How to Install M 2 Ssd Windows 10? 12 Steps!

To install an M.2 SSD on a Windows 10 computer, follow these steps: gather the necessary tools, access the motherboard, insert the M.2 SSD, enable the drive in BIOS, and install Windows 10 on the new SSD.

Installing an M.2 SSD on a Windows 10 computer involves both hardware installation and software setup. M.2 SSDs are compact, high-performance storage devices that can significantly improve a computer’s speed and responsiveness.

By following a series of steps, you can successfully install an M.2 SSD and enjoy its benefits on your Windows 10 computer.

Before starting the installation process, gather the necessary tools such as a screwdriver, your M.2 SSD, and your computer’s motherboard manual for reference.

Next, access the motherboard by removing the side panel of your computer case and locating the M.2 slot. Carefully insert the M.2 SSD into the slot, ensuring that the notches are aligned, and secure it with a screw.

To enable the drive, access the BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing the designated key during startup. Enable the M.2 drive as the primary boot device. Finally, **install Windows.

12 Easy Steps for Installing an M.2 SSD on Windows 10

Understanding M.2 Ssds And Their Benefits

M. 2 ssds are a type of solid-state drive that has gained popularity due to its small size and high performance. If you want to speed up your pc and install windows 10 on an m. 2 ssd, you must understand what it is and how it differs from traditional hard drives.

In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using an m. 2 ssd and why it is better than other types of storage.

What Is M.2 Ssd And Why Is It Better Than Traditional Hard Drives?

• M.2 ssds are small and compact compared to traditional hard drives.
• M.2 ssds have no moving parts, which makes them more reliable and durable.
• M.2 ssds use nvme protocol, which allows them to transfer data faster than traditional hard drives.
• M.2 ssds have read and write speeds that are significantly faster, which results in faster boot times and faster application loading times.
• M.2 ssds use less power than traditional hard drives, which extends your laptop’s battery life.

Advantages Of M.2 Ssd Over Other Types Of Storage

• M.2 ssds are faster than sata ssds.
• M.2 ssds have a smaller form factor, making them ideal for laptops and small form factor desktops.
• M.2 ssds have no cables, reducing clutter in your case.
• M.2 ssds have a longer lifespan than traditional hard drives.
• M.2 ssds are not affected by magnetic interference, which can cause issues with traditional hard drives.
• M.2 ssds can be used in raid configurations, improving performance and data redundancy.

M. 2 ssds have many benefits over traditional hard drives and other types of storage. If you are building a new pc or upgrading your current one, you should consider using an m. 2 ssd as your primary storage device to take advantage of its speed and reliability.

Checking Your Compatibility And Requirements For Installation

M. 2 ssd, also known as next generation form factor or ngff, is a solid-state drive that can deliver incredibly fast read and write speeds, making it an ideal storage solution for gamers, content creators, and power users.

Before you dive into the installation process, it’s vital to check your motherboard compatibility and requirements.

Below are the essential points to consider.

Is Your Motherboard Compatible With M.2 Ssd?

• Check your motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website to see if it supports m.2 nvme or sata ssds.

• Ensure that your motherboard has an m.2 slot available for installation.

• Some motherboards are limited to m.2 key b or key m, so make sure the drive you choose matches the corresponding key slot on your motherboard.

What Is The Proper M.2 Ssd Size For Your Motherboard?

• M.2 ssds come in different sizes, including 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The number denotes the length and width of the drive in millimeters.

• Identify the m.2 size that your motherboard supports, and choose an appropriate size for your storage needs.

• Keep in mind that longer drives may not fit in smaller cases, and some larger drives require a heatsink for heat dissipation.

Do You Have Enough Space In Your Case For M.2 Ssd Installation?

• Check your case manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm the available m.2 slot or mounting location.
• Ensure that your case can accommodate the size of the m.2 drive and any necessary heatsinks.
• Some cases may require additional mounting brackets or adapters to secure the m.2 ssd properly.

Checklist Of Needed Materials And Tools For Installation:

• M.2 ssd
• Screwdriver
• Thermal pad or paste (if heatsink installation is required)
• Mounting bracket or adapter (if necessary)
• User manual or manufacturer’s website instructions

Checking your compatibility and requirements is the first step in installing an m. 2 ssd. By ensuring that your motherboard supports m. 2 ssd, choosing the appropriate size, confirming case space, and gathering the right materials and tools, you can install your new drive with confidence.

Preparing Your Motherboard For M.2 Ssd

Before installing your m. 2 ssd, you need to prepare your motherboard.

