How to Upgrade Your PC Laptop HDD to a 2.5" SATA SSD

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Unlock Faster Boot Times and Improved Laptop Responsiveness

Want to upgrade your hard drive for your PC laptop, but don’t know how? It’s quick and easy to install a newer, faster, and higher-capacity 2.5” SATA SSD.

Materials Needed

  • Sandisk 2.5" SATA SSD
  • Crosshead screwdriver
  • External USB to SATA III adapter
  • Small plastic prying tool (optional)

Recommended Software

Medium

Difficulty

45-90 Minutes

Time

Why Use a 2.5” SATA SSD for Your Laptop 

Faster Performance

SSDs can boot your system in 10–20 seconds, while HDDs can take 1–2 minutes. Applications launch almost instantly, and you can run multiple programs and transfer large files without the system slowing down.

Reliability and Durability

Because they have no moving parts, 2.5” SATA SSDs are less likely to fail due to shock, drops, or general wear and tear. Especially for consumer use, SSDs typically last longer than HDDs under normal conditions.

Efficient Computing

2.5” SATA SSDs make no sound, unlike the spinning platters and moving read/write heads of HDDs. They also consume less power and generate less heat, which helps with cooling and battery life, especially in laptops.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade Your Laptop to a 2.5” SATA SSD

Follow along below or watch the video.

Before You Begin

Check SSD Compatibility with Your System

If you're not sure, go to Sandisk Support to understand what SSD options are available to you.

Back Up Your Data

It's important to back up your data before upgrading your desktop. You can use a Sandisk external SSD to create a backup of your data.

Download the Recommended Software

The recommended software will help streamline the SSD upgrade process.

STEP 1

Clone your existing drive

  • Insert your 2.5” SATA SSD into the USB to SATA III adapter.
  • Connect the adapter to your laptop via USB.
  • Use Acronis True Image for Sandisk to create an exact copy of your current hard disk boot drive onto the new SSD.

STEP 2

Power down and disconnect

  • Shut down your laptop.
  • Unplug any cables, including the power adapter.
  • Remove the battery if it is detachable.

STEP 3

Open the laptop case

  • Use the crosshead screwdriver to remove the screws from the bottom of the laptop.
  • Carefully open the laptop case. You may need to pry it open gently if it is a snap-on case.

Before touching anything inside your laptop, touch something that is bare metal to remove any static electricity from your body.

STEP 4

Remove the HDD

  • Disconnect the HDD from the SATA and power connectors.
  • Carefully remove the HDD from the bay.

STEP 5

Install the SSD

  • Insert the new 2.5” SATA SSD into the same slot.
  • Connect the SSD to the computer’s SATA and power connectors.
  • Secure it with screws and ensure it is firmly connected.

STEP 6

Reassemble the laptop

  • Close the laptop case.
  • Screw the bottom of the laptop back in place.
  • Reattach the battery (if it was removed).

STEP 7

Power up and verify

  • Power on the laptop.
  • Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure the 2.5” SATA SSD is recognized as the boot drive.
  • Boot into your operating system and verify that the 2.5” SATA SSD is functioning properly.
  • Use the Sandisk Dashboard app to ensure your laptop is running the latest SSD firmware; update firmware if needed.

You have now upgraded your laptop PC with a Sandisk 2.5” SATA SSD.

For more helpful tips, visit: Sandisk.com/Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use Acronis True Image for Sandisk software. For more information on how to download and use this software, learn more here.

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Disclosures

Sandisk and the Sandisk logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sandisk Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. Western Digital is a registered trademark or trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Acronis and True Image are registered trademarks of Acronis International GmbH in the United States and other countries. The NVMe word mark is a trademark of NVM Express, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.

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