screws are removed, you can slide the hard drive out of the cage or case. Set the jumpers on an IDE drive. If you're using a SATA drive you can skip this step. Once you have removed the original hard drive, look at the position of the jumpers on the drive itself. If you cannot see them, most drives will have a diagram on the hard drive's label illustrating the location of the jumpers. The jumper setting will either set the drive as Master, Slave or Cable Select. You should match the settings of the replacement drive to that of the original.

You may need to resize your system partition if the drive is bigger than the original, however. If you do run into problems, you may want to consider reinstalling Windows 10 and starting afresh without cloning your drive entirely. You can do this without losing your personal files, but you may need to install your software again and transfer your Windows 10 license in the process.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing. Read Ben's Full Bio.

We hate spam too, unsubscribe at any time. Table of Contents. Subscribe on YouTube! Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. How do I update replace hard drive in windows This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Andre Da Costa Volunteer Moderator. Step 1: purchase your new hard drive first and make sure it is equal to or greater in size than the one you are replacing.