Here are the key points to follow:

how to safely disconnect and ground your pc

• Turn off your pc and unplug it from the power source.
• Remove the case cover of your pc.
• Touch a nearby metal surface or wear an anti-static wristband to ground yourself. This will prevent electrostatic discharge (esd) damage to your components.

preparing bios or uefi for ssd installation

• Enter bios (basic input/output system) or uefi (unified extensible firmware interface) by pressing the correct key during startup, usually displayed onscreen.
• Look for the m.2 or nvme settings. Usually, it’s under the storage or advanced settings.
• Set the m.2 or nvme as your primary boot drive if desired.
• Save and exit bios or uefi to apply your changes.

installing m.2 ssd heat spreader and screw

• Find the m.2 slot on your motherboard. Check your manual or online for its location.
• Remove the heat spreader from the m.2 ssd if it has one pre-installed.
• Carefully insert your m.2 ssd at a 30-degree angle, then push it down until it clicks into place.
• Install the m.2 ssd heat spreader on top of your ssd if required.
• Secure the m.2 ssd in place with the screw provided. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw.

That’s it! Your motherboard is now ready for m. 2 ssd installation. Remember to carefully follow the instructions for each step to avoid any damage to your components.

Installing And Configuring M.2 Ssd On Windows 10

Formatting The Ssd Before Installation

Before installing your m. 2 ssd on your windows 10, you will need to format it to ensure it is usable. This process entails wiping out the drive’s previous data and formatting it to a format that windows 10 will recognize.

Here are the steps to format your ssd before installation:

• Connect the ssd to your computer and restart it
• Press the key to enter the bios (this is usually f1, f2, f10, or del depending on your computer)
• Navigate to the boot options and select the ssd as the primary boot device
• Save and exit the bios
• Boot from your windows 10 installation media
• Select the language you prefer and click next
• Click on ‘install now’ and accept the license agreement
• Select the ‘custom install’ option
• Locate your m.2 ssd and click on ‘drive options (advanced)’
• Click on format to wipe out any previous data and format your ssd

Now that your ssd is formatted, you can proceed to allocate space for it.

Using Disk Management To Allocate Space For Your M.2 Ssd

After the formatting process, you will need to partition and format your m. 2 ssd to allocate space for it.

Here are the steps to follow in using disk management to allocate space for your m. 2 ssd:

• Press the windows and x key to open the quick links menu and select disk management
• Right-click on the m.2 ssd and select ‘new simple volume’
• Follow the prompts on the wizard to allocate space for your ssd
• Right-click on the allocated space and select ‘format’
• Choose the file system you prefer and enable the quick format option
• Give your ssd a volume label and click on finish to complete the process

You can set up your m. 2 ssd as a boot drive optionally.

Setting Up Your M.2 Ssd As A Boot Drive (Optional)

Setting up your m. 2 ssd as a boot drive will help your computer to start up faster compared to hdds.

Here is how to set up your ssd as a boot drive:

• Restart your system and enter the bios by pressing the setup key
• Navigate to the boot options and select your m.2 ssd as the primary boot device
• Exit bios and save changes
• Allow your computer to restart and boot from the m.2 ssd
• Install windows 10 on the ssd or clone your current boot drive
• Restart your computer and enter bios again
• Restore your boot order to its original value, making your m.2 ssd the secondary boot device

Finalizing The Installation And Verifying Your Ssd Performance

After configuring your m. 2 ssd, you will need to verify that it is in optimal working performance.

Here are steps to finalize your installation and verify your ssd performance:

• Install all drivers and updates
• Install benchmark software to test the performance of your ssd
• Run the benchmark test and compare its performance to other ssds
• Compare the results to validate your ssd is working correctly
• Congratulate yourself on a job well done!

By following these steps, you can now install and configure your m. 2 ssd on windows 10, improving your computer’s speed and overall performance.

FAQ Installing M.2 SSD on Windows 10

Conclusion

Installing an m 2 ssd on windows 10 can improve the overall performance of your computer and boost your productivity. Now that you know how to install an m 2 ssd, you can upgrade your computer and enjoy the speedy and more reliable experience.

It’s important to properly connect the ssd, put the screw in place, configure the bios, and activate the ssd for optimal performance. Additionally, make sure to back up all important data before performing any hardware upgrades. Remember, this process may differ slightly depending on your computer model, so refer to your manufacturer’s guide for specific instructions.

Upgrading to an m 2 ssd could be one of the best investments you make for your computer, and with these simple steps, you can do it yourself and reap the benefits